The Tam o’ Shanter is a Scottish bonnet worn by men. However, women have adopted a form of this hat known as a “Tam” or a “Tammy”. The hat is usually made of wool and has a toorie (pom-pom) in the centre. It is a floppy type of hat named after Tam o' Shanter, a character in the poem of that name written by Robert Burns. Originally, the hat was made only in blue due to the lack of chemical dyes ("blue bonnets"). The hats are now available in tartan and a wide variety of colours. Tam o' Shanters are a casual alternative to the Balmoral and the Glengarry and are part of the uniforms of a number of military units. (http://digital.nls.uk/burns/mainsite/tam/tam.htm)
