Quote Originally Posted by kilted scholar View Post
It so happened that I found it difficult to sleep last night and took to reading the foreword to Robert Bain, The Clans and Tartans of Scotland (Glasgow: Fontana/Collins, 1985), written by The Right Honourable the Countess of Erroll 27th Hereditary Lord High Constable, the late head of Scottish Chivalry and holder of the office which has precedence over every hereditary honour in Scotland after the Blood Royal (p.6).

This should produce some reassurance for our friends from North America. The Countess wrote, p.7

"... all the bearers of great Scottish Names share alike in their ancient traditions. It is this brotherhood ... which links all Scots together and is so marked a feature of our countrymen wherever they may be. [my emphasis] We are all one family of Scots ..."

Later Margaret O. MacDougall, writing on the dress of the Highlander, affirms that "those who wear tartan and the Highland dress are helping to preserve the costume of our Scottish ancestors." (p. 31).

One brotherhood - wherever they may be - preserving the traditions and costume [sic] of our ancestors.

That, friends, comes not from North America but from Scotland and is a note on which I think it is far better to dwell.
This is fine for the Ex-pat himself, but in My opinion, NOT for his friggin' ggggggggrandson!