Cameron Tartan

**Jock Scot** · 12th December 11, 09:09 AM

A chat with Donald Cameron of Lochiel, Chief of Clan Cameron.

I spent a very happy day shooting with Donald Cameron of Lochiel and his charming family and friends. During the day I took the opportunity to ask him about "the restricted Cameron Tartan".

Basically the "cat is out of the bag" and whilst the Chief and his family do not like the situation one bit, there is little that they can do, other to make it known that they would prefer that only the Chief of Clan Cameron's immediate Family should wear their tartan and others of the Cameron Clan should wear the other Cameron tartans.

The Chief then added rather tersely that he would be very angry if someone who was not a family member turned up at his home at Achnacarry wearing HIS(the Chief's) family's tartan and would not be made welcome there.

So we are in the realms of "its just not done old boy" and in my not so humble opinion, the Chief's wishes should be respected, regardless of the contrary technicalities.

**longhuntr74** · 12th December 11, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by davidg

The clan "reserving" that tartan for the chief is NOT the same as legally "restricting" it which they simply cannot do. Anyone outside of the clan can actually wear what they want, even if that does not respect the wishes of the clan or its chief

Could you imagine wearing this tartan in a kilt at ANY highland games where there were Cameron's present.? We've had several threads lately about the "kilt police." Can you imagine how much angst and scorn you would create amongst the Camerons who are aware of this tartan and the convention. You'd probably be verbally accosted at least 5 times in a single day!!!

**creagdhubh** · 12th December 11, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

BE WARNED. The Cameron of Lochiel tartan IS restricted to The Can Chief and his immediate family.

Just as the "Macpherson of Cluny" tartan is restricted to Cluny and his immediate family. It would be in poor taste to arrive at Newton Castle, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, (seat of the present Chief - not Cluny Castle in Laggan, which was sold to cover a rather sizeable debt in the early 20th-century) wearing a kilt of Macpherson of Cluny tartan. Of course, with our Chief being such a kind soul, and a true gentleman, he would never confront the wearer - but others might!

Good advice, Jock...

**Foxgun Tom** · 12th December 11, 04:53 PM

No self-respecting Cameron would or should wear the Clan Chief's personal tartan unless they were members of the imediate family!! it would be shameful and disrespectful!! My muted hunting Cameron, kilt and waistcoat!

Tom

**BoldHighlander** · 12th December 11, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Foxgun Tom

My muted hunting Cameron, kilt and waistcoat!

Tom

***

**lukeyrobertson** · 12th December 11, 05:13 PM

Jock, what a great opportunity to clear the air and get to the source of the matter. Thank you.

Foxgun, what a finely appointed out fit. Which weaving company wove the cloth? And what weight is it? It' very nice.

**Foxgun Tom** · 12th December 11, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by lukeyrobertson

Jock, what a great opportunity to clear the air and get to the source of the matter. Thank you.

Foxgun, what a finely appointed out fit. Which weaving company wove the cloth? And what weight is it? It' very nice.

Weight: 13oz
Mill: House of Edgar, Loch Carron do a 17oz
Range: Old and Rare
Width: Single
Code: MWS2039

Have a look at this link:
http://www.kiltmakers.com/tartan/search?name=CAMERON

**CameronCat** · 12th December 11, 06:03 PM

I'm SO glad this thread resurfaced. I've just come across an interesting bit but wasn't sure where to post it.

JockScot has of course "got it in one"...when the Chief expresses a preference, we should honor it. Not as a matter of "law", but as a matter of courtesy. If the family prefers that one reserved to the family, that's just the way it is. We get that, or should.

For other reasons, over the weekend I was on various Cameron websites and ended up chasing the links to the Cameron Museum and Gift shop. For those not aware, the building is on the grounds of Achnacarry, perhaps a scant 1/4 mile from the Chief's home.

The on-line store and the physical gift shop both offer various ties, scarves, tams, etc in the Lochiel tartan, available for unrestricted sale to all.

So, in view of his recent comments, what might Donald Cameron say to a guest who appeared wearing a Lochiel necktie purchased in the clan museum? Interesting, non?

Side note One: Personally, I find the modern Cameron tartan a bit loud for my taste and instead have the Cameron Erracht high on my list of things to get. Lots of folks on this list have 'em, Camerons or not.

Side note Two: I had not seen the "old and rare" from House of Edgar. It's just stunning, and the pics show it make a VERY smart kilt. Nicely done!

**Jock Scot** · 13th December 11, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by CameronCat

The on-line store and the physical gift shop both offer various ties, scarves, tams, etc in the Lochiel tartan, available for unrestricted sale to all.

So, in view of his recent comments, what might Donald Cameron say to a guest who appeared wearing a Lochiel necktie purchased in the clan museum? Interesting, non?

Stone the flippin crows! Just when I thought I had it all sorted!

I cannot answer that question I am afraid. What I will say, if it helps, that both Lochiel and I were talking about HIS tartan used in kilts. I have to confess that it did not occur to me to think of any other sort of tartan clothing.

As you appear to know the ground, I was stood just in front of the museum waiting for a pheasant to fly over-----lots did---- and many of the wonderful old trees that abound on that part of the estate had succumbed to the ravages of the recent storm. A sad sight I am afraid, but plans are already afoot for new trees to be planted.

**CameronCat** · 13th December 11, 03:09 PM

Stone the flippin crows! Just when I thought I had it all sorted! I cannot answer that question I am afraid. What I will say, if it helps, that both Lochiel and I were talking about HIS tartan used in kilts. I have to confess that it did not occur to me to think of any other sort of tartan clothing.

I really wasn't trying to wind anyone up, but you'll admit it is an interesting philosophical lapse. Obviously, it takes much more consideration to select a tartan for a kilt than to buy an accessory such as a tie or scarf. I would guess that many people who own such small items (purchased elsewhere, not at the museum) couldn't tell you the name of the tartan without looking at the label; they just bought it because it's attractive.

And I suspect that, like many others, the museum simply buys its stock from "The Greater International Tartan Item Supply Co, Ltd." or similar.
"What clan you want, Cameron? Yeah we got eight of 'em. We'll send 'em all on the next delivery."

But, in fairness, I also wonder if Lochiel has had a word in with the many mills and tartan wholesalers, perhaps inviting them to remind customers of his preference. He can't restrict their trade but he can probably get their attention on the matter.

As you appear to know the ground, I was stood just in front of the museum waiting for a pheasant to fly over-----lots did---- and many of the wonderful old trees that abound on that part of the estate had succumbed to the ravages of the recent storm. A sad sight I am afraid, but plans are already afoot for new trees to be planted.

I do indeed know the ground and have been there twice. Those majestic trees are part of the estate's charm, and I'm sorry to hear of the loss.

I also envy your proximity to pheasants. Here in SE Pennsylvania, they have become rare due to development and loss of habitat. I used to see them all time as a kid but have only encountered one or two in the past 10 years, and those only in remote or park-like locations. Beautiful birds -- lucky you!