The simple two colours in its composition marks it as one of the oldest, and certainly it is one of the brightest. The colours match the clan shield – consisting of a “chiefgules” – a red band across a white shield. (Oldest known registration is that of Sir Thomas Menzies 1320.)
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.
This cloth will usually have to be ordered and minimum orders are likely to be seven to eight yards – quantity for a man’s kilt.