Who Belongs to the Clan?

**Father Bill** · 3rd September 13, 01:17 PM

I expect that others may have other perspectives, but I think I'm close to being clear on this one!

**ThistleDown** · 3rd September 13, 01:43 PM

You are, Father Bill. Membership in a clan is yours by birth or, as in the case cited by Johnny Selkie, through 'adoption' by the chief. Think of the clan as your own family, those who have married into your family, and those who have been adopted by your family's patriarch or chief. Some members of your family may also belong to a social club which accepts anybody who wants to join by paying its dues, or maybe only those who have your particular surname. Your family and the social club are not the same. In thinking this through also keep in mind that the clan is a patriarchy with an hereditary leader and -- usually, but not always -- the social club is a democracy with an elected head. The difference is enormous and understanding that is essential to understanding the significance of the OP's question.

**Johnny Selkie** · 8th September 13, 09:40 AM

The thing in my case is that its been easier for me to get a hold of the clan chief in person (Malcolm Sinclair which was a great experience by the way) than those who are running the UK branch of the Clan Sinclair society website.
I do consider myself a clansman, but I can't help feeling that it might make more sense to the man in the street (at least here in Norway) if I also became a member of the clan society. What do you think I should do?

**ThistleDown** · 9th September 13, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Johnny Selkie

The thing in my case is that its been easier for me to get a hold of the clan chief in person (Malcolm Sinclair which was a great experience by the way) than those who are running the UK branch of the Clan Sinclair society website.
I do consider myself a clansman, but I can't help feeling that it might make more sense to the man in the street (at least here in Norway) if I also became a member of the clan society. What do you think I should do?

That's very difficult for you, Johnny. In the short-term perhaps you can simply accept that Caithness has acknowledged you as a Sinclair clansman and continue to wait for a response from the UK society. Be patient with them; those who run these little socities are all volunteers and some have been shoe-horned into roles they may not be perfectly adapted to. Eventually someone will notice you rapping at the door and, be assured, they will let you in. Don't be concerned about the 'man in the street'; tell anyone who asks that you have a friend in the Earl of Caithness and that's good enough for you. I wish you well.

**Johnny Selkie** · 11th September 13, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

That's very difficult for you, Johnny. In the short-term perhaps you can simply accept that Caithness has acknowledged you as a Sinclair clansman and continue to wait for a response from the UK society. Be patient with them; those who run these little socities are all volunteers and some have been shoe-horned into roles they may not be perfectly adapted to. Eventually someone will notice you rapping at the door and, be assured, they will let you in. Don't be concerned about the 'man in the street'; tell anyone who asks that you have a friend in the Earl of Caithness and that's good enough for you. I wish you well.

Thanks for your great advice ThistleDown. I guess I just have to be patient then and keep on waiting in order to be accepted in the clan society.