Clans

[David in Maryland]

In fact most clan societies are pretty much open to any one. I am a MacLeod, and if you crazy enough to want to be around us and join, go right ahead. That is kind of like the idea of septs. You had your blood and marriage kin, then there were those who swore allegience and provided a great service to the clans.

David

[JackK]

I think the clan system is interesting, being what my parents called 'shirt tail' Scot I have never given much thought to the clan. Until last summer when I discovered Utilikilts that is. Now I am looking up clans and tartans alot. I'd love to get a kilt from my clan - McNab-Dewar - (see my avatar), but being special weave I'm afraid to even ask the cost. For now I wear my 'modern' kilts and my new USMC tartan kilt.

Jack

[Mike n NC]

Oh lordy lordy. I started this about a year ago and I can honestly say, I don't know a lot more now than I did then. Family names are McQueen (MacQueen) McPhearson (MacPhearson) and Cole. I now know that Cole is Welsh and even has it's own tartan but then it gets interesting.
Once upon a time clan Chattam formed an alliance or confederation that incorporated many, many other clans that had been outlawed or displaced. Unfortunatly, no good records were kept when the families and clans branched off and which part of the clan/family joined up with the Chattam confederation. Most research will show that MacQueen and MacPhearