Kilt : Lieutenant J B Stevenson, South Australian Scottish Company

Black Watch or Gordon variant tartan kilt of wool twill in dark green, blue and green with narrow yellow stripes. Much, if not all, of the kilt is handstitched. Pleats at the back are aligned so that the yellow stripes are visible. Dark green/black leather straps with white machine stitching and nickel buckles; both handstitched to kilt. Waist edge is bound with black wool and cotton sateen mixture and has six coated brass buttons stamped on the obverse with 'J & B PEARSE & Co LONDON'. The upper section of the kilt is lined with cream print and white striped cotton twill. The lower edge of the kilt is a selvedge.

Worn by James Black Stevenson, born London, educated in Scotland. Worked in India for the Assam Tea Company c1876-1890. Also served with Mounted Rifles, Indian Army. Married Caroline Blakspeare in 1883. Migrated to South Australia in 1890 for the sake of his wife's health. Served c1900-1902 with the South Australian Scottish Company of the Adelaide Rifles, in 'E' Company. He was one of the three founding members of the Scottish Company and was involved in the uniform and button design, suggesting the adoption of a Black Watch tartan for the kilt. He was placed on the retired list from 1902 until around 1926. Died 1934. Survived by three daughters. His only son, Sergeant James Archibald Brakspear Stevenson, died of wounds sustained at Gallipoli.