The most reliable source for the regiment’s uniform in the 1740s is the Cloathing Book of 1742, commissioned by the Duke of Cumberland. By this time the red coat had developed wide lapels that could be worn folded back or closed across the chest. The facings were described as deep yellow. Belts were broad and practical: the waist-belt supported the sword and socket bayonet, while the shoulder-belt carried the ammunition pouch.
Each regiment wore a distinctive pattern of lace, although some units had plain white lace or none at all. The 25th Regiment, then known as Leslie’s or the Earl of Rothes’ Regiment, used lace with red and blue zig-zag lines. The inset illustration is taken from The History of the Uniforms of the British Army, Vol. II by C. C. P. Lawson. For further reading on the regiment, see Records of The King’s Own Borderers or Old Edinburgh Regiment The lace pattern changed in 1751 to straight red and black stripes, although an inspection return of 1756 still recorded loops and binding white and yellow striped with red and blue.
