To return to the OP question with another option, if your family name does not have either its own clan tartan, or is a sept of another clan and therefore "entitled" to wear that clan's tartan (let us not quibble about my use of the word entitled), beside choosing a tartan of one of the other scottish ancestors name, or wearing a universal or district tartan, or choosing a tartan that appeals to you simply on appearence, or finding one that may be somehow related to your club membership/profession/military association, you could always start a new tradition for YOUR clan by designing, registering, and having made up into a kilt your own tartan, by using any of the several tartan generators out there on the web, thereby insuring that you get something that visually appeals to you, includes the colors you prefer, and by naming it after your own last name, begin a new patrilineal heritage for your family and offspring to enjoy in future generations. No reason you can't have your own tartan designed and named by and after yourself.

Takes all issue of rights and entitlement out of it, and would be easy to explain its origin, and I doubt you would ever find someone outside your own family who might recognize it on the street. Start your own tradition. And wear it with pride. And well.


jeff