Question for those who only wear tartans in their bloodline

[duffy794]

I am beating another part of a dead horse!

I was perusing some older threads to try to find the answer to a question and I came across this thread.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...0/index10.html

It got me to thinking.

I have not fully decided on where I fall but I am leaning towards only wearing tartans of my bloodlines.

so the question:

Would you wear a tartan of a clan that would not have you as a member even if you are related by blood?

Ie I have a Maclean from about 8 generations back. My interpretation of their membership requirements is that it must be within 3 generations. (same as the MacGregor

Would yall say to heck with them? or would you move on?

Also I fall under the category who likes to ask the clan if it is ok. what would yall do if they do not respond? or you can not find a link to an association (ie MacQueen)

Just bouncing ideas

I know some are wear only one, and others are wear what you want, and there are not rules or tartan police.

I guess I am looking for a rational to apply, and a set of logic.

thanks!

[Father Bill]

So, what's your surname? If it's a clan name, that's the one. As for three generations back, you must be talking about some clan association. You don't "get" a membership in a clan; you just are what you are, and if it's a clan... you area member by right, not by being had as a member. The heck with the clan association in that case!

[KenB]

Ditto, Father Bill. However, although I wear my family/clan tartan, there are several district/provincial tartans I would wear.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Hoary old hide-bound traditionalist that I am, I hold with the idea that one should wear his father's tartan or, failing that, the tartan of one's mother. But I also understand that sometimes one may have to reach back quite a few generations before finding that Scottish link. Personally I think the "Three Generation Rule" is a good one, provided there is a mechanism to allow a Mr. Bianchi, who may trace his ancestry back further than three generations, to be recognized as a member of the clan.

My advice would be to write directly to the chief of the clan to which you have the closest blood connection and ask to be admitted to the clan under a bond of manrent. Historically chiefs have admitted "outsiders" to their clan in this manner, and once agreed, you are a member of his clan, full stop. Just remember though that most clan chiefs have to carry the burden of clan administration by themselves, and so it can take a while for them to respond to correspondence; likewise clan societies tend to be volunteer associations (often managed by the elderly) and this can also cause delay's in correspondence. If you haven't heard back in 90 days a polite "reminder" is not out of order.

[duffy794]

thanks guys. I am a wilson Surname (gunn) but my ancestors are from sweden (possible norse) the only one I can actually trace to is Colquhoun (who said come on).

I guess to be honest I would like a red based tartan and so I have looked at other lines to find one that would fit. Maclean of Argyl is my best connection but it is a ways back. I should probably just say to heck with the association. It is what it is.

thanks for helping me figure it out

[duffy794]

to clarify. Once I figure Gunn or Colquhoun out I will get a nice kilt made from that.

The red was merely for casual occasional wear.

[Grizzly]

I presume you have looked at the Wilson Tartan itself that is red based and is available in Lochcarron Strome or in DC Dalgleish fabric. Both are red based tartans.

Lochcarron Strome


Dalgleish 15oz



Both the above are in modern colours but Ancient varieties are also available.

[Tam Piperson]

I agree with the opinions of the above gentlemen. I have quite a few ancestors who bore various different clan surnames several generations back; but since I don't bear the same surname as my Forbes or Henderson ancestors for example, I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing a kilt of those clans' tartans, since I am not a member of those particular clans, even though I am descended from ancestors who were by blood; which is why I wear tartans that are associated with my surname, having inherited that through my direct paternal line.

[Tam Piperson]

I presume you have looked at the Wilson Tartan itself that is red based and is available in Lochcarron Strome or in DC Dalgleish fabric. Both are red based tartans.

That is the tartan I would go with if my surname was Wilson. It's a large sett, but it is wonderful to look at, visually very stunning.

[Tobus]

If your surname goes to the Gunn clan, then I'm with Father Bill. That's your clan. I'm not sure why a clan association would refuse to have you if your surname is tied to it. (?)

That said, I'm a Colquhoun (on my mother's side, as my father's name is English), and we'd be happy to have you.