Allowed tartans

**Barclay** · 4th July 06, 03:45 PM

I'll think about you next time I put on my Gordon. If it's any consolation, though, you are welcome to wear my clan tartans: Barclay or MacQueen. It won't offend me in the least.

;)

**Tattoo Bradley** · 4th July 06, 04:12 PM

I would

and strike conversation with ANYONE in my tartan (Henderson.)

**bubba** · 4th July 06, 04:24 PM

The whole idea of Clan tartans began with Sir Walter Scott and the King of England. The real tradition was wear whatever appealed to a person, what he could afford and the local weavers were making, the more colors the higher the cost. The Black Watch, otherwise known as the Govt Sett, also is a Grant and Campbell tartan as well as being the basis for many others. Frankly, there is no single true tradition on any of it. Personally, I follow the older idea of wearing what I like that I can afford.

**Hamish** · 4th July 06, 04:46 PM

It truly matters not what tartan you wear, with the exception of 'Balmoral' which is reserved solely for our British Royal Family's personal use. With the proviso that you treat and wear that tartan with respect; that you take the trouble to learn its origins and, if it has one, its meaning - the reasons for the colours used in it. It might also be a considerate step to take if you were to write to the Clan Chief and explain that you wish to wear his/her tartan, giving your reasons - such a request is most unlikely to be refused.

I proudly wear my Clan tartan, Gunn, in two variations - Ancient and Weathered, but I am equally at ease wearing any of the other four Clan tartans, or thirteen regional/national tartans in my Kilt Kollection.

**pdcorlis** · 4th July 06, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by bubba

The whole idea of Clan tartans began with Sir Walter Scott and the King of England.

I consider myself pretty wet behind the ears compared to many of the folks on this board so let me heartily suggest you do what I have begun. Try reading a bit of Scottish history - I've yet to run across any source that disagrees with this statement.

**kiltedjaz** · 6th July 06, 02:46 AM

[QUOTE=bubba]The whole idea of Clan tartans began with Sir Walter Scott and the King of England. [QUOTE]

Not quite sure waht you mean here Bubba by the King of England. There have been no Monarchs of England since 1603. Sir Walter Scott lived from 1771 to 1832 and therefor did not live under an English Monarch. He was born when George 111 was on the throne and died in Victorias reign.

James

**Caradoc** · 4th July 06, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

What do you think?

I think that if you want to design and patent/copyright/whatever your own tartan and tell people they're not allowed to wear it, that's up to you.

I do not, however, believe it's up to you to tell anyone what they can or cannot wear as far as entirely arbitrary colors go. Especially colors that you don't "own."

Have a nice day.

**celtiberian** · 16th June 07, 05:49 AM

Russia:
Russians might choose the "Muskoka" or the "Gordon" in honour of the Scottish general who modernized the army of Peter the Great.

...found this info at
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/weartart.htm

**Macman** · 17th June 07, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by celtiberian

Russia:
Russians might choose the "Muskoka" or the "Gordon" in honour of the Scottish general who modernized the army of Peter the Great.

...found this info at
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/weartart.htm

That's interesting. I don't know why the website would recommend the Muskoka tartan to Russians, since it's an Ontario district tartan. Anyone know the connection to Russia?

**Don Patrick** · 17th June 07, 10:06 AM

Quite a firestorm of opinions expressed at the beginning of this thread. I'm just an old country boy, but I do have some thoughts on the matter.

I haven't worn a tartan, but if I did, I believe I'd have to settle on my own Clan's tartan. I couldn't image wearing that of another surname. I think if I wanted to wear a special color, I opt for one of the unknowns or one of the many more appropriate generic ones.

I see the kilt very akin to a country's flag. There are no rules for determining which flag I fly in my front yard, but I don't believe I've ever flown one based on color or design.

I say that if you can transcend these thoughts of mine, more power to you. You should should go ahead and wear the kilt of your choice, but I'd also say, you should take care to do nothing to dishonor it and the clan for which it stands.

Just my two cents worth.