[Garry Shipton (RIP)]

The sporran was originally a purse.In the military,a Heeland regiment was observed as to their worth.Generally a wealthy Laird would equip his regiment from his own pocket.In the beginning,they would cover the purse(sporran)with whatever fur they could afford.Through evolution,it came to horsehair for ceremonial reasons and cost.If a regiment was 1100 strong,the cost of a sporran would go down.Cheap,durable,and it was elegant looking and cheap.Voila the horse sporran.And to be distinctive,the black middle part would distinguish the regiment.The Argyll and Sutherlaand Highlanders also have a distinctive white sporran made of leather.When one sees a white sporran on a Sutherland kilt,you know the lad is from the A&SH