The basic design of the regimental badge is the insignia of the Order of the Thistle. Crossing the lower arms of the saltire, a scroll bearing the words CAPE TOWN HIGHLANDERS. The centre of the cross carries a shield displaying a lion rampant, the symbol of Scotland. Above the shield is a crest, a right hand issuing from a cloud, holding an arrow. This bimetal version was worn on the glengarry. The adoption of this second pattern came 17 years after the raising of the regiment. Colonel John Scott’s journal describes the first badge as: Scottish Star, ‘Thistle in centre and Cape Town Highlanders in Garter.’
