NEW with Questions

[E.Woods]

Hello everyone,

I’m new to all this.

What got me interested in “Scottish” history was my Scottish Stick class. (It’s a class where we learn the techniques used with the Highland Broadsword, without the actual sword of course.)

I would have never have been “kilted” if it wasn’t for this class. We were asked to wear our “Clan” kilts to the Highland games. (Which I did not and I still do not know what clan I belong too.) We tried to look it up, but came up with nothing. I was told that the “Woods” are a non-clan group. Being aggravated by not having a clan, I purchased an Utilikilt just to get through the Highland Games. I thought that I wouldn’t wear it again until next year at games.

But I liked the freedom of the kilt and now I want to purchase more. I would love to wear them on a daily bases, however lack of cash and not able to wear them at work hinders me. I could ask but it’s hard to ask work if I can wear them if I only have one. (We are a “slacks and button up shirt” professional company)

Anyway, I have a few questions if someone could answer for me. Sorry if I seem stupid, I’m still learning about the Scottish as well as the Irish culture.

Does anyone know what clan the Woods would fall under? My guess is that my background is Irish not Scottish if that matters.


If Woods is non-clan group, can I just join a clan? Or how does that all work?

Thanks,
Woods

[davedove]

According to the Scottish Tartans Authority, their is a Woods tartan, so you could certainly wear that one. I don't know how widely available it may be as some tartans are easier to find than others.

Additionally, there are any number of district tartans that you could wear.

Plus, I believe you will find that most people here will tell you that you can wear any tartan you like, just know the tartan if you wear it.

[sav]

First of all, WELCOME! It's always nice to hear that a per chance run in with kilting leads to "the addiction"! As stated, "Wood(s)" does have a tartan (a handsome one, I might add.) If I recall correctly, the surname Woods was found in the Angus district, which also has a handsome tartan. If you choose to wear a tartan that you have a direct connection to, these might be wise choices. However, again as previously stated, there are many on these forums that will tell you to wear whichever tartan (within reason) that you please, but KNOW YOUR TARTAN! Again, welcome to a community of like minded individuals!
~Sav

[Colin]

Hello everyone,

I’m new to all this.

What got me interested in “Scottish” history was my Scottish Stick class. (It’s a class where we learn the techniques used with the Highland Broadsword, without the actual sword of course.)

I would have never have been “kilted” if it wasn’t for this class. We were asked to wear our “Clan” kilts to the Highland games. (Which I did not and I still do not know what clan I belong too.) We tried to look it up, but came up with nothing. I was told that the “Woods” are a non-clan group. Being aggravated by not having a clan, I purchased an Utilikilt just to get through the Highland Games. I thought that I wouldn’t wear it again until next year at games.

But I liked the freedom of the kilt and now I want to purchase more. I would love to wear them on a daily bases, however lack of cash and not able to wear them at work hinders me. I could ask but it’s hard to ask work if I can wear them if I only have one. (We are a “slacks and button up shirt” professional company)

Anyway, I have a few questions if someone could answer for me. Sorry if I seem stupid, I’m still learning about the Scottish as well as the Irish culture.

Does anyone know what clan the Woods would fall under? My guess is that my background is Irish not Scottish if that matters.


If Woods is non-clan group, can I just join a clan? Or how does that all work?

Thanks,
Woods

I figure that maybe I will be able answer this consider my last name is Wood. The name Wood (Woods being a version of Wood) has history in both Scotland and England. To my knowledge (besides individual family histories) Wood has no Irish origins.

Here is a link regarding some of the Scottish history http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/stoz/wood.html and http://www.myclan.com/clans/Wood_340/default.php

While there are Wood tartans, one was created to celebrate Sir Ian Wood's 60th Birthday by Sir Ian Wood
another is a combination

and can be found at http://www.tartans.scotland.net/

However, Wood is a sept of Clan Watson, which is itself a sept of Buchanan. More information can be found on either of those can also be found at the site above.

I have a ton more information, but will have to go through my favourites to find it all.

Of interest, here is a bit about Sir Andrew Wood, who served the King James IV of Scotland. I have heard from a few sources that Woods can also wear MacDonald of Sleat because of this connection. http://www.royal-stuarts.org/andrew_wood.htm

Welcome to the board.

[E.Woods]

WOW! This is good info. Thank you very much everyone. This gives me a good place to start.

Thanks again,
Woods

[Colin]

Here's a copy of the clan crest for you too. http://www.heraldry.jerasys.com/Scotland/Wood_t.jpg

[GMan]

Woods,

WELCOME!

One thing about this forum, is that their are enough people to get questions answered. I am constantly learning something here, as you will too.

[Mike1]

Welcome aboard, Woods! Get some closet space ready, you're going to need it. ;)

Glen, it's a bit of a delight to watch how it all comes together and works to everyone's benefit, isn't it? And the knowledge base continues to grow, with each new member. Everybody on this board has something to share that will end up helping somebody else and that is pretty doggone special.