This is an old traditional border shepherd's check made of white wool and black wool, and which was later introduced to the Highlands and formed the basis of many of the estate checks. Also known as The Falkirk Tartan because of the discovery of such a weave in the neck of a jar containing Roman coins buried about 260 A.D. The black and white check is woven today as a family tartan for the surname Shepherd tartan.
It predates most Scottish tartans and has long been associated with shepherds of the Border region who were encouraged to move north after the Highland clearances.