Clan adoption?

[caig]

Hi Atticus. You could ask Clan Farquharson for membership. They are linked to Clan Chattan (pronounced Hattan). Look at the web sites:
UK is farquharson-clan.co.uk.

As a former President of the Clan I would be happy to give you every support.

I will e-mail you the lkast 2 newsletters.

[macwilkin]

Daz,

Just because a clan society is based in Scotland doesn't mean that it is "better" than one based in North America. I have seen good and bad societies in both Scotland and North America, and many times, the North American society is a branch of the Scottish society, with a represenative of the Chief/Society President appointed to represent the society in the "colonies". Many clan/family societies have no base in Scotland because none have been organized, so the folks overseas take it upon themselves -- and many Chiefs live in the US, Canada, Australia, etc. because of the diaspora.

COSCA is primarily a "networking" organisation for clan societies, and provides limited genealogical information for those at Highland Games looking to find some "connection" to a clan.

You mentioned the Singh tartan: Lord Singh designed the tartan not as a money-maker, but as a way for the newest immigrants to Scotland, the South Asian Sikhs, as a way to identify their heritage and show their pride in being Scottish residents as well. Lord Singh is a devotee of Robert Burns and had had his poems translated into Punjabi.

No offence, just a differing opinion there...your posts are always thought-provoking! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd

[Scotus]

Clan societies have different requirements to join, so you might check out some of those. Some clan societies require that you or an ancestor possess the name of the clan, or at least that of a recognized "sept" of the clan. Others are not so strict; for example, Clan MacKay will accept anyone who has an interest. My advice, as far as adopting a clan, would be to check out clan societies that don't require possession of the clan name.

The advice about wearing a district tartan kilt was also a very good one.

[highlander_Daz]

No offence meant to anyone, were all friends, however Im always wary of organisations that have "inc" or "corp" or "co" as more often than not these are businesses and businesses are there to make money, Im not suggesting that COSCA is in anyway unscrupulous or a money making venture, however I you only have to walk along the Royal mile to see the lengths that some people will go to to "cash in" on Scotlands heritage, selling basically rubbish to unsuspecting tourists, Im sure there are organisations here that are not 100%.
As far as Tartans go I appreciate your comments about lord Singh, Scotland is a very diverse country and because of our falling population (now less than 5 million) immigrants are made very welcome, however my point is its very different to have a tartan to celibrate Lord Singhs contribution to scotland and to have a Tartan that is purely to sell shoddy tartanarama to everyone called Singh, which is unfortunatly what happens, Im sure hamish will back me up as I know hes been in some of the shops on the Royal mile many times ive watched tourists handing over money for dishcloth material kilts and useless bagpipes anyway back to clan organisations Im sure the Majority of clan associations are superb both in Scotland and abroad, however as a Scot I my heritage as a very special and I know that all the Scots and Irish descended members will to. and if I seem suspicious or some of these organisations based abroad then I apologise to all concerned, I hope you find a clan organisation that suits you, Id be temped to find a nice Tartan you really like then join that one.
good luck

[macwilkin]

Daz,

No offence taken, Daz; many of the clan societies over here make little or no money; dues mostly pay for newsletter costs and operating expenses, but few clan societies are "in the black". The ones that are give away a lot of their money for scholarships and other charitable activities here and in Scotland (one clan society I know of actively supports the Clan's heritage center in an old church in Northern Scotland). There are always some bad apples in the bunch, but for the most part, the clan societies do some good things, both genealogical & other wise.

Many times they have an "inc." after their name because incorporation is required by the state and federal government for tax purposes; most societies are not-for-profit groups.

Cheers,

Todd

[highlander_Daz]

Thanks Todd, Im always amazed how Scottish culture has spread all over the world, and it warms me to see enthusiasts such as yourself and other members for all things celtic! we all know that you dont need to be a Scots or Scots descent to wear the Kilt, but the Kilts so closely associated with scotland I suppose the celtic interest is a spin off!!
As I said before Im sure the clan associations there are superb, and they do say that before you know where your going you need to know where you came from!!
Im aware that quite often written messages can often be misinterpreted, be assured that I mean no disrespect to anyone or any organisation, however scepticism is a very scottish trait, and Im afraid youll have to indulge me on that !!
I would urge everyone with an interest in celtic culture to visit Scotland at some stage, But be aware it is very different than you imagine, but a warm welcome awaits all !! and to our friend who started this thread, fear not if you cant find "your" clan -you dont need one, you dont even need to be a full or part blooded Scot, just an Interest in celtic culture and to wear whatever tartan you choose with pride and dignity-its not Fancy dress or a costume its a symbol of a race of people that still today make a difference.

[KiltedBishop]

I always say I am Irish by blood and Clan Morgan by spirit. One of my high school teachers was a VERY proud Morgan, and he was very much like a father to me. He never had any children of his own so to honor him what he did I took Morgan as my middle name. I always felt like he was my father. I then asked around to a few names he gave me and was welcomed into Clan Morgan. so your heart can be the tie, not just the blood it pumps.