The KOSB had worn a form of Scottish Lowland dress since 1882 but went a step further in 1903 when they replaced the ‘English’ blue infantry helmet for the diced Kilmarnock with black-cock feathers. At the same time the officers took on the broad white leather shoulder-belt that they had discontinued since 1855. The Scottish broadsword was to be slung from a shoulder-belt which had this rectangular gilt plate.
The crown of King Edward VII forms the Royal Crest, with the crowned lion standing on top. The central device is the symbolic representation of Edinburgh Castle, surrounded by a circle inscribed KING’S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS. This is on a Scottish Saltire, and a long scroll above has the regimental motto IN VERITATE RELIGIONIS CONFIDO adopted since the early days when they were raised as a Protestant-supporting anti-Jacobite regiment. The lower scroll shows NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA, the motto of the City of Edinburgh where they were raised.
