Queen Victoria would not be amused. The monarch is said to have invented the kilt pin when she handed her brooch to a soldier who was struggling not to be exposed as his kilt flapped in the wind.
But Scotland fans journeying to Israel next month have been warned to leave the useful accessory behind, if they want to avoid trouble with the authorities.
New guidance to travelling members of the Tartan Army lists the kilt pin, alongside firecrackers, alcohol, knives and bottles and cans, as a banned item for those entering the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa.
The warning comes in travel advice issued by the British Embassy in Tel Aviv, ahead of Scotland's UEFA Nations League clash with Israel on October 11th. Amid information on visas and travel advice on reaching the ground, the fans are warned of security checks on entry to the ground.
Drunk fans will not be allowed in, the guidance says, and adds, for the benefit of those in Scotland's traditional garb: "Indecent exposure is a criminal offence and the police may stop or detain anybody who raises their kilt."
"Sharp objects, including kilt pins" are banned from the stadium, home to Maccabi Haifa FC, Hapoel Haifa FC and the national team, the guidance adds.
Bizarrrely, the kilt pin is joined on the banned list by sunflower seeds (a popular snack for fans in Eastern Europe and the middle east).
Hamish Husband, spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army, said fans were generally wise enough to leave their Sgian Dubhs at home, but added: "I’ve never heard of an issue with kilt pins before.
"Sometimes at immigration or airport security it is queried, but they look it up and find it is national dress".
"Last time we were in Israel for a competitive game was in 1981, but there weren’t so many people wearing the kilt back then," he added.
Craig Halley, director of Slanj Kilts, said he had not heard of anywhere having an issue with kilt pins before. "The most damage you can probably do with one is to pick a lock. I can't imagine members of the Tartan Army wanting to harm anyone with one," he said.
Mr Husband said most fans were just interested in taking in some of the religious sites in Israel, as well as attending the match.
"The most dangerous thing Scotland fans generally take with them is misplaced hope," he added. "I expect the fans will be very mindful of the country they are visiting and if they are asked to leave their kilt pins outside I'm sure they'll follow that."
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