Cameron of Erracht appropriateness

**Downunder Kilt** · 22nd February 13, 11:03 PM

On this site is a downloadable copy of the History of the 79th, should you be interested
http://archive.org/details/historicalrecord00grearich
The tartan was allegedly created at the time of the raising of the regiment and according to the Scottish Register of Tartans has never been adopted by the clan chief as a clan tartan

**TheOfficialBren** · 22nd February 13, 11:09 PM

Thank you, DK. Am I correct in assuming that it is considered a Universal tartan, then? I am aware of the clan tartan tradition being relatively recent but really like that tartan and wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes.

I should bookend this by saying that I stick to clan tartans that I am connected with and universal tartans.

**Downunder Kilt** · 23rd February 13, 12:00 AM

As it not been adopted by the Clan Chief as per the S.R.O.T. Registration notes: Designed for the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders raised by Alan Cameron of Erracht in 1793. It was never adopted by the clan. Further information can be found in 'The Scottish Regiments', 2nd edition, by Dr. Diana Henderson. HarperCollins Publishers, 1996. It is also classed as a military tartan by that institution, so there is no clan affiliation. I believe that Tobus has a ex army kilt in this tartan, but I don't know if he has any affiliation with a regiment that wore it.

I don't really know if you would put it in the "universal" class or not

**figheadair** · 23rd February 13, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

As it not been adopted by the Clan Chief as per the S.R.O.T. Registration notes: Designed for the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders raised by Alan Cameron of Erracht in 1793. It was never adopted by the clan. Further information can be found in 'The Scottish Regiments', 2nd edition, by Dr. Diana Henderson. HarperCollins Publishers, 1996. It is also classed as a military tartan by that institution, so there is no clan affiliation. I believe that Tobus has a ex army kilt in this tartan, but I don't know if he has any affiliation with a regiment that wore it.

I don't really know if you would put it in the "universal" class or not

The Erracht is not a universal tartan in the commonly accepted terms but as there is no such thing as a 'right' to wear any particular tartan there is no reason why it should not be worn by anyone that likes it. I have no Cameron or 79th affiliations but I used to have a 79th NY Highlanders' reconstruction kilt because of just that - I liked it.

Although the chief has apparently never explicitly adopted it he/they have done implicitly. The current clan website says of it that The tartan worn in the McIan print and by Lochiel is Cameron of Lochiel and is normally only worn by members of the family .

Historically speaking the S.R.O.T. Registration notes are incorrect. The tartan was not designed for the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (there was a King on the throne in1793) but for the 79th Regiment of Foot (Cameron's).

**Lorna** · 23rd February 13, 07:24 AM

Although this thread is not asking the same question that you are, there may be some information in it that you may find interesting. Happy kilting!

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=76407

**guardsman** · 23rd February 13, 10:55 AM

Erracht tartan is not recognised by the Chief Lochiel, wonder if this is anything to do with the Camerons of Erracht trying to sieze the captaincy of the Clan a long long time ago. Only tartan for Camerons is the Cameron basic, Lochiels is for the Chief and his family only unless granted .

**TheOfficialBren** · 23rd February 13, 12:36 PM

Thank you for your insight, chaps. I really appreciate it. This tartan has been on my "would be nice to have" list for a while but I make it a personal rule to only wear tartans that I have a connection to or are not another clans tartan. I am aware that there re no hard set rules on this tartan thing but the unspoken gentleman's agreement is a factor for me. With that said, it seems that I might be safe with this tartan.

**Tobus** · 26th February 13, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

As it not been adopted by the Clan Chief as per the S.R.O.T. Registration notes: Designed for the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders raised by Alan Cameron of Erracht in 1793. It was never adopted by the clan. Further information can be found in 'The Scottish Regiments', 2nd edition, by Dr. Diana Henderson. HarperCollins Publishers, 1996. It is also classed as a military tartan by that institution, so there is no clan affiliation. I believe that Tobus has a ex army kilt in this tartan, but I don't know if he has any affiliation with a regiment that wore it.

I don't really know if you would put it in the "universal" class or not

Just for the record, and to clear up any confusion, the ex-MOD kilt I have is QOH, Seaforth (MacKenzie), not COE.

**Downunder Kilt** · 26th February 13, 12:35 PM

My bad Tobus, thanks for correcting me, age does not weary me but plays hell with the memory sometimes.

**Grizzly** · 26th February 13, 12:47 PM

I am thinking that I will write directly to Lochiel on this matter. As I have never written to a Clan Chief before is there a correct form of salutation that I should use?