Kelly wearing MacDonald tartan

[T90]

Good morning, since I am new here and not sure where to post this, I sincerely hope that this is posted in the correct location.

Doing my research, and going through family history the Scottish in my genetic makeup comes from the Kelly's on the Isle of Skye. To the best of my understanding the Kelly's were a sept of the MacDonald Clan. Please correct me if I am wrong.

If this is the case, does this mean that I can wear the MacDonald tartans?

[The Wizard of BC]

The idea of Septs of Clans is sort of misleading. It goes along with the thinking that the Clan thing is based on names. It is also a product of the Romantic thinking of the time.

In fact Clan was far more regional. For example - I can pretty welll gurarentee that every person who lived on the Isle of Skye was not named MacDonald, MacLeod or MacKinnon which are the three clans most commonly associated with that region.

If you know your people were named Kelly, and they did live on Skye, then ask which part of Skye and did they swear fidelity to a particular Clan chief?

There is no single, authoritive Sept list. Each Chief could decide for themselves. Most did not bother to compile Sept lists until quite recently.

Basically it came down to "If those guys from over there come to steal our stuff - and you show up and help us defend it - then you are one of us."

This whole idea of right and wrong or what Tartan I can or should wear is far less rigid than some would like to believe.

[Taskr]

There is a Kelly tartan and an Isle of Skye tartan.
Can you wear the MacDonald tartans? Some will say yes; have your reason and stick to it. Some will say no; thou shan't wear a named tartan without a solid link to the name. Some won't bother with an opinion at all. Welcome to the forum

[T90]

Hahaha, that clears things up. Thank you for the responses.

Actually this is one of the topics I have followed so many times on this forum as a lurker, and I honestly thought I had it figured out, but again I am glad I asked.

To answer as far as the history I have been shown there were Kelly's on Skye in the Parish of Sleat, of which I have also found a MacDonald of Sleat.

I am open to be educated, I like to learn.

[The Wizard of BC]

There are three rules which I always pass on to customers with the same question.


Rule #1 - Pick a Tartan which has some meaning to you. - This could be that you carry the same name or your people come from the area that the Tartan is named for. The meaning to you could be as simple as "I like the colors".

Rule #2 - Know what Tartan you are wearing. - Some one will ask.

Rule #3 - Wear it with Pride

Yes, there are Tartan snobs out there but fortunately there are no Tartan cops.

If you really think about it, before we began to name Tartans in the 1800's they were all regional.
Today Tartan tells the world "Who am I? Where do I come from? How did I get here?" What answers those questions for you?

You do know T90 that the Country of Canada has an official Tartan. It is called The Canadian Maple Leaf Tartan. If you live in Canada This is YOUR Tartan.
There is also an official Tartan for BC and every Canadian Provence.
Many cities have Tartans.
Many groups and organizations have Tartans. Do you belong or associate with one of these?
Companies have Tartans. Safeway has a Tartan. Harley Davidson has a Tartan. Ford Model T has a Tartan.

[Tarheel]

I say follow the guidance of the Great and Powerful Wiz. Educate yourself, choose, then stick to your guns after that.

[T90]

Excellent thank you.

[Bruce Scott]

According to this site:

http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-cl...cdonald-septs/


The following names are considered septs of Clan Donald:
.
.
.

Kelly: Only those from West Highlands & Islands and must have originally been a MACKELLY/MACKELLOCH.

[T90]

Well I do not see those spelling variants in the names I am in possession of. That does not mean it is not there somewhere.

In the meantime I have Kelly, McCulligh, MacCulloch, Chambers and Brown.

[Liam]

As a member of Clan Donald, should you choose to wear our tartan, wear it with pride and respect!
slainte...