The Gaelic speaking Celtic Highlanders of Scotland are known through-out the world for their bagpipe music and sword-dances. Shoes like the one shown here are part of the traditional Scottish costume. The leather upper is turn-stitched to the leather sole. The lace- fastening is decorated with a silver buckle carved with a fine geometric pattern. This particular one is hallmarked; Birmingham 1897, with the silversmith’s name John Forsyth of Glasgow. Many households in the Scottish Highlands belong to so-called "clans", whereby family-heads claim descent from a common ancestor. A small piece of cloth running through the buckle is woven in the colours of the specific clan the wearer belongs to.