Clan Menzies

 Motto: Vil God I Zal (God willing I shall) Plant Badge: The Menzies Heath Lands:  Atholl, Weem, Aberfeldy, and Glendochart. Castle Menzies in Weem, near Aberfeldy is a 16th Century castle and has been the seat of the Menzies clan for four hundred years.   The Menzies were originally from Mesnnieres Normandy and were called "Manners." A branch of this family moved to Lothian in the Lowlands, and in the 12th Century they were granted lands in exchange for military service. The Menzies must have made an impression, as the first clan chief, Sir Robert De Meyneris, became the Chamberlain to King Alexander II of Scotland in 1249, and was eventually awarded lands in West Atholl. At the height of their power, the Menzies held lands in Weem, Lothian, and Aberdeenshire. During the Wars of Independence, they supported Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn, but during the Jacobite Risings, they mostly remained neutral, with only some of the minor branches fighting on the Jacobite side. The Menzies have connections at home and abroad. In 1651, Colonel James Menzies of Culdares fought in the English Civil War, while his brother, Sir Alexander Menzies, was made Baronet of Nova Scotia.   There are seven tartans associated with Clan Menzies, however, the Red and White Full Dress tartan and Vestriarium Scotium, which uses a pattern that has been around since the 1500s, are the most common. Red and white are the main colours used because the full dress badge of the clan was the Menzies Heath, a flower with red and white petals. The tartan seen in this postcard is an example of the Red and White Full Dress tartan.