Clan societies in UK

[Wareyin]

It sounds as though the problem lies with the elected president then. That's a shame, as I would think the regular members would have been quite happy to attend the actual clan celebration as you describe it. I misunderstood your terms and so had the wrong impression.

From my experience on the US side of the pond, the blue face paint and claymore wielders are a tolerated minority. Not how most of us wish to celebrate Scottish culture, but not worthy of more than an eye roll at the Highland Games when you see them. I think of them no worse than those wearing their kilts backwards, and would be surprised if that type of person would spend the substantial time and money required to attend a 3 day event in Scotland.

[kilted2000]

So how can Americans who want to participate in clan events do so? I’ve never been to a Highland Games or a kirkin of the tartan, but I am very interested in history particularly the history of how in less than 100 years highland symbols came to represent all Scotland. How groups such as the Highland Society of London created this identity for themselves. To me the fact that the Allen brothers, Queen Victoria, Scott, and Wilson’s of Bannockburn had a hand I created the image of highland dress as we know it today is what makes it interesting. Clan tartans didn’t come down from the mists of time.
Really my original question was asking about who and why do some Scots interest themselves in these identities and how do they view them. Heritage is more about the present than the past and I’m fascinated in how the past, or versions of the past, are used and interacted with by people today.
I hope these thoughts make some sense, I’m writing at the end of a long and tiring American thanksgiving day.

[Jock Scot]

So how can Americans who want to participate in clan events do so? I’ve never been to a Highland Games or a kirkin of the tartan, but I am very interested in history particularly the history of how in less than 100 years highland symbols came to represent all Scotland. How groups such as the Highland Society of London created this identity for themselves. To me the fact that the Allen brothers, Queen Victoria, Scott, and Wilson’s of Bannockburn had a hand I created the image of highland dress as we know it today is what makes it interesting. Clan tartans didn’t come down from the mists of time.
Really my original question was asking about who and why do some Scots interest themselves in these identities and how do they view them. Heritage is more about the present than the past and I’m fascinated in how the past, or versions of the past, are used and interacted with by people today.
I hope these thoughts make some sense, I’m writing at the end of a long and tiring American thanksgiving day.

Good points.

I really can only speak for myself, but I think most of my answers are fairly universal throughout Scotland.

So speaking for myself, I rarely give my Clan a thought, even when wearing the kilt I rarely give the tartan a thought. I only wear one tartan but I have to admit it is a rare occasion that I actually give it a thought. Yes I know some of the history of my Clan but it most certainly is not in my mind very often, perhaps something like once every month or so. Do I go to Clan events? No. Am I interested in Clan events? No.

Do I do Clan/tartan parades? No.
Kirkin the tartan? No. In fact until I joined this website I had never heard of it. As I understand it, it is a modern non Scottish concoction.
I am fully aware of the romantic history of tartan and the many fanciful ideas that spring from them. I actually rarely give them a thought, other than not taking them seriously. But...............

BUT, I cannot ignore the REAL history, we in Scotland live with a thousand years, or more, of Scottish history all around us! It is hard, impossible even, to ignore! Do I know the historical details of most of it? No. Some of it, perhaps a tad better.

Do I care what Clan anyone belongs to? No. Do I care what part of Scotland those from outwith Scotland and the areas their ancestors came from? No.

So Clan razz-ma-tazz impresses me not. A thousand years and more of Clan involvement with Scottish history on the other hand impresses me a lot and is worth celebrating modestly, even though I rarely think about it.

[Troglodyte]

So how can Americans who want to participate in clan events do so?

Really my original question was asking about who and why do some Scots interest themselves in these identities and how do they view them.

I guess your dilemma is what has led our American kin to do their own thing...

The only way to participate in clan events is to come to Scotland and join in with what the locals are doing, even if that is less than you really want.

To modern day Scots (from what I experience), the clans are a nice idea but mostly irrelevant. Clan societies and associations (both unnecessary terms when it comes to clans) are really there to preserve the clans' traditions and history, and provide a focal point for those with an interest in their cultural past.

