Yet another "Clan Question"

[macwilkin]

Speaking (well, actually writing) as a traditionalist, I would suggest you consider the Nevin connection as your strongest tie to the romance of the Scottish Highlands. Since the Nivens/Nevins are associated with the Cumins (Cumming or Comyn), the MacKintoshes, and the MacNaughtons it would seem to me that you are in the enviable position of being able to select that clan society which bests suits your needs and addresses your aspirations while at the same time paying homage to your Mother's heritage.

Since Owens really is a Welsh surname, if you wished to clearly establish your "Scottishness", there would be nothing to prevent you adding your Mother's last name to your own, and becoming Mr. Nevin-Owens. Perfectly legal, and again, a nice way for your Mother's name to be continued for future generations. My friend Dickie Macmillan-Fox (that's really his name) is a living example of this; the Macmillan part of the name came in with his great grandmother.

There will, undoubtedly be pedants (as opposed to traditionalists) who will tell you to find out which part of Scotland your Nevin ancestors hailed from, and then join the clan (Cumin, MacKintosh, MacNaughton) that is in that area. My advice would be not to worry about it-- in the 19th and 20th century the Scots moved all over the place and clan "loyalties" changed dramatically. Today clan membership is about celebrating Scottish culture, and you can do this as well as a MacNaughton as you can a Cumin or MacKintosh. What you want to do is join that clan society which seems to be the most active in your locale. Then you can take part in those activities, as well as merely attending the local highland games in a kilt or meeting up with fellow X-Markers for the odd kilt night.

And btw, there is an officer of the Clan Cumming Society who is a member of this board -- I can't remember his name, though.

Yours aye,

Todd

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

And btw, there is an officer of the Clan Cumming Society who is a member of this board -- I can't remember his name, though.

Yours aye,

Todd

I must say that I feel it should be incumbent upon the aforesaid "Officer of Clan Cumming" to PM the originator of this thread and extend the manly hand of clanship.