Approved arms for the Tennessee Valley Scottish Society.

[BCAC]

As far as the Macphersons are concerned, the clan is the association and vice versa. The Clan Macpherson Association isn't some sort of separate entity from the clan as a whole. Sure, there are indeed individual Macphersons who are elected into positions of leadership (some born, such as the Chief and Chieftains) within the organisation and structure of the Association, yet they are still Macpherson clansmen and clanswomen of the worldwide, extended family that is the Clan Macpherson. However, I do understand where you are coming from and I think from the Lyon Court perspective, the Lord Lyon can grant Arms to a specific society, company or association. Is this all a matter of semantics? I don't know. I'm a bit confused about the issue myself!

This is really confusing.

Scott (a specialist if ever there was one!) says "You are right insofar as Arms may only be granted to an individual" and then goes on to say "Arms may also be granted to "companies", that is assemblies of persons brought together for a single, common purpose." The second phrase seeming (in my mind) to contradict the first phrase. My head is spinning.

Also, you say "As far as the Macphersons are concerned, the clan is the association and vice versa", which to my mind (once again) seems a funny way of looking at things because that would exclude someone with the name (and bloodline) of Macpherson from the clan if he hasn't joined the clan association, creating "first class (associative)" clan members and others who just happen to have the same name and blood line but because they haven't joined a club are considered less clansmen than those who have. What about people who have the same name and blood line (which, in my mind makes them clansmen by right, from birth, with no need to ask or to join any club) who lives in an isolated area where there are no associations or other sort of clubs to be found?

Maybe I'll just have to stay confused on these heraldry matters, but I hope that it never comes to pass when a clansmen has to ask (and to pay) to become a member of his clan (which is, to my mind, a birthright).

Edited to add: I must apologise to Harold for derailing his thread. If I have understood correctly you may now proceed to have your society's arms registered by the Lord Lyon. Again, well done.