Brazil has unveiled its first-ever official tartan, designed by six-year-old Scottish schoolgirl Indie Menzies. The Spirit of Brazil tartan was revealed on Tuesday, April 14, at the Scottish Football Museum as part of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture.
Indie, from Ayrshire, has a surprising link to Brazil: she is a distant relative of Charles Miller, the Scot credited with introducing football to the country in the early 20th century. The tartan's colours—yellow, green, and blue—are inspired by the flags of both nations.
Faroque Hussain, honorary consul of Brazil in Scotland, said: 'It's the first time ever that Brazil has had an official tartan designed by a little girl here in Ayrshire, six-year-old Indie, following the competition that we hosted in the area because of a connection with Kelburn Castle in Brazilian graffiti.'
The tartan was launched ahead of the World Cup match between Scotland and Brazil on June 24, a fixture reminiscent of Scotland's last World Cup appearance in 1998. Hussain hopes fans will wear the tartan, adding: 'I'll certainly be out in Miami wearing this bit of Brazil tartan.'
Produced by Slanj Kilts, the tartan will be used for kilts, trews, scarves, and ties. Proceeds will support children's mental health charities. Indie, however, remains loyal to Scotland: 'Even though I made Brazil's tartan I want Scotland to win, because I'm Scottish!'
