Collections?

[Mr. MacDougall]

So I seem to be hearing a consensus that, in America at least, if you like the pretty pattern on the cloth, it's acceptable to wear it, even if you can't document a link to the 'rightful' owners?

[furrycelt]

So I seem to be hearing a consensus that, in America at least, if you like the pretty pattern on the cloth, it's acceptable to wear it, even if you can't document a link to the 'rightful' owners?

oh no, no there is NOT a consensus on that issue. and i will just leave it at that.

[auld argonian]

So I seem to be hearing a consensus that, in America at least, if you like the pretty pattern on the cloth, it's acceptable to wear it, even if you can't document a link to the 'rightful' owners?

Depends on what "rightful owner" means...there is no little discussion on that point. I see a lot of what I would personally consider "tenuous" associations with various clans being made in order to justify ownership of a kilt in that tartan. Granted that a lot of people can plot out their family tree unto the seventh generation and that they do have various clans folded into their lineage...I just don't think that I, personally, am any more justified in wearing a specific tartan because my great grandfather to the fifth power was a MacBeth than I am in just respectfully and mindful-of-the-history-ly wearing a tartan that I find interesting and attractive.

I don't know if I've ever heard of a kiltmaker asking for a certificate of clan membership from someone ordering a kilt...boy, that would make life interesting, wouldn't it? I have heard of tartans that are specifically reserved for clan members and that are supposed to be worn only with the permission of the clan chief but I believe that that is only a very small percentage of the available tartans.

I've also read of bizarre confrontations at Highland Games where some self-appointed kilt regulator starts giving some innocent kilt wearer guff for wearing "his" tartan. Oh well. Not having served in the military, I personally won't wear any of the military tartans...I certainly respect service members and veterans but I feel that it's their honor to wear those tartans.

So one can certainly try to find associations that tie him to a tartan and buy accordingly...or not. The consensus that I've seen expressed on the forum is that one can wear any tartan but should understand the history and wear it respectfully.

You can always get solid colors or tweed if you don't feel that tartan is appropriate.

Best

AA

[thescot]

Furry friend.

The real bottom line (it's my bottom line, so it must be the real one ) is that in the US or anywhere else on God's green earth you can wear any tartan you like. I have always chosen tartans that mean something to me (Robertson (3 in modern, weathered, and red) for the bloodline, Gordon for the same reason, and a recently purchased Leatherneck wool (ooh-rah, Semper Fi, pray for war, etc.) for obvious reasons.

I do have future plans for such tartans as the Isle of Skye and/or the County Down or county Armagh or both just because I like 'em! So, do what you like, express yourself, have fun, and wear the kilt proudly.

The girls will love you for it no matter what tartan you wear. And if you make up some romantic story about the choice of tartan (your grandfather sailed with John Paul Jones or something), so much the better!

[furrycelt]

Furry friend.

The real bottom line...

i think you meant to address this to Mr. MacDougall. i never gave my opinion on the matter. all i did do was comment on the population of kilt wearers as a whole. and said comment implied there is disagreement on the matter.

has it happens my opinion on the issue is rather lukewarm. i disagree with the "Tartan Police", and at the same time i disagree their antithesis, saying "where what you like, for any reason you like."