Writing one's clan chief

[Sir William]

Lady Chief ,find that unusual and interesting,in research i see there is a few. Shame our heritage is disappearing.No doubt will only be a legend soon

Perhaps what is sadder is that the rightful heir to the title didn't want to be bothered. If she hadn't taken on the responsibilities, we would not have a Chief.

I have no problem with a lady chief; it's not like she is going to be leading the clan with broadsword in hand into battle (though she strikes me as one who might do so if necessary).

[AJBryant]

I have no problem with a lady chief; it's not like she is going to be leading the clan with broadsword in hand into battle (though she strikes me as one who might do so if necessary).

Hey, it worked for Boudicca. Well, for a while, anyway. ;)

[piperdbh]

Perhaps what is sadder is that the rightful heir to the title didn't want to be bothered. If she hadn't taken on the responsibilities, we would not have a Chief.

I know of a clan which had a lady chief who had no children of her own, and her "heir" was her niece, who is doing a fine job "chiefing".

[Chas]

I have scanned six pages of Debrett's Correct Form - the last word, I think, on Titles, Style and Precedence in the UK and the rest of the World.

This should give all the information required for, writing to, speaking to and speaking about, your Chief. It does require you to know your chief's name and designation and titles (if any).













Regards

Chas

[Thomas H]

This is a great thread , I have never thought about writing my cheif , But I am now
looking into it .
My clan members have told me at the games that our cheif does not want to be bothered
and that he is not into the whole clans thing , This is sad as I would have loved to talk to him.
I guess if he does not read the letter , no big deal but at least I will have sent it right

[Violet]

Chas, the Debrett's scan that you posted answers the question beautifully. Thank you for your trouble; you've educated or re-educated us all.

Be well,

[ScotFree]

I have scanned six pages of Debrett's Correct Form - the last word, I think, on Titles, Style and Precedence in the UK and the rest of the World.

This should give all the information required for, writing to, speaking to and speaking about, your Chief. It does require you to know your chief's name and designation and titles (if any).

Regards

Chas

Superb information. Thank you Chas! I never thought to look in Debrett's. They are rather the acknowledged authority on these things. Its just the information I was looking for.

[EagleJCS]

OK. Thanks Chas, that makes it somewhat clearer, but what if one's chief is holder of a title in the peerage, such as Earl, Marquis, or even Duke?

To quote Debrett's (from p. 90 of Chas's scans):

"In Scotland, it is normal to write to chiefs, chieftans and lairds by their designation or estate and not by their surname."

But on p. 91, when discussing a female chief:

"If she possesses a title, she is addressed as such."

Do I take it, then, that the highest title is the one to go by, even if you're writing the individual in question in their capacity as chief of one's clan?

[Chas]

OK. Thanks Chas, that makes it somewhat clearer, but what if one's chief is holder of a title in the peerage, such as Earl, Marquis, or even Duke?

To quote Debrett's (from p. 90 of Chas's scans):

But on p. 91, when discussing a female chief:

Do I take it, then, that the highest title is the one to go by, even if you're writing the individual in question in their capacity as chief of one's clan?

I cannot say that I am an expert on this, but I think that there is a difference between a clansman writing to his Chief (where it would be Dear Chief (p90)) and you or me writing to some chief or other enquiring about the use of their field for a local horse show. In which case I would use the highest title and their chiefly title together (Your grace the Duke of Dinnerplate, Chief of Clan Teacup).

Like a lot of these things, conventions have evolved over the years through use or lack of use and anomalies arise. Often it is important, but those that need to know, know, and the rest of us just have to get on with it.

Regards

Chas

[Chas]

Do I take it, then, that the highest title is the one to go by, even if you're writing the individual in question in their capacity as chief of one's clan?

I think that as a general rule of thumb, you are correct - go for the highest title. There are exceptions. One being the military, where the rank comes first - Captain the Lord Teacup or Major Doctor Jones.

There is also a thing called Courtesy Titles. If a man is the Earl of Highchair, he might very well also hold a lower title (Baron Footstool) which is loaned to his eldest son during the father's lifetime by courtesy. So if we address the Baron Footstool, Chief of Clan Heartrug, we will be addressing the Chief's son and not the Chief.

This works in all walks of life. When I was growing up, I learned who I had to call Sir and who I could call Mr Jones. Who I could call George and who I could call Oi You Idiot. This has stood me in good stead throughout my life.

Regards

Chas