Slainte from a wee sasanach in Croatia

**Kehal** · 23rd September 13, 10:42 AM

Ladies (for I'm sure there are a few) and Gentlemen,
Greetings from Croatia! Here's my problem: Father; half Irish/half English. Mother; half Italian/half Spanish. I have no clan but would love to honour my father on his 80th Birthday. I have designed OUR clan badge with crest and motto. I have no desire to usurp or take others names and clans as no historical connections exist. I am working on designing a tartan reflecting my parents' roots so that I can pass it on to my brother, sister, nephews, nieces, sons and daughter. Is there anyone that can assist me in producing the brooches and clan badges? All clans start off with one man, I believe that my father is good enough for my loyalty and those of my extended family. Is this too much? Does a man HAVE to be 100% Scot or Irish to be so honoured? May a new Clan begin? I am fully aware that most traditionalists would shout a resounding, "NO!". But as the great bard wrote, " A man's a man for all a that!". Looking forward to getting some feedback. Criticism is always welcome, one can learn so much from it.

**tulloch** · 23rd September 13, 12:46 PM

I don't know the answers to your questions. I do offer warm welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts in New England, USA. Your father is lucky. I will be interested to see what you do with this.

**creagdhubh** · 23rd September 13, 01:03 PM

Welcome aboard, mate!

**AuldAlliance** · 23rd September 13, 01:08 PM

Welcome to a newbie from another newbie :-)

**Father Bill** · 23rd September 13, 01:29 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

**Grizzly** · 23rd September 13, 01:39 PM

Welcome indeed from Southampton UK. There is absolutely nothing wrong with designing your own tartan for your family but to establish a clan is an entirely different matter. Clan histories are diverse and have historical connections to an almost tribal society and have evolved over many centuries. As far as I am aware you would have to be recognised by the Standing Council of the Scottish Clan chiefs and by The Lord Lyon.

Certainly design your own tartan if you wish and call it whatever you wish but as to establishing a new clan, well that is a different matter entirely.