The right to wear a clan tartan

[Caradoc]

However, I know there are also quite a few who feel you should not wear a tartan unless you have a direct, “legitimate” lineage to the clan, through the father’s (not the mother’s) bloodlines.

Why not? Early Celtic and pre-Celtic culture supposedly tracked matrilinear descent - which makes sense, because even if you don't know who someone's father is, it's a pretty safe bet that their mother is known as the person who gave birth to them.

[Macman]

My last name is McIntosh, and I wear the clan tartans. I also wear several "universal" tartans, but not those of other clans. There are lots of other clan tartans in my family tree, but I just can't imagine feeling as comfortable in them as my own.
I certainly have no problem with people wearing clan tartans that they have a connection to, or not, but for me personally, I will only wear my own. Maybe I'll change my mind over time.
As far as formal connection to the actual clan and chief goes, I have virtually none. I was a member of the North American society for a while, but not any more. Maybe I'll have to revive that!

[Pour1Malt]

Why not? Early Celtic and pre-Celtic culture supposedly tracked matrilinear descent - which makes sense, because even if you don't know who someone's father is, it's a pretty safe bet that their mother is known as the person who gave birth to them.

aye!...

the sayin ai hae heard in Scotland is...

"ya tak yur mithers name because ya ken who yur mither is... they's nay guarantee who yur faither is...."

[Cawdorian]

Ron,

Very well stated, you are right on target. We should honor all of our Scottish ancestors both male and female, they went through many trials, tribulations and difficult times and in some cases faced death almost daily to maintain their national identity, family identity and freedom.