Scottish Military Dress
The plaid first appeared as a feature of Highland military dress in the British Army with the establishment of six independent companies raised in 1725. These subsequently became the Black Watch and the plaid continued as a conspicuous feature of the uniforms worn by Scottish infantry regiments. As a military garment the plaid served the practical purpose of a form of blanket and overcoat during the 18th century. It also provided protection from rain for the soldier's musket and powder. In its original form the plaid comprised about twelve yards of double-width regimental or traditional tartan which had to be laid on the ground and rolled into. The plaid continued to be a feature of regimental full dress uniform throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, although by 1914 normally worn only by officers, sergeants and pipers.
Read more about this topic: Full Plaid
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