As I mentioned, our association is really a form of history society with the clan as its subject. Much has been done to preserve factual record, dispel myth and steady the romance and nonsense that flourished in the 19th century. The Gatherings are really for like-minded kindred spirits to get together and enjoy each other's enthusiasm and share knowledge or research. There is little desire for pageantry as this is abundantly catered for in the Highland Games season.

There are so many games held around Scotland that it is possible to go to several each week if you wanted. These games play up their local clan connections to a degree (such as with the Gordons at Aboyne) but this is incidental to, rather than a motivation for, the games.

Asking the average Scot how he feels about the clans is perhaps like asking and Englishman how he feels about the Normans or Saxons. He might know a bit about them, and may even know that he has a Norman name, but that will be the extent of it. The lack of interest is due to irrelevance to modern life.

This is a pity - which is why a forum such as this is an important link for those who do have an interest, and are eager share their enthusiasm with fellow travellers.

[kilted2000]

Here is what chat gpt said when I asked it:
Aye, I get where ye’re comin’ from! Based on yer wee passage, I’d guess ye’re someone who’s been thinkin’ a fair bit about the modern-day connection folks have—or *don’t* have—with their Scottish heritage, especially the whole clan business. There's a hint of curiosity, maybe even a bit o’ skepticism, about how much this ties into people’s lives in Scotland versus other parts of the world. Ye’re probably keen on exploring the cultural differences between Scottish diaspora communities and how they celebrate (or don’t) their heritage compared to folks still in Scotland.

### My Thoughts on the Passage:
- **Tone**: It comes across as thoughtful and observant, with a sense of respect but also a realistic view of how much clans and tartans matter in modern Scotland. There's a recognition that, for most Scots, clans are more a historical curiosity than an active part of their identity.
- **Assumptions**: Ye’ve got a clear understanding that clans in Scotland today aren’t a big deal for most folk. Ye acknowledge that the kilt, especially the tartan, is more commonly worn for special occasions rather than everyday life.
- **Curiosity**: The fact that yer askin’ about the differences between clan societies in the UK and abroad shows ye’ve noticed that the interest seems to be stronger in places like the US, Canada, and Australia. Ye’re wondering how the experience of these societies differs, especially in terms of things like kilt-wearing and other traditions.

### Differences Between Clan Societies in Scotland vs. Abroad
1. **Level of Engagement**:
- In Scotland, most people don't actively identify with a clan in daily life. The connection tends to be more historical or genealogical, often triggered by curiosity about family history.
- In places like the US, Canada, and Australia, there’s often a stronger romanticized connection to the idea of clans and tartan heritage. For many descendants, it's a way of preserving a sense of identity tied to their Scottish ancestry, especially given their distance from the "homeland."

2. **Events and Gatherings**:
- Clan societies in the UK may have fewer regular gatherings and are often more low-key. Events like the Highland Games or Burns Suppers are more of a national celebration than clan-specific ones.
- In the diaspora, clan societies are often more active, organizing frequent meetups, Highland Games, and ceilidhs to celebrate their Scottish roots. There’s often a sense of community among members, partly because it offers a way to connect with their heritage.

3. **Wearing Kilts and Tartan**:
- Ye’re spot on here—folks in Scotland are usually not walkin' around in kilts unless it’s a wedding, ceilidh, or other formal occasion. And aye, if they wear tartan, it’s often hired for the day.
- In the diaspora, people involved in clan societies may wear kilts more often, especially at events that celebrate Scottish culture. There's often more pride in wearing a clan-specific tartan, even if the person’s connection to that clan is fairly distant.

4. **Purpose of the Societies**:
- In Scotland, clan societies might focus more on historical research, preservation of heritage sites, and promoting cultural knowledge.
- Abroad, they’re often more about community-building and celebrating Scottish culture. For many, it’s a way of asserting an identity that might be several generations removed.

