From 1855 the uniform changed from the tailed coatee to the skirted tunic. The shoulder-belt was replaced by a waist-belt which supported the officer’s sword. At this stage there was still no Scottish element to the uniform, apart from the bagpipers. The belt was enamelled white leather at first, to be worn on all occasions, but in 1874 officers were allowed to have a more impressive gold-laced belt for state occasions and levées. This waist-belt clasp has the regimental number under a Victorian crown on a gilt circle that slotted into the outer circle inscribed THE KINGS OWN BORDERERS. This title had been granted in 1805 and lasted until 1881 when the number 25 was officially discontinued.
