Family Name and Clan

[Panache]

...as I have said before clan societies are now clubs for people with last names, and I personally believe the vast majority of septs claiming to belong to a clan to be bollocks.

A "Clan Society" is different than a "Clan".

A Highland Clan were a group of people who were bonded by blood or location and allegiance to a Chief. They were governed by him and would fight for him when called on.

A Clan Society is a group of people who celebrate a shared interest in their heritage and history of their Clan. They are bonded by bloodlines, tradition, or interest.

There are many members of X Marks the Scot that are proud of their involvement with various Clan Societies. We have many conveners and even a few officers.

These clans promote history, genealogy, and traditional Scottish arts and activities. Without the Clan Societies and Scottish Societies there would be no Highland Games and a lot less interest in Scotland and her history.

I just wanted to make clear the difference and note that we should show respect to our fellow members of this society, the one we call X Marks the Scot.

To mock modern Clan Societies compared to the Highland Clans of old seems a bit unreasonable.

As for the concept that one ceases to be part of a clan because of geography, I think Robert Burns summed it up well when he wrote:

Wherever I wander
Wherever I rove
The hills of the Highlands
Forever I love

Respectfully

Jamie