I have to say that personally, I think it's a lot more interesting when someone says they chose their tartan because they are a proud member of the "MacWhatever" clan or because one of their ancestors was, rather than when they say , "I liked the pretty colours and I got it on sale". True, there are no Tartan police, but I just think it's kind of lame, especially when you're of Highland heritage and already have a MacFarlane Tartan Kilt. I also agree that very few people would ever know, but I don't see that as a good reason to do something...

It's less severe but similar to the clan badge. In that example one is saying that you are loyal to a particular chief as the symbol in the centre of the belt is the top of the actual chief's coat of arms. In truth, the concept of clan tartans is a later tradition, but it's still one that I think has value. Similarly, it is an expression of regimental or clan loyalty.

If I see someone in my clan tartan or one I recognize, I'll strike up a conversation with them about that. At the risk of getting political, if I found out a Campbell of Argyll was wearing a MacDonald of Glencoe kilt and had no MacDonald connection, I'd think it was in poor taste.

I suspect that many people here would disagree with me and say wear what you want but I'll also warn you that I'm not alone in my opinion and it was commonly shared among the military and some piper kilt wearers I've known over the years. The Lord Lyon isn't going to hand out any fines and it's always great to see more kilts around but I have passed on a few firesale kilts in unrelated tartans because as a Highlander I have the choice of four different highland names, three regional tartans and a religious affiliation tartan. That should be enough to keep me happy.