Figuring who is what...

[tky58]

I am an American.

No doubt about it. As such I represent the "Great Melting Pot". I have the blood of Irishmen and Scots and (I believe) English running through my arteries. As such I claim (like a good American) a historical link to their combined histories and traditions. We feel it is the merging of those spices that give us the unique and wonder flavor that is American.

But since I began to wear a kilt several years ago I began to wonder how exactly should one figure out whose ancestry is, well.... dominant.
Ask me 20 or more years ago I would have said Irish. Both of my maternal grandparents came over as children from Skibbereen, County Cork. And both named Murphy (though not related). By that I figure by bloodline is 50% Irish.

My father's side is a little less well defined. My sur name is Wilson, which is a name found just about everywhere over there. However, some research performed by late uncle (which I haven't seen personally) suggests that MY Wilson is from England. My paternal grandmother is a McNeil who I believe is from Barra by way of Nova Scotia (and therefore several generations removed).

As an American, I claim all their ancestry and would have no trouble wearing a Saffron Kilt or the McNeil of Barra tartan. I might have a little difficulty wearing a Wilson tartan, though less because Wilson may be English Wilson and not Scotch Wilson but because I think it has too much orange in it. That is probably the Irish American Catholic from Boston comming out. I was taught to dislike that color in favor of green, especially on St. Patricks Day - though not by my Mother, but by society in general.

But the question which prompted me to type at 1:30 in the morning when I need to be at work in a few hours is this: (everyone sighs)

If I were to be as strict as say Jock Scot (no slight intended) would I have a right to claim affiliation with the McNeil clan at that distance in the bloodline? How far back can you go and not be an American who is stretching things?

Steven Wilson

PS: I only own one kilt and that is in the Leatherneck tartan for the US Marine Corps, which I have every legimate right to claim. I am considering buying a Douglas Tartan kilt to honor my wife's clan affiliation. As I said I am an American and that would be not only proper but aplauded in American culture.

PPS: let me say, Jock that I consider it an honor that, despite being a defender of everything Scottish, you choose to quote an American (John Wayne) in your tag line.