Would YOU wear another "clan's" tartan?

**freddie** · 27th January 10, 05:32 PM

I voted for the second option and only wear the tartans of the close family members who brought me up. I was adopted, but my Father's surname has no clan connexion whatsoever so I wear my Mother's tartan which is Buchanan (I also wear this one because I love the colours!). My Grandmother was a Henderson and I wear this as my 'Hunting' tartan (I did ask the Chief of the name Henderson for permission to wear this tartan which he graciously gave). I also wear the Hume (Home) tartan as this was the name of my birth father (and hence my bloodline and true Clan). I also have a kilt in the Royal Stewart tartan which I class as 'universal'. Opinions differ on this issue but I've never seen a member of the royal Family wearing it and their personal tartan seems to be the Balmoral. Actually the main reason I wear it is because it's a Lochcarron kilt which should have cost £371 and I got it on ebay for $99.99 (about £76 at the time) and beggers can't be choosers! Also I love the Royal Stewart tartan, it just looks so classy and I wanted a red kilt. So I've got a blue one, a green one, a red one and a multi coloured one and I love them all, and as James D. Scarlett says in his book 'Tartans of Scotland' "The right to wear any tartan belongs to the bearers of the name or names that go with it, but there has never been an objection to the wearing of a tartan for sentimental reasons."

**Seumas52** · 27th January 10, 06:51 PM

I wear a MacLeod of Harris (hunting) o/c for two main reasons. The first is because a very good friend who has since passed over was a MacLeod. His surname was MacCaskill. So I wear it to honor his memory and that of his family. The second reason is that I have a number of friends who practice the Asatru (Norse) religion. They adopted me and made me an honorary member of their kindred and so I wear the MacLeod which is of Norse origin while retaining my Scottish roots to return the honor to them. Make sense?

**O'Callaghan** · 27th January 10, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by rab _

I (would) only wear a tartan related to my name.

My experience is that this is the accepted norm in lowland Scotland, but the link may often be through a sept. Obviously things are different in the highlands, but down here it is expected that one wears a family or clan tartan, but no questions are asked and no-one cares too much in any case.

As an aside; is there an authoritative list of tartans which are known to have been associated with any clan, whilst that clan was actually in existance (pre 1745/6 perhaps)? I wonder how many clan tartans are a result of the (lowlander inspired) revival following 1822, and whether these should really be considered as clan society tartans or similar, given that what they purported to represent (a highland clan) may no longer have existed?

It is stated on the website of Lord Lyon that anyone bearing a surname of a recognised clan is automatically a member of that clan - but where does this reasoning come from? Was it not the case that a clan was infact a community living together, directly under their chief? To my mind there is a confusion that I can claim to be a clan member and thus be protective of "my tartan" whilst not living under any type of clan system.

This is all asked out of genuine interest, and in the hope of enlightening replies!

There are now some 200 recognised Scottish clans and most people estimate that only somewhere between a dozen and two dozen of these wore their tartans before 1745, at which time the main clan identifier was the plant badge worn in the hat.

**Phil** · 28th January 10, 02:08 AM

I prefer a tartan that I have a strong connection to but, sadly, that is the Buchanan which is not one I would even like to be seen dead in.

**freddie** · 28th January 10, 03:34 PM

It must be a real bummer if you insist on only wearing your clan tartan and nothing else and it's one you don't like

It seems very restrictive to me.

**Jock Scot** · 28th January 10, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by freddie

It must be a real bummer if you insist on only wearing your clan tartan and nothing else and it's one you don't like

It seems very restrictive to me.

That thought has crossed my mind from time to time. It is a good job I like mine.

**Paul** · 28th January 10, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Phil

I prefer a tartan that I have a strong connection to but, sadly, that is the Buchanan which is not one I would even like to be seen dead in.

Me also!
I dont mind the very weathered versions of Buchanan - like the muted ancient, though, even then it's bareable, but not one of my favourites.

**English Bloke** · 28th January 10, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Phil

I prefer a tartan that I have a strong connection to but, sadly, that is the Buchanan which is not one I would even like to be seen dead in.

Hi Phil.

Have you seen Buchanan Hunting modern and ancient from Lochcarron

I like the Modern a lot.

**Paul** · 28th January 10, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Hi Phil.

Have you seen Buchanan Hunting modern and ancient from Lochcarron

I like the Modern a lot.

I quite like that as well, John. I believe a number of American Buchanans co-operated in making a few newer Buchanan tartans, including a dress tartan. I wonder why

**Sir William** · 29th January 10, 04:41 AM

Originally Posted by freddie

It must be a real bummer if you insist on only wearing your clan tartan and nothing else and it's one you don't like

It seems very restrictive to me.

I had this problem with Elliot, my mother's clan tartan. I didn't much care for a blue tartan, I wanted something in green. However, now I like the blue tartan - its a bit distinctive among the tartan sea of reds and greens at the Games.