The simple Red and White colours in its composition marks it as one of the oldest Menzies Tartans and the oldest known registration is that of Sir Thomas Menzies in 1320. Certainly it is one of the brightest. The colours match the clan shield - consisting of a “chiefgules” - a red band across a white shield. The red and white colours are said to have been chosen because the full-dress badge of the clan was the Menzies Heath - this heather’s flower petals have a red base and white tips.