Writing one's clan chief

[ScotFree]

Question for the protocol experts. If one wanted to write one's Clan Chief, is there a particular form that one would follow in addressing the letter, salutation, etc.? Specifically, does one address him with his peerage title (assuming he has one), or is there a form amongst the Scots used when addressing him in his role of Chief?

Is my question clear or is everyone as confused as I suspect they might be?

As a side note, I have no specific chief in mind, just curiosity on a general point of protocol.

[piperdbh]

You should address him/her by his/her highest title. For example, when I have written my chief, Angus Lockhart of the Lee, I have begun the letter, "Dear Chief,". If he were a Peer or anything else, I would address him as "Sir Angus" or "Lord Lee". Here's a Wkipedia link that addresses addresses.

[Sir William]

Depends greatly upon the chief. Our chief likes to be referred to by her first name.

My first contact with her was when I received an invitation to an officer's dinner (in Scotland) and it was simply signed "Margaret." I had heard others use that name when referring to her in conversation, so I just followed suit.

[guardsman]

Lady Chief ,find that unusual and interesting,in research i see there is a few. Shame our heritage is disappearing.No doubt will only be a legend soon

[Sir William]

Lady Chief ,find that unusual and interesting,in research i see there is a few. Shame our heritage is disappearing.No doubt will only be a legend soon

Perhaps what is sadder is that the rightful heir to the title didn't want to be bothered. If she hadn't taken on the responsibilities, we would not have a Chief.

I have no problem with a lady chief; it's not like she is going to be leading the clan with broadsword in hand into battle (though she strikes me as one who might do so if necessary).

[AJBryant]

I have no problem with a lady chief; it's not like she is going to be leading the clan with broadsword in hand into battle (though she strikes me as one who might do so if necessary).

Hey, it worked for Boudicca. Well, for a while, anyway. ;)

[piperdbh]

Perhaps what is sadder is that the rightful heir to the title didn't want to be bothered. If she hadn't taken on the responsibilities, we would not have a Chief.

I know of a clan which had a lady chief who had no children of her own, and her "heir" was her niece, who is doing a fine job "chiefing".

[Chas]

I have scanned six pages of Debrett's Correct Form - the last word, I think, on Titles, Style and Precedence in the UK and the rest of the World.

This should give all the information required for, writing to, speaking to and speaking about, your Chief. It does require you to know your chief's name and designation and titles (if any).













Regards

Chas

[Thomas H]

This is a great thread , I have never thought about writing my cheif , But I am now
looking into it .
My clan members have told me at the games that our cheif does not want to be bothered
and that he is not into the whole clans thing , This is sad as I would have loved to talk to him.
I guess if he does not read the letter , no big deal but at least I will have sent it right

[Violet]

Chas, the Debrett's scan that you posted answers the question beautifully. Thank you for your trouble; you've educated or re-educated us all.

Be well,