All a frazzle

[kiltedcossack]

Okay, someone on another board has just jumped my $%#@ about my 'Clan Storm' bit, that's usually in my signature(see below). Now, I mean it as a light-hearted jest, but this... person... saw it as a deliberate affront to his 'Highlandry' (his word, not mine) and suggested that I a) remove the offending sig line, AND b) Join a Scottish Clan, if I'm all-fired so interested in it.
So, for those in the know:
1) If you're Scottish, does my signature line offendith thee?
and
2) Is is possible to join a Scottish Clan without (verifiably) being of Clan descent?

Thanks,

[Dreadbelly]

As a Douglas, I'd gladly join your clan. As I seem to recall, all races and peoples were allowed to be Cossacks, provided that they were warriors.

Don't pay no mind. Some folk have a bee in their bonnets, or worse, a bee under their kilt.

[kiltedcossack]

Dread, We'd be happy to have you.

Still curious, though, as to whether someone who isn't Scottish could join a Scottish Clan... Anyone know, off the top of their heads?

[MacWage]

It depends on the clan. Most allow into full membership "all interested in the history and heritage of" (or some sort of phrasing) or "all who feel an affinity for" the clan in question. Others have an "associate" membership status for those interested, but not proven relations.

In short, most (all but the most anal retentive, and who wants to be one of them) allow membership of some form or another to ANYONE willing to pay the requested dues.

[macwilkin]

It depends on the clan. Most allow into full membership "all interested in the history and heritage of" (or some sort of phrasing) or "all who feel an affinity for" the clan in question. Others have an "associate" membership status for those interested, but not proven relations.

In short, most (all but the most anal retentive, and who wants to be one of them) allow membership of some form or another to ANYONE willing to pay the requested dues.

The Lord Lyon's web site has this very basic statement:

Every person who has the same surname as the chief is deemed to be a member of the clan. Equally a person who offers allegiance to the chief is recognised as a member of the clan unless the chief decides that he will not accept that person's allegiance.

-- www.lyon-court.com

[O'Neille]

I don't have enough time on my hands to think of a reason to be offended. My Great Grandmother was Scots-Irish, Russian, Eskimo. The ocean was not the only way to get to North America. Nathalia Dementieff Clarke would certainly have backed you up in your quest for a Clan affiliation. O'Neille

[CelticRanger66]

The Clan MacThomas will accept all who swears allegiance to our Chief, So your are welcome even if you aren't of Scottish Blood. But your CLAN sounds mighty interesting. Count me in!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Hmmh, I am not an expert, but I seem to recal this coming up before. The consensue was that most clans would be glad of new members, even if they just admired that clan or what it represented. Perhaps Todd or some other with more knowledge can chime in.

[Dreadbelly]

I doubt I'd ever pay dues.

I was born a Douglas. I'll die one. A name is something given to you by right of blood, not by right of coin.

Along the same lines, clan 'adoption' should be through friendship, through loyalty, through love. It should be done over a pint, with a hearty handshake or a hug, a literal welcoming in to the home, and not over a doggamn checkbook.

Friends are the family that you choose, and bonds of brotherhood are nae different.

[beloitpiper]

I'm Scottish, and I think it's a great idea! Not everybody is blessed by God himself to be Scottish (heh, just kidding). I'll have to suggest Clan Storm to some of my non-Scottish kilt wearers.

And if you're looking for a clan, I would strongly suggest the House of Gordon. We would warmly welcome you into the greatest and strongest Scotland has to offer.

I have a question, though, about your badge. What does your motto "I Revenge" mean?