The man in this photo is named as Sergeant Simpson. He was a veteran of the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny for which he wears five medals. He wears the 1857 pattern doublet which is single breasted and has white lace rank stripes on green backing cloth, on both sleeves as was the norm for Highlanders, Fusiliers and Light Infantry. Ranks above sergeant, i.e. staff sergeants, Colour sergeants, sergeant majors, had gold lace stripes. His doublet is described as red, as opposed to scarlet worn by ranks senior to him. The facings are green, showing on the collar, cuff and cuff flap. The shoulder straps are also green, edged with white and having 79 embroidered in white. The buttons are round, brass, not diamond-shaped as on the 1855 doublet.
The sergeant’s crimson sash is worn on the right shoulder. A photo of NCOs 1856 shows the sash worn on the left shoulder, the same way as the officers. The waist-belt is white leather with a regimental clasp. This supported the broadsword that he holds. The kilt has a sporran of grey goat’s hair with two white tassels and a black cantle with regimental St Andrew badge. A fly plaid hangs behind, from the left shoulder.
