The raised central area of this Highland target is possibly made from a fungus which grows at the stem of birch trees. In its dried form, the fungus - Fomes fomentarius – was widely used in the Highlands as a substitute for leather. The technique is described in a letter of Henry Fletcher, of the Saltoun family, dated 21 January 1716. Experiments run in 1983 found it impossible to stab a dagger through dried fungi of this type. The remainder of the target is made of pine boards covered with thin brown leather and secured with brass nails. 

Round targets are regularly described as part of the equipment for Scottish Highlanders from the early seventeenth century. The last serious suggestion that soldiers be equipped with them was apparently made by Major John Small when raising the 2nd Battalion of the 84th (or Highland Emigrant) Regiment in 1775.