Appropriate Tartan Help

**dorsogna12** · 26th October 17, 05:40 AM

I am of the Clan Ranald. Johne McRanald (1640 - 1672); I am confused as to which Tartan I should wear. I am going to Scotland in May 2018 (thanks to the motivation provided by the 40 years of research of Mr. Lynn Hawkins on the McReynolds).
It is a genealogy tour at which time I will choose my tartan, and hopefully visit ancestral lands. At my age it may be my one and only visit so I want to get it right.
I have been looking at the different tartans and I want to make sure I select the appropriate tartan. My favorite has been the ancient tartan of the Clan Ranald and I want to know if it would be appropriate for me to wear.
I would appreciate and help in this need.
Thank you.
Paula Farris D'Osogna

**javankrona** · 26th October 17, 07:02 AM

Heres an old thread on the topic that you might find interesting, if not helpful.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-1914-a-83602/

**David Dubh** · 26th October 17, 10:31 AM

As you have probably seen on several of the posts here the tartans we have today are mostly a Victorian invention. So really you could wear any tartan that you like. Having said that I personally prefer the ancient colours myself. Figheadair our own Peter MacDonald has given a list of macdonald tartans that predate the ‘45 here
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=91191

When selecting a tartan the mill that weaves it is important because they use different shades of yarn. I chose HoE for my kilt I liked their pallet better than Lochcarron. Good luck on your tour and quest.
Slainte David

**dorsogna12** · 26th October 17, 05:39 PM

Thank you so very much. Of the Tartan patterns that I have seen, I like the ancient ones also. I read of people
having more than one Tartan and I do not know if I am wording this correctly or not but it appears that the
Clan Ranald is a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald so I did not know if I was supposed to wear the Clan Ranald
or Clan Donald tartan - I surmised the Clan Ranald Tartan but I wanted to make sure. I have so much to learn
including how to properly navigate this web site so I hope you receive this thank you reply.

Kindest regards,
Paula Farris D'Orsogna

**Tarheel** · 26th October 17, 06:15 PM

Well met Paula, I hope that the tartan you choose fits all your needs (color, historical and family ties) and you are able to get a product that is just right. I hope the time you spend on this quest is the best memory with the plaid being the talking point. Good luck.

**dorsogna12** · 26th October 17, 07:10 PM

Thank you for you thoughts. I didn't realize this was going to be so emotional; but, it will be a part of the legacy that I will leave to my children and grandchildren. I will research it even more and I call tell I have much reading to do. I am thinking I may just wait until I get to Edinburg
to assure proper fit.My mom was also a Livingston so now I need to start on that;;;;aaasagh - so much to do and so little time.
My best and aye to you all.

Paula Farris D'Orsogna

**David Dubh** · 26th October 17, 08:44 PM

Cheers Paula
I was guessing from what you had written and how you had traced your geneology that perhaps you were looking to possibly find a tartan that your ancestors would have worn. I was just trying to point you in that direction. From your research you would certainly be correct to wear the clan Ranald tartan and of course you can wear the Clan Donald tartan also.
David

**Father Bill** · 27th October 17, 02:36 AM

One comment on sourcing a kilt - don’t use a kiltmaker based a long way from your home. Ity takes time to build a kilt (and I do mean “build”) and you want to be able to meet the person who puts the needle through the cloth if at all possible to ensure timely delivery and quality work. I’ve done it both ways, and my local kiltmaker ended up having to repair the work done overseas.

**Tobus** · 27th October 17, 04:47 AM

That's easy to say, Father Bill, if you actually have a local kiltmaker. There aren't many of these here in Texas, where the OP lives. I'm not aware of any, at least. Our only option for finding a reputable kiltmaker is to purchase from someone far away.

**Father Bill** · 27th October 17, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

That's easy to say, Father Bill, if you actually have a local kiltmaker. There aren't many of these here in Texas, where the OP lives. I'm not aware of any, at least. Our only option for finding a reputable kiltmaker is to purchase from someone far away.

You're right! I guess I should re-phrase: The more accessible, the better. It gives you some chance of recourse.