Would YOU wear another "clan's" tartan?

**derosa** · 22nd January 10, 10:17 PM

Good question on how far back to go. My mother was a Muir as is my grandfather so I only have to go back 1-2 generations. If I go back 4 I come up with Watson and at 5 generations Heggison and Bennett. The last two are connected to the same district tartan so I have considered it but I have no personal connection with any of the individual people that far back so it isn't high on my list. I've considered a Watson only because I like the look and can create a tenuous connection. On my shorter list is a Russell tartan and that is due in part to the fact that my first name is Russell, the other part is that I'm named for a grandfather of the same name who assumed the name after being taken in by a family of Russells. Outside of those few exceptions there are easily enough regional, commemorative or non-affiliated tartans I like enough to not rummage through the large collection of clan tartans.

**NewEnglander** · 23rd January 10, 09:09 AM

I've always known that my paternal grandmother was a MacPherson, but some recent digging revealed that her grandparents were MacMilan, Hall (sept of Skene) and Harper (sept of Buchanan). Right now I have one kilt in MacPherson Hunting and another on the way in Muted MacPherson (which sounds like an oxymoron if ever I heard one), but I don't think I'd have any problem wearing tartans from the more distant branches of the family tree.

**timseh** · 23rd January 10, 09:21 AM

Currently, the only Tartan I wear is the USMC Leatherneck. That's what I consider my "Clan". I do, however, wear a saffron from time to time in recognition of my Irish heritage. I also wear my UK on a regular basis. I'm considering, however, getting a kilt in the MacAlpine Tartan as that's the oldest link I've found in my family tree... Maybe if I win the raffle...

**Ancienne Alliance** · 24th January 10, 07:11 AM

About Scots not being so if living outside Scotland, I wonder if Bonnie Prince Charlie (born and raised in Rome !) ever thought of himself as a non Scot …

Best,

Robert

**Jock Scot** · 24th January 10, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by Ancienne Alliance

About Scots not being so if living outside Scotland, I wonder if Bonnie Prince Charlie (born and raised in Rome !) ever thought of himself as a non Scot …

Best,

Robert

Who knows what Bonnie Prince Charlie thought,but he certainly gives the impression that the only thing he cared about was himself and in my humble opinion, Scotland in general and the Highlands in particular and its inhabitants were just a means to a sad and sorry end.

**Paul** · 25th January 10, 08:34 AM

Well, the poll is very much split 33/33/33 if you draw the first two opinions together. I'd say that's pretty much a balanced result.

**Fit2BKilted** · 25th January 10, 09:28 AM

I wear the generic clan tartan associated most closely my father's ancestry; but, not either of the sub-clans to which our fore-fathers *may* have been members (because it's unconfirmed). I also wear one Open tartan, and would be proud to wear the regimental tartan of any military unit to which I become formally attached, viz. Cameron Highlanders.

I would consider wearing District Tartans and might wear other tartans for the purposes of reenacting; but, I'd rather design my own personal tartan than portray myself as a member of a society to which I do not truely belong.

**skauwt** · 25th January 10, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Paul.

Well, the poll is very much split 33/33/33 if you draw the first two opinions together. I'd say that's pretty much a balanced result.

actually not a bad result at all i guess it goes to show the division has a common ground to a extent
a case of aye/ naw/ maybes

**McFarkus** · 25th January 10, 02:59 PM

In tracing the family tree I've found descent from more than 75 clans. My closest direct ancestors with Scots surnames are five generations (one is eight generations) back, and my closest immigrant Scots ancestors are seven, eight and eleven generations back. So, while family stories are full of Scots ancestors, these are rather distant.

**Merlin** · 27th January 10, 03:12 PM

Not only will I ...but I proudly wear the tartan of Clan Keith.

My clan Gunn and the Keiths were feuding for 500 years. There are many stories and lots of history between these 2 clans but on July 28, 1978 a treaty was signed and agreed upon by both clan chiefs. We, as Clan Gunn, have permission from the Chief of Clan Keith to proudly wear the Keith tartan and in return they have our wishes to don ours. It is also custom now that the first male child born into a new Gunn family be named "Keith" to honour the treaty.

"Aut Pax Aut Bellum"