Clan societies in UK

[Troglodyte]

I wonder if the American group is even aware that you are holding a different gathering? Is that something that has even been mentioned? Have the American group's leaders been asked why they have organized their own events? I suspect that the average member of the American Society wouldn't even think that their event wasn't the same as the Clan's.

As for pageantry, if the Americans are used to seeing that at home I can also see why paying the thousands of dollars to visit Scotland and getting much more subdued displays and archeological talks would be a let down. It might even be so subdued that they don't recognize it as a celebration at all.

This is all speculation, of course.

That's just the thing - they were fully aware..!

I know, because I was the one who informed them of the potential dates for our Gathering, and had been acting as unofficial liaison officer to keep the Americans informed of the clan's plans.

Which is why their own separate programme and timing is all the more surprising.

When I say there is no pageantry, what I mean is it is unlike what I see at Games in the USA, where the clans form up and parade and shout their slogans and all that kind of thing. We have no blue-faced, great kilt wearing and claymore-weilding characters. And, is has to be admitted, many in Scotland find the Kirkin' o' the Tartan comical.

That kind of parading and dressing-up fun is great, and I discourage no-one if that's their thing, but our Gatherings are more authentic and genuine in their real Highland cultural style. Our Gatherings usually take the form of an initial mustering in the grounds of the chief's castle and a procession led by pipers to the main entrance, where the chief and his family are waiting in welcome.

Formalities are gone through, castle doors are thrown open, and the events get underway. There is only so much that can be done within the castle, but these tend to be things that cannot be found elsewhere - much of it is very museum-like. Outside, it is more what you might expect, with all kinds of entertainments of the festival kind. In addition, the usually three-day Gathering is timed to fit in with the local Highland Games, and these are arranged to be part of the Gathering. Coach-trip visits to significant locations for informal ceremonies or presentations also feature.

Sometimes it is the second night, sometimes the last night, but there is usually a ceilidh of sorts - either formal where splendid ancient artefact-style Highland dress gets pulled out of the attic for the occasion, and it's a proper sit-down meal, or it may be a more casual buffet and less dressing-up. We like to vary these things, but we party big-time, Highland style and it's a great atmosphere - sadly, though (at least at the Gatherings I have attended), our American contingent always leaves as the music starts. No-one understands why.

I believe you are right about the average American member's awareness. I have long had the impression that the American association regards itself as The Clan, and they are aware that there may be some others with the same name in Scotland and possibly elsewhere. But that these have no relevance - as I said before, the chief is regarded as such in title only: the real chief is the American assocoation's president for that year, with badges, chains of office, feathers and all.

What I hear a surprising amount of from our American membership, is the comparison between members of who is a truer or more genuine member of the clan. DNA testing has done much to back up some claims, with results 'proving' they are related to the chief sometime in the past 15 generations or so. This baffles us back at home, where such things have no real value - as everyone has a connection of some sort.

Being a member of a clan, especially these days, is much more about attitude and sense of belonging than of surname. If you accept the chief as the chief, you are a clansman. Simple as that. And this is why our clan's objectives opens the membership to anyone who has a genuine interest in the clan and it's history.

It's a good thing, too! Our long-serving association committee secretary has the name of our clan's arch-enemy neighbouring clan, whose chief and family are often guests of honour at our Gatherings. I often wonder what our ancestors of 300 years ago would make of that.

And it's good in another way. The DNA programme has revealed that what has alwyas been regarded as a branch of the clan originating in the opposite side of Scotland, but with the reason for the separation being a mystery, has, in fact, no connection at all. It seems they adopted the Aglicised version of our name as theirs sounds similar in Gaelic. Strictly speaking, these are not clan at all, and a good chunk of the American association's members descend from these mystery folk - and many now resent the DNA findings. It is only slight, but I have become aware of a them-and-us difference forming.

But, as a clan back home in Scotland, we are indifferent. As I said about our clan's membership conditions, these mystery folk meet the requirements and are perfectly accepted - most importantly by the chief. Indeed, it can be seen as the same as in the old days when wandering people would seek out the protection of a welcoming clan chief, and would be absorbed seemlessly into the new clan within a generation.

It's a great pity our American kin see themselves as, and so want to be, separate from the clan still in Scotland.