what correct tartan, if any, for my family?

[Ernie41]

My grandfather was a Sangster who emigrated to Canada from Aberdeenshire in the 1800s. He is, unfortunately, long deceased; but I would like to find out if there is a correct tartan that would be appropriate for his family. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.

[Father Bill]

Failing the ability to trace back to a specific clan, you're always right to go with a "regional" tartan. Others more expert than I will advise on that.

Beyond that, there are many non-clan-specific tartans that are beautiful and often worn, and to be honest, any non-restricted tartan is acceptable, and most are in that category. Just be prepared to give a very brief reason for your choice. "It's my favourite tartan" is plenty good enough except for a few loud and ill-informed self-appointed tartan cops.

Enjoy!

[Steve Ashton]

If your family immigrated to Canada you are authorized to wear the Maple Leaf Tartan. This is the official Tartan of the country of Canada.




I notice that you currently live in New Hampshire. Have you see the New Hampshire Tartan. On the right in this photo by Barb T.




If you have a club affiliation perhaps your group has a Tartan. There are Tartans for Masons, car clubs, and football clubs.

Does your company have a Tartan. Harley Davidson does, as does Safeway, and even Hello Kitty.

Tartan tells the world - Who am I, Were to my people come from, and how did I get where I am today. Pick a design that you like that announces this to the world.

[neloon]

Many of the name Sangster are found in Aberdeenshire as this link shows
https://www.ancestry.com/boards/thre...names.sangster
So I would support Steve's suggestion of Aberdeenshire District tartan.

Alan

[Tobus]

My grandfather was a Sangster who emigrated to Canada from Aberdeenshire in the 1800s.

Another member here, unixken, also has a Sangster ancestor who hailed from Aberdeenshire in the 1800s. As he discussed here (<--clicky), he wears the Aberdeenshire District Tartan. Check with him; you might be distant relatives!

[OC Richard]

This tartan? Aberdeenshire, designed in 2014:

https://www.donnawilson.com/products...tan-commission

I like this one better, "Aberdeen Forever" which I assume is more of a fashion tartan:

https://kiltmakers.co.uk/products/sc...bric-per-meter

Here's the 18th century Aberdeen tartan by Wilsons:

https://www.scotclans.com/scottish-c...deen-district/

[figheadair]

Here's the 18th century Aberdeen tartan by Wilsons:

https://www.scotclans.com/scottish-c...deen-district/

There is no known surviving specimen of Wilsons' Aberdeen tartan but here's a similar pattern in their cloth which may give an idea of what their Aberdeen looked like - https://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/Un...rdeen_type.pdf

[Anokar]

Welcome Ernie41,

I wish you luck on your quest to find more information. This is definitely the place to find it when it comes to Kilts. I would have to agree with the previous posts, pertaining to choosing a tartan from the district your family hails from. It's the safest bet, if you aren't quite sure of you family connections. But, as I have learn from the "Rabble" it's also nice to just pick one that you feel drawn too. The important thing is to wear it with pride and respect it's historic and sentimental value towards others, because it does represent someone's family or heritage. Some folks tend to get all worked up and sometimes loose their minds about it.


At any rate, enjoy wearing your tartan of choice and best of wishes.


Slainte

[Taskr]

While a family line or District tartan can be very nice, sometimes the colours and sett might not suit personal taste.
There are some very good suggestions given. It really does matter what you are comfortable with.

[Wil]

Seeing as how the last name is a Anglo-Saxon name you are in luck with concerns to the tartan, you are not held in restraints to family tartans. My suggestion is if you are wanting a family tartan then you research (if possible) further. If not then look into all of the various tartans for countries, states, organisations and just generic prints too. Good luck and keep us informed!