Clan regalia with National tartan

[macwilkin]

OK, I'm expecting a lot of different opinions on this one...

I own a kilt in Cornish National tartan (currently my only kilt) and wear it proudly as a reference to my Cornish ancestry on my paternal side.

My mother was a Rutherford, which means (according to various sources) that I have a connection to Clan Home.

While I understand that I am free to do whatever I like as far as tartans etc. are concerned, would it be considered a major faux pas to wear Clan Home regalia (e.g. badge, crest on sporran flap etc.) while wearing the Cornish National tartan. I really like the idea of acknowledging both sides of my ancestry, but I don't want to cause offence.

Regards,

Troy

Not especially. I know several folks who wear a district tartan as a second alternative to their clan tartan, whilst still wearing the badge of their clan's chief. I know when I order my next kilt, it will be in the Iowa state tartan, but I will still wear my Cumming badge on my bonnet, since my Cumming ancestors moved to Iowa after immigrating from Scotland.

Great choice on the Cornish National tartan, btw. I love the St. Piran's Cross flag, which the tartan incorporates into its design. I've only met one person of Cornish descent, and he was from Cornwall, naturally! :mrgreen:

By the way, the Rutherfords and the Homes were Borders families. Many a border family has adopted kilts and tartan, although the original border reivers did not wear them -- I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, just that it's relatively new for Borderers and Lowlanders to wear the kilt.

You might wish to check out George Macdonald Fraser's excellent work on the Borders, the "wild west" of Scotland, "The Steel Bonnets".

Cheers,

Todd

[Troy]

By the way, the Rutherfords and the Homes were Borders families. Many a border family has adopted kilts and tartan, although the original border reivers did not wear them -- I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, just that it's relatively new for Borderers and Lowlanders to wear the kilt.Todd

Even much newer for the Cornish! And anyway, I'm not generally a great fan of trews

You might wish to check out George Macdonald Fraser's excellent work on the Borders, the "wild west" of Scotland, "The Steel Bonnets".

Cheers,

Todd

Thanks for the feedback. I know a bit of the history of the Border Rievers, but I haven't checked out "The Steel Bonnets" - I must put it on my "to do" list.

The Rutherfords have been without an hereditary chief for some years now, so I guess the Clan crest is effectively redundant. There are a couple of manufacturers in the USA who make Rutherford badges, but they are almost prohibitively expensive. Quite a shame though, as the Clan motto is a doozie: "Nec sorte nec fato" (neither by chance nor fate).

Bottoms Up!

Troy