Can I wear the McPherson Clan Tartan

**Basso** · 12th March 11, 08:32 PM

Hi,
I have just discovered the MacPherson tartan and it goes straight to 'my top five red kilts list'. The McPherson Modern Red apears to have a tinge of blue and pink through it and the McPherson Clan tartan is distinctively red. I would love to have a kilt made from the McPherson clan tartan but I have been told I can't legally or moraly wear a clan tartan. (I have no affiliation with the name McPherson apart from thinking that the Australian model Elle McPherson is one of the most beautiful looking women in the world). I would appreciate feedback as to whether I can wear this tartan. My heritage is typically Australian. My Grandmother on my fathers side was a Gregory and on Mothers side my Grandmother was a Cormack. In the mix there is Irish, French, Welsh.
I have posted pics of the tartan in Photo bucket.

http://s767.photobucket.com/albums/xx318/albymacb/

Thank-you in advance, Regards,
Basso

**Downunder Kilt** · 12th March 11, 09:21 PM

First of all Basso, there are not kilt police or Acts of Parliament to prevent you from wearing a Macpherson Tartan. As for morally wearing one, I guess that's between you and your maker. If you are up to it, maybe you could write to the Clan Chief of the Macphersons and ask his permission to wear his clan tartan, wouldn't hurt. A lot of people wear clan tartans that they have no affiliation with. If you do go with the Macpherson tartan, at some time you maybe asked why you are wearing it, just be truthfull and polite in your answer.

BTW Are you going to the Geelong Games on March 20, if so maybe a meet up is on?

**Stilletto_Rebel** · 12th March 11, 09:23 PM

Who told you that you can't "legally or morally" wear this tartan?

If the tartan/kilt is freely available commercially I cannot see any reason why you cannot wear it.

I wear what tartans I like and I've never recieved any grief because of it. But if it really bothers you that much, why don't you contact the clan and ask their permission.

**Bob C** · 12th March 11, 10:18 PM

Wear the tartan if you like. You don't need permission. Tell whomever said it was illegal or immoral that I said he's an idiot.

**chrisupyonder** · 12th March 11, 10:20 PM

I don't think it would be a problem at all. Most Scots only know their own tartan.
Try here...

http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan-ferret

Put your surname in and see what you get.

I put mine and it came up with..

If the search has produced a district tartan or two, then the records will have shown the origins or substantial connections of the name with that area.
MacLaren

If nothing is found or you don't like the tartan it suggests then wear what you want.

**Basso** · 13th March 11, 12:28 AM

Thanks for the input.
I am amazed at the amount of friends and colleages who have queried my decision, especially the ones with Scottish sir names. I will however write to the clan chief and failing that, there are many other choices out there.
Thanks,
Basso

**English Bloke** · 13th March 11, 01:53 AM

Blimey! There's a lot of them isn't there. You CAN wear whatever tartan you like, but be mindful that it is a sensitive issue with some and so long as you have a reasonable understanding of the tartan and it's background and you wear it in a dignified and respectful manner I'm sure no-one will really mind. Particularly in Australia where I'm given to understand Kilties are not common. (or so my good mate Shane in Darwin tells me).

**theborderer** · 13th March 11, 03:09 AM

Thanks for the tip Chris. Put my name in and it came up with a personal Tartan. I then put in the tartan of my new kilt "Heritage of Wales" and came up with that too.

**MacBean** · 13th March 11, 03:58 AM

Yes, MacPherson has a lot of tartans to choose from, it's true, but the one they mostly wear is probably not one you'd choose if you had no contact with the Clan. Personally, I think writing the Chief is a great idea. It will give your kilt that extra dimension of affiliation, even if you aren't MacPherson by birth. Their Highland history is interesting; they have an active, illustrious Chief who is welcoming (as far as I can tell their Chief is always known as Cluny). If you learn more about MacPherson, you will soon learn they are part of the larger, ancient Clan Chattan Confederation from Inverness-shire. There are many other Clan Chattan folk here (myself as a MacBean included). I'd say the more interest you show in Clan MacPherson the more you will enjoy your kilt, and the more at ease you will feel in wearing their colors.

There's another MacPherson tartan that I favor a bit more than the one you selected: The MacPherson red muted which can be seen here being worn by our own NewEnglander.

There are some red Stewarts that are especially nice too; I favor the muted myself.

If your looking for a cheaper, casual kilt (especially a first kilt), this MacPherson red muted can be had at an unbeatable price from Burnett's and Struth (link above). It's harder to find on their web site than it once was. You go to the Men's Kilts link, then Casual Kilt on Sale. That particular tartan is on sale, and perhaps other MacPherson reds as well (you have to fill out your measurements, fake ones are OK to get to the place where they list the available tartans. If a tartan is available now, it doesn't mean that it will be in 3 months; they sell out. That kilt is lighter, a possible 5 yards, may have no 'steaking' which means removal of material at the sewn-down top of each pleat to make it lie better. My first kilt was from them and I like it.

On the other hand, most here would recommend getting the best you can afford (me included). I've done that too (an eight yard handmade Barbara Tewksbury). The two kilts are worlds apart and the more expensive kilt is truly lovely, hangs better, swishes like a dream, and costs more than 3x the B&S Casual sale kilt. But they both look fine.

**McClef** · 13th March 11, 05:41 AM

Writing to the Chief of a Clan does not guarantee a reply one way or the other.

A Chief has the power to recognise a tartan but after that they do not appear to have any control over the production and distribution of that tartan. Very few tartans are actually restricted and I am not aware of any Clan tartans that have a restriction.

You will get those who argue that silence equals consent and those who argue that it means the opposite. You pays yer money and you takes yer choice.

I for one do not feel guilty about having and wearing my MacPherson Red nor other Clan tartans of which I am not Clan member. I wear them with respect and honour and I am sure that it is also good advertising for that Clan as many people would otherwise not have the chance of seeing it worn.