20. The Ramsay holster

Edinburgh citizens needed to watch out, not only for creditors, but for footpads and highwaymen. So, it made sense to keep a pistol handy in a saddle holster when travelling around. This fine holster is embroidered with the family crest: a unicorn’s head couped Argent armed Or, with the motto SEMPER VICTOR above. This one was presumably intended for special occasions, ceremonial processions, and military exercises. Generally such holsters wore out quite quickly, but this one has been preserved in very good condition. It asserts the Ramsays’ links with a glorious feudal past, and establishes them as members of the landowning class.