Is X Marks the Scot a Clan?

**Panache** · 16th August 07, 09:16 AM

There has of late been all sorts of discussion about Scottish Societies and Clan organizations as of late.
Some seem to be genuinely supportive of preserving and sharing Scottish history and culture. Some seem to exist only to take your dues and disappear until your dues are up for renewal. Some are welcoming to those with an interest and enthusiasm for Scottish heritage and history while others want a DNA sample, a bank statement, and a letter of introduction by Lord Lyon’s Court.

This has got me to thinking about our own XMTS. We never refer to it as a club or clan yet in many ways we act like both.

We are the members of X Marks the Scot.com

We research and share information regarding Scottish, Irish, English, Welsh, and Celtic Heritage.

We offer support and advice for each other.

We learn together, laugh together, mourn together, and celebrate together.

We gather and meet regularly in good fellowship.

We travel the world and more often than not find other members who go out of their way to break bread and lift a glass with us.

We communicate and debate on a daily basis.

We plan and gather for Burns’ Night Suppers and other Scottish and Celtic related celebrations.

We have our own rules and code of conduct within our group.

We have elders whose advice is sought for their wisdom and knowledge.

Like them or not, we have clan chiefs who try to protect and keep order and peace among our group.

We promote within our ranks Scottish and Celtic Heritage activities such as Highland Athletics, Scottish Country Dancing, Kilt Making, Highland Dance, Piping, Drumming, Knife Making, and more.

We have a badge and our own tartan to represent and identify ourselves.

This sounds very much like a very close clan to me.

I know how important the blood ties are to many of you. I respect that greatly. I wear the Galbraith Tartan in honor of my Great Grandparents and Mother. I am proud to be their scion. I wear the Mcleod of Lewis tartan in honor of my beloved wife and her wonderful family who are Nicols (Sept of Clan Mcleod). I have read up on both these clans to try to learn a little bit of this wonderful rich history that I am a part of.

That said, I identify myself as much more affiliated with this forum than either clan.

If a clan is made of ties of blood, and ties of blood alone we are not a clan.

If a clan is made of like minded people who gather together for common purpose and all the things I have listed above, then not only are we a clan.

We are a strong clan!

Cheers

Jamie

**Colin** · 16th August 07, 09:24 AM

good post Jamie.

**The Wizard of BC** · 16th August 07, 09:43 AM

Jamie,

You have put into words what many of us have been feeling for a long time.

The old Clan system evolved for the same reasons this one did. Mutual support, protection, and identity.
We have read of our Clan members trials and tribulations and assisted where we could. We have fought to end oppression. We have found each other by gathering around our Tartan and Crest which are recognized world wide.

In many ways this Clan is more real, more active, more meaningful to many of us than our Clans of old.

I for one am proud to claim X Marks MY Clan.

Now all we need is a catchy theme song.

**starbkjrus** · 16th August 07, 09:48 AM

Well said Jamie.

**Arlen** · 16th August 07, 10:05 AM

Very well said, Jamie.
As proud as I am of my name and my heritage, I feel honoured to be a member of the X-Marks the Scot Clan.

**James MacMillan** · 16th August 07, 10:05 AM

Very good post!!!

If there can be a "Generation X" then just why not a

Clan X

**pdcorlis** · 16th August 07, 10:07 AM

Well said Jamie - I'm sure you post honorably distills the thoughts and feelings of many members here including me. Obviously the XMarks is different from any clan that can trace its blood and deeds back into the misty glens of time - but perhaps we are a clan for the 21st century - an electronic clan identified not by geography but by out commitment to each other. An interesting thought indeed!

Now all we need is a clan plant badge and a clan motto...

**ScottEPooh** · 16th August 07, 10:07 AM

Ah, finally, a clan tartan I am "allowed" to wear....

**Ayin McFye** · 16th August 07, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Now all we need is a catchy theme song.

Here you go. I just changed all the words.

X Marks The Scot (Adapted by "X Marks the Spot" By Kylie Lynch)

X marks the Scot where a piece of my heart fell.
Tartans flow and the pleats are knifed i can tell
It's never a lie when I say that I'm fine.
X Marks the Scot where I found my mind.

X Marks the Scot where everyone knows my name;
Through an avatar picture in a one inch frame;
Beyond my bedroom door I can now safely walk, with
X Marks the Scot where my brethren aren't mocked

X Marks the Scot where no comfort is lost.
But, For that box pleated kilt there may be a cost
Up high my head is now held, no longer hurting our necks,
I run, but dont trip back to that big blue X.

Ayin McFye