Quote Originally Posted by Corden View Post
My family name (up through the male line) originates from Northern England - right along the border of Scotland. As far as I can tell, there is no tartan associated with the name. However, throughout my family tree, there are a few scottish families/clans I am related to, though not through the direct male line.

Is there any rule (of thumb, I guess) prohibiting me from wearing any tartans that I may be related to, though not directly (i.e. blood relation)?

Cheers!
My surname is also English, although several of my maternal ancestors were early emigrants from Scotland to the United States, so we're in a similar position. My thinking on these issues has evolved over several years, but here's the advice I wish I'd taken at the outset:

1. First do your genealogical research to ensure that your "Scottish" ancestors were actually Scots. Many surnames existed both in Scotland and England, so going solely by a surname is not a good practice. For example, I found that my Hayes ancestors were from the southwest of England and not connected to the lowland Hay family at all. I'm really glad I didn't buy a kilt in that tartan first and THEN do my genealogy work...

2. Once you've established an actual link to a Highland clan (or failing that, a Lowland or Border family), buy your kilt in the "general" clan tartan in the color scheme (modern, ancient, weathered, muted, etc.) you like best.

3. If at some point down the road you have the excess funds and the inclination, you can buy a second kilt in the clan's hunting or dress tartan, or failing that, the "general" clan tartan in another color scheme, although there's really no need to do this.

Will anyone give you grief because your surname doesn't match your tartan? Maybe, if they're rude and nosey! I guarantee, though, that you will be better informed than the loads of folks who bear a highland surname as an accident of birth, but have no real understanding of their specific descent.

Cordially,

David