Clan Banners

[JSFMACLJR]

The second, and most common, mistake involves use of the "Rampant Lion" as a symbol for Scotland. The Saltire or St. Andrews Cross is the flag of Scotland, and the Rampant Lion is appropriately displayed when a member of the Royal Family of England is present in Scotland. At one point a member of the Royal Family "approved" the use of this symbol, but inappropriately, in his absence.

While it was the original symbol of Robert the Bruce (I believe) it has been "co-opted" by the ruling house of England. Therefore, its display is only appropriate when a member of the Royal House of Windsor (actually Saxe-Coburg & Gotha) are present, or one of their royal appointees for designees. Incidentally, the Lord Lyon, as an appointee of the Crown, is allowed the display of this design.

Cheers.

Charlie Weir

Vice-chairman, Central US, and Regional Commissioner Central USA NE and NW, Pictish Clan MacNactan
owner and proprietor, The Celtic Shop, Lead, SD USA

Dear Mr. Weir,
All this silliness about the Royal House of Windsor, the Lion Rampant being "co-opted by the ruling house of England" is ridiculous. The Queen is Queen of Scots. Period. The Royal Arms of Scotland are hers. There is nothing "English" about them.

Furthermore, the House of Windsor is correct. Your statement that it is "actually S-C G" just is not true. A Royal Proclamation changed that.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30186/pages/7119

Kind Regards,
Sandford MacLean

[macwilkin]

The Lion Rampant flag is believed to have originated from King William I, "The Lion of Scotland".

Hopefully, the Rampant Lion will disappear soon from Celtic festivals and other displays, as it is much too "Sassanach" nowadays. And I note, in passing, that the UK flag or "Union Jack" is also on the eclipse, as most modern Scots prefer to emphasize their unique identity after devolution at the turn of the century.

Devolution does not necessarily equal full-blown independence, old boy. At present, Scotland is still a member of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so there is nothing "incorrect" about a Union flag flying at a Scottish event.

T.

[MacBean]

Good help, and thanks! I would not have asked for information if I weren't interested in getting the banner right (they are too expensive to get wrong). It seems that the Clan Badge is the thing, which is very fine.

I do see a need for a banner with the Clan name, and that is neither mentioned, nor as far as I can tell, regulated. It is not heraldic at all, but a practical banner. A bit of tartan, some words, I'd think those were fine.

[macwilkin]

Good help, and thanks! I would not have asked for information if I weren't interested in getting the banner right (they are too expensive to get wrong). It seems that the Clan Badge is the thing, which is very fine.

I do see a need for a banner with the Clan name, and that is neither mentioned, nor as far as I can tell, regulated. It is not heraldic at all, but a practical banner. A bit of tartan, some words, I'd think those were fine.

I think that's a good compromise; one banner to help identify the tent, while the more "formal" banner can serve a ceremonial role.

T.