Cameron Tartan

[Grizzly]

I think if we look again at the listing and wording for the Cameron of Lochiel tartan on the Clan website

"2) Cameron of Lochiel: This red and blue tartan is similar to that worn by the 18th Chief, Donald "The Gentle Lochiel" Cameron in a portrait hanging at Achnacarry. It was first illustrated in 1810 in Wilson's Collection. This is the personal tartan of the Chief and his immediate family; as a rule it should not be worn by clansfolk".

the wording does not mention either restricted or reserved, therefore I surmise from this that the tartan is neither. Only that it is generally accepted that the tartan, whilst technically available to all is accepted as being the personal tartan of the Lochiel and out of respect and convention should not be worn by clansfolk.

Its just not the done thing old bean.

[davidg]

Thus far, a satisfactory answer is eluding me!

The answer, I think, is simply one of misunderstanding of terms and misguided thinking in general about "rules" on different internet sites

In this case what is being thought of as a rule is merely the wish of the clan and its chief. They want their chief to wear Lochiel and the clansmen to wear something different but in the same way that you do not need to be a Cameron to wear the Cameron tartan (because nobody can physically stop you) nor do you have to be the Chief to wear the Lochiel tartan (because nobody can physically stop you). It's not good form to break the conventions, as we both know, but it's not against the law either. It would be disrespectful though and that may be the reason why only the two mills seem to be weaving the Lochiel tartan as a stock item

[Grizzly]

Snap I think we both just said the same thing.

This is Trevor Macdonald for News at 10 , Achnacarry

[davidg]

Snap I think we both just said the same thing

Isn't it a pain when you post and somebody else just beat you to it

[Grizzly]

Great minds think alike, I think we have a consensus now.

[figheadair]

They're not saying anything Jock. They simply would not be allowed to sell a restricted tartan without permission of the holder of the rights. As this tartan was designed in 1840, if memory serves me correctly, it cannot possibly be restricted under international copyright law as nobody holds the rights any longer than 75 years after the death of the copyright holder

Actually Wilsons were weaving it a early as 1800.

[Riverkilt]

Don't overlook the Cameron Black and Red from the House of Edgar's Old and Rare collection.

[lukeyrobertson]

Thanks guys. I'm much more enlightened now. I appreciate the thoughts and especially the reference to the cameron website. Excellent help.

[lukeyrobertson]

Just another thought/question. What say the Camerons on the board about the wearing of Cameron of Erracht tartan? The clan website identifies this as a regimental tartan for the most part, but widely worn as a Cameron tartan. Would convention then say that it is OK to wear the Erracht tartan for other than regimental purposes?

[Grizzly]

Would convention then say that it is OK to wear the Erracht tartan for other than regimental purposes?

Absolutely no problem. My clan is Cameron and as soon as funds allow I will be getting a Cameron of Erracht ancient tank. I am not from a services background but would have no qualms about wearing it. The Cameron of Erracht Tartan has been adopted as one of the four tartans ascribed to Camerons and is not restricted or reserved or a personal tartan so is therefore available to all Camerons and everyone else for that matter, (as there are no laws prohibiting the wearing of any tartan you choose to wear, there are only conventions and historical connections.)