Which Tartan to choose?

[Nexstarneil]

Newbie:- A lot of 'internet genealogy' readily produces all sorts of interesting ancestry although a lot of 'on line' family trees have little or no supporting evidence, sources or references and some have glaring errors in them.

Mainly because of painstaking work by an established family history society I am as certain as I think one can be of some ancient ancestry but there are several lines e.g William 'the Lion' and his forebears, Juliana Dunbar and her forebears etc. I assume these pre-date any named Tartans so any advice please on which Tartan(s) would be fair to choose? Are there general Tartans that would suit? Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

[davidlpope]

I'd suggest you choose the closest genealogical link to a Highland clan or Lowland or Borders family.

If you are interested in general tartans, it would be hard to do better than the two traditional ones: Caledonia and Hunting Stewart. Caledonia is red and vibrant, so it would be great for formal occasions. Hunting Stewart is blue/green with red and yellow overstripes, so it would be great for day wear. Both are beautiful old Wilson's of Bannockburn setts and readily available in a wide range of color schemes.

[xman]

There are also some great district tartans. For example, Isle of Skye is particularly popular for its outstanding beauty.

[Downunder Kilt]

As well as the general tartans, Xman mentioned district tartans. Perhaps you could locate where your people came from and see if there is a tartan to accommodate that area. or if there is a tartan for the place where you live now

[Nexstarneil]

Thanks for all your suggestions. Probably going with Dunbar.

[tripleblessed]

You don't mention your surname, which muddles the issue, nor do you say where you live now or from whence known lineage springs. Some would say if your surname is not a clan name or known, accepted associated family, you have no clan and therefore no tartan. Others would say that's irrelevant,
wear what you like, but at least know what it is and who those folk were, and do it respectfully. Others would say wear something connected to what is known

William the Lion was descended from David I and Duncan, son of Crinan and Bethoc, so the line runs to MacAlpin. This is also part of the heritage of Juliana. Therefore, one could say he is honoring this line by wearing MacAlpin,
Or Dunbar, or Dunbar district. Duncan would be as appropriate, though many
say Duncan ancient is not real, though Leslie of Wardis would work. John Duncan of Sketraw, a member here, is head of the clan Duncan society, moving toward re-establishing the clan. You could offer allegiance and beg membership.

There is an old Perthshire district tartan that would reference Crinan and Bethoc as well. If you live in the U.S., most states have tartans, there are military tartans to honor your service there, Union and Confederate, Scottish heritage, Caledonia, Warrior, etc.

No matter what you choose, somebody will tell you you're wrong, so be forewarned. If you have what takes to wear the kilt, you probably have what it takes to handle the guff.

[tripleblessed]

While I was typing the previous tome you posted for Dunbar. Wear it in good health, and consider others as you please.

[Danaidh]

I've documentation linking me name to Dunbar and as far back as King David of Scotland. It's on my mother's side of the family as my sir name of Hook is English. Later I heard that men who owned providences were all "kings" and I've not really been able to research much more than that. It drove me nuts as I wanted to pledge allegence to the clan I thought I could approach and be approved. Ends up, at least here in America, that pledge can be to whichever I choose. While I support your desire and encourage you to find out, my suggestion is to pick a tartan you like and go with that (or perhaps more than one). I dunno, perhaps through this forum, I'll be able to get more info on my lineage.

[Nexstarneil]

You don't mention your surname, which muddles the issue, nor do you say where you live now or from whence known lineage springs. Some would say if your surname is not a clan name or known, accepted associated family, you have no clan and therefore no tartan. Others would say that's irrelevant, wear what you like, but at least know what it is and who those folk were, and do it respectfully. Others would say wear something connected to what is known

thanks. My surname is Hagley (which is Anglo-Saxon) I'm from the UK. My Grandmother was a Cave from Cave's of Stanford who have occupied Stanford manor and then Stanford Hall since 1430 to date.

I must add that, as in almost all cases, land and title only pass through the heir so although she grew up in the shadow of Stanford Hall her side of the family was long separated from the land, title and wealth!

It is my Cave ancestors who included amongst others Roger de Merlay son of Juliana of Dunbar daughter of Gospatrick
2nd Earl of Dunbar who was killed in the battle of the Standard fighting the English! Touch of irony because Gospatrick's ancestors included numerous English kings including Alfred the Great.