The kilt shown here is the generally accepted Gordon tartan, but a portrait in Abergeldie Castle shows a sett of bright red and green tartan with narrow yellow and black stripes. In this plate, the everyday costume of a Highland gentleman of the middle of last century is well illustrated. The hose are knitted - a custom which had then only recently come into fashion.

For centuries the Gordons were one of the most powerful clans in the Highlands, holding sway over a large part of the counties of Aberdeen and Banff. The chief of the clan is the Marquis of Huntly, the traditional 'Cock of the North'. The famous regiment of Gordon Highlanders was first raised in 1794, and was recruited in less than four months. According to tradition, this expedition was attributed to Jane, Duchess of Gordon, a lady of irresistible beauty, who induced recruits to join by placing a guinea between her lips and giving each man a kiss.