Quote Originally Posted by Bill
Hello all!

The clock was ticking with the arrival date of sometime in October (hopefully in time for our anniversary). Suddenly klaxons began to sound and the numbers on the clock went blank to be replaced by the flashing words EARLY ARRIVAL: EARLY ARRIVAL! As I write this a 8 yarder is winding its way to me via UPS due sometime this week. I feel like a kid the week before Christmas time is at a standstill.

My question is this: the kilt is made from the MacNeil of Barra tartan (My wifes' clan of heritage) chosen by me to honor her is it proper or in good taste for me to wear my Clan Badge (Stuart of Bute) whilst wearing her tartan? Should I look to something generic in the way of a badge or forgo the badge altogether? Should I perhaps wear hers?

Slainte!
Bill

P.S. On another note I just made a very good buy on a jacket from Mark O'Connell
and I want to pass on the information that he still has two jackets and two kilts available at a very reasonable price. He can be contacted at orangehaggis@aol.com to inquire about these and other items.
Good question, Bill: technically, by wearing the crest badge of the Clan Chief (the so-called "Clan Badge"), you are declaring your fealty to that Chieftain and his clan. While wearing the badge of one Chief and the tartan of another clan might cause some confusion among those of us who like to play "ID the tartan" at games, Burns Nights, etc., I don't feel strongly about it -- just take care to explain that the badge belongs to your Clan's Chief, whilst the tartan is honour of your wife's clan.

Of course, there are some suitable alternatives to the "Clan Badge", such as the badge with the buckle and strap and St. Andrew and his cross, the patron of Scotland, or a Scottish Thistle -- both the Saltire and Thistle are national badges of Scotland, so they would be appropriate as well.

Matt Newsome is our other student of the "gentle science" of heraldry, so I'll yield the floor to him for further comment.

Cheers,

Todd