Quote Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown View Post
Heraldry is full of conventions and contradictions. One of those conventions is that the strap is the second livery colour of the armiger (in this instance, the Chief). Now the contradiction occurs when the second livery colour is blue. In that instance the usual choice would be black, taking the next colour in order of precedence (red, blue, black, green, purple). But, if so desired, you could stick with blue.

Now for all you heraldic hair-splitters: the "livery colours" are derived from the arms, with the first depicted colour in the wreath always being the first named metal (gold or silver, in that order). So even if the shield is blue charged with a gold thingiemabob, the liveries would be depicted on the wreath under the crest as gold and blue.

And that means that the Buckle and Strap would either be blue or black.
Hi,
You are very correct in every way about the colours of the torse and that it should be a metal colour however there is no connection between the livery colours and the colour of the belt and buckle. These were originally made of leather and from my research and experince in this field for the last 33 years I have never found a reference that states this as a fact of heraldry. I would appreciate a reference. I have a very large library on herladry and probably have any text that states this "convention". I believe that this is incorrect as is any discussion about the colour of the belt and buckle. Heraldry is an art form. There are rules for proper heraldry but there is some latitude. Heraldry is a written format. The heraldic artist is to follow the rules of heraldry and the description as set out in words. How the artist "draws" an image is up to the artists level of skill. It is only wrong if it breaks heraldic rules or does not follow the description.
The colour of the belt and buckle is not set out in the grant of Arms nor, I believe, is there a rule on the colour of the belt and buckle. I am always interested in learning and if you can "prove" this I would appreciate knowing.
Let's keep Scottish heraldry clean and crisp and CORRECT!
All the best
Louis