if you've no a chief are ye really clan legitimate?
It is what is known in Scots law as an armigerous clan. One of several Scots clans where the official clan organisation died out in Scotland but a clan society was later established in Canada or the USA with the approval of the Lord Lyon of Scotland to represent the family name worldwide. There is no mechanism in Scots law to prevent other groups misrepresenting themselves as the recognised clan organisation for such clans. So a breakaway group can set themselves up as purporting to represent the clan, at the expense of the established clan society, though from the clansman's point of view this constitutes a heinous act of treachery. As things stand at present, I intend to boycott the Saturday Parade and Pageant as the whole affair, from my point of view, appears to be a commercial gimmick, with little respect for clan traditions. I certainly feel my family has been excluded, despite the alleged assurances from this breakaway group that they will welcome all family members to their tent. I still plan to attend the games in Holyrood Park on the Sunday so that I can meet up with those of you who are taking part. I am embarrassed that some of our Canadian and USA members of x-marks have been induced to part with their hard earned money to attend this overpriced and artificial event when they could see the real Scotland for much less money at any other time during the year. I am also embarrassed that members of my own clan society who wanted to be part of the gathering were made to feel so unwelcome by the organisers that they are now planning to visit Ireland instead.
Last edited by cessna152towser; 4th March 09 at 10:43 AM.
Regional Director for Scotland for Clan Cunningham International, and a Scottish Armiger.
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