Clan Heraldry: What you can and can't wear and display

[Chas]

Actually in Scotland 'clan' refers to descendants of extended client groups in the Highlands and in the Borders. It is not a word 'reserved' for those in either geographical region, but it is considered as not pertaining to the families and tenants of Lowland names. For that reason Douglases, Hamiltons, and Bruces are not -- in Scotland -- considered 'clans', but Macdonalds, Mackenzies, Macgregors, Cunninghams, Kerrs and Scotts are.

Strange, Lord Lyon recognises Hamilton and Bruce as Clans and Douglas as an Armigerous Clan, but only because the Chief is the same person as the Chief of Clan Hamilton (Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 16th Duke of Hamilton).