Clan societies in UK

[Troglodyte]

Some of these issues may not be purely cultural. It’s possible that there are legal issues involved in running a non-profit organization in the different countries that contributes to a relative lack of cooperation.

I have no doubt that is true.

However, my point about how my clan association is run, was to show that only American clansmen want to do things on their own and separately from the rest of the clan - the others (Canadians, Aussies, Kiwis, etc) are members of the original Scottish association.

There is no practical reason why the American association should be a completely separate and independent organisation, operating for American clansmen only. The message this gives others is that they either see themselves as the true clan, or not as part of the real clan at all. This, naturally, engenders different ideas of what it means to be a clan member.

The need to do things (the same things, for the most part) separately from the rest of the clan shows a distinctly different set of ideas, principles, needs and desires at a clan level in America. I guess this is why the question at the start of this thread was posed - and which might have been asked in these terms: 'Why do Scots at home in Scotland do Scottish cultural things differently?'

Our clan association is all about the preservation of its history, cuture and traditions, and the wearing of the clan tartans is only 'encouraged' as there is no obligation to do so. Having a great selection of kilts in different tartans is an exceptionally rare thing in Scotland.

I once heard my chief say at one of our Gatherings when the American group took themselves off on their own, that 'They always want a pageant...' It seems that the history/clan culture thing is all very well for the others, but our American kin prefer to dress-up and have a parade. Tartan banners and all.

I cannot speak for any other clan, but that's not our way - which is what I think Kilted 2000 has noticed and so poses the question.

My impression is that what and how we do clan things in Scotland is a disappointment to our American visitors much of the time. A kind of 'Is this all there is..?' mood prevails.