Newbies who just aquired a collection of kilts in Central Michigan

[LassieNorquay]

My husband's Grandfather was from the Orkney Islands and through the years our Uncle Bill really took an keen interest in the Scottish heritage and really began to acquire a nice collection of kilts. I have done some beginning genealogy research and have had a hard time coming up with any real concrete information on which clan we fall into. We know Uncle Bill had researched it and found out that information, but sadly he suddenly passed away recently and we will never know what information he gathered. BUT we have become the proud new owners of his kilt collection and some accessories. My husband has about 15 kilts. We have dress kilts and sport kilts and to be honest we do not know much about the world of kilts ,but would love to learn. My husband has always been enthralled with his grandfathers life and Scotland. Heck we have attended the Highland Games here in Alma, Michigan yearly and he just is dying to know more about who he is... From what stock he comes from? He got out of bed this morning and threw on a kilt and said it felt good to wear just for daily wear. He has not had an opportunity to wear one in public, due to the fact that we just got them yesterday and he wants to do them justice and wear them properly.. We would appreciate any advice or information about our family.. the family name is Norquay from the Orkney Islands. I did find a "badge pin" maybe in his things, it is a heavy brooch like pin and round and it is on the card he purchased it on and it says "Sinclair".. maybe we are clan "Sinclair"?

[MacConnachie]

One website for the Sinclairs listed the following septs: Caird, Caithness, Cline, Clouston, Clyne, Coghill, Corner, Comloquoy, Cumlaquory, Corrigall, Cursiter, Delday, Drever, Dunnett, Flaws, Flett, Flette, Goar, Gotts, Halcrow, Harrow, Horrie, Hourrie, Hourston, Ibister, Inkster, Isbister, Kilday, Linklatter, Linkletter, Lyall, Luddale, Lyell, MacBarnett(e), Mainland, Mason, Moar, MacNackaird, Mey, Paplay, Pottinger, Papay, Pappey, Patter, Pettenreck, Pettenrick, Rosie, Rosey, Roslin, Rosslyn, Sciater, Scollay, Scolley, Scully, Snoddy, Snoddie, Westray, Wick, Ilrick, Whitefield, Wolley.

Although Norquay is not listed, sept names are most often used by those wishing to determine association or direct descent from a clan using the family name of a FEMALE descendant of the Clan Chief or close relatives, for instance.

Sinclair is actually a Norman name. I think a bit more research on "Norquay" might turn up any of a number of possibilities, but it could derive from a place-name such as "of or from the Norman Quay." That's simply one idea, and admittedly is a bit fanciful on my part. If the recently deceased relative's decision-making processes are to be respected in this matter, it is quite probable that he researched the issue sufficiently to determine some connection with Clan Sinclair, particularly if a large number of the 15 kilts have some connection to that clan, given the substantial outlay that was likely necessary to acquire at least some of the items in that collection.

[ForresterModern]

Although I am only speculating from what I know of Scotland history, the Orkneys are off the north Scottish coast and were likely a longstanding base for Viking invaders/settlers, so it would not surprise me if Norquay was somehow related to Norway, or at least Scandinavian in origin. When the Orkneys became absorbed into what is now Scotland all those of scandinavian origin over time became scots, despite their geneology.

RE: your plethora of kilts, if you take a photo of the front apron of each showing enough detail we can probably help you identify which tartans your uncle collected, and that may possibly lead us to some possibilities for your clan affiliations, if any. See the FAQs on the main page for how to post photos.

I found no Norquay tartan in my quick clan/tartan search (although there is a Norway tartan). In depth search may turn up a sept relationship, but your most reliable way of determining clan relationship is performing an indepth geneology family tree.

Good luck.

jeff

[IDScot]

I think MacConnachie is on the right track. Certainly an Orkney name:

http://www.norquoy.co.uk/

Definitely Clan Sinclair Country.

[Spartan Tartan]

There is certainly a great wealth of knowledge in this forum. Some good ideas already given here...I would love to see the tartans and as previously mentioned a good picture would likely allow some on here the opportunity to help you identify them. But in the meantime, from a fellow Michigander that is stationed in Oklahoma!

[Sammac]

Welcome from Belding, MIWow, what a legacy to receive.Nice that we are starting to get a few kilties outside of the Det metro area.

[ThistleDown]

Welcome, from Inverness-shire and British Columbia. When you have an opportunity, take some hi-res pics of the kilts and post them to this forum; we will help you identify those you know nothing about -- and that will be a start along a fascinating trail for your husband.

[Steve of Lansing]

from Holt, MI!

[Luckey]

Welcome from Saginaw! When you go to Alma this year make sure you stop by the Lamont tent and say hello. We've been known to have a beverage or two available for guests

[LassieNorquay]

I will take some pictures tomorrow... I do certainly appreciate all your help and information,..

Michelle