### Final Thoughts
Ye seem to be approaching this with an open mind, wanting to understand why these differences exist. Clan societies abroad often serve as a way for people to connect with their roots, while for most Scots, it's more of a cultural curiosity than a lived identity. The whole romanticized view of clans, tartans, and kilts is something that appeals more to those outside of Scotland as a way of maintaining a link to their ancestors.

Is that the kind of insight ye were hopin' for, or is there another angle ye’d like to explore?

[Jock Scot]

Here is what chat gpt said when I asked it:
Aye, I get where ye’re comin’ from! Based on yer wee passage, I’d guess ye’re someone who’s been thinkin’ a fair bit about the modern-day connection folks have—or *don’t* have—with their Scottish heritage, especially the whole clan business. There's a hint of curiosity, maybe even a bit o’ skepticism, about how much this ties into people’s lives in Scotland versus other parts of the world. Ye’re probably keen on exploring the cultural differences between Scottish diaspora communities and how they celebrate (or don’t) their heritage compared to folks still in Scotland.

### My Thoughts on the Passage:
- **Tone**: It comes across as thoughtful and observant, with a sense of respect but also a realistic view of how much clans and tartans matter in modern Scotland. There's a recognition that, for most Scots, clans are more a historical curiosity than an active part of their identity.
- **Assumptions**: Ye’ve got a clear understanding that clans in Scotland today aren’t a big deal for most folk. Ye acknowledge that the kilt, especially the tartan, is more commonly worn for special occasions rather than everyday life.
- **Curiosity**: The fact that yer askin’ about the differences between clan societies in the UK and abroad shows ye’ve noticed that the interest seems to be stronger in places like the US, Canada, and Australia. Ye’re wondering how the experience of these societies differs, especially in terms of things like kilt-wearing and other traditions.

### Differences Between Clan Societies in Scotland vs. Abroad
1. **Level of Engagement**:
- In Scotland, most people don't actively identify with a clan in daily life. The connection tends to be more historical or genealogical, often triggered by curiosity about family history.
- In places like the US, Canada, and Australia, there’s often a stronger romanticized connection to the idea of clans and tartan heritage. For many descendants, it's a way of preserving a sense of identity tied to their Scottish ancestry, especially given their distance from the "homeland."

2. **Events and Gatherings**:
- Clan societies in the UK may have fewer regular gatherings and are often more low-key. Events like the Highland Games or Burns Suppers are more of a national celebration than clan-specific ones.
- In the diaspora, clan societies are often more active, organizing frequent meetups, Highland Games, and ceilidhs to celebrate their Scottish roots. There’s often a sense of community among members, partly because it offers a way to connect with their heritage.

3. **Wearing Kilts and Tartan**:
- Ye’re spot on here—folks in Scotland are usually not walkin' around in kilts unless it’s a wedding, ceilidh, or other formal occasion. And aye, if they wear tartan, it’s often hired for the day.
- In the diaspora, people involved in clan societies may wear kilts more often, especially at events that celebrate Scottish culture. There's often more pride in wearing a clan-specific tartan, even if the person’s connection to that clan is fairly distant.

4. **Purpose of the Societies**:
- In Scotland, clan societies might focus more on historical research, preservation of heritage sites, and promoting cultural knowledge.
- Abroad, they’re often more about community-building and celebrating Scottish culture. For many, it’s a way of asserting an identity that might be several generations removed.

### Final Thoughts
Ye seem to be approaching this with an open mind, wanting to understand why these differences exist. Clan societies abroad often serve as a way for people to connect with their roots, while for most Scots, it's more of a cultural curiosity than a lived identity. The whole romanticized view of clans, tartans, and kilts is something that appeals more to those outside of Scotland as a way of maintaining a link to their ancestors.

Is that the kind of insight ye were hopin' for, or is there another angle ye’d like to explore?

Why is it that I am not surprised by the answers, above, to your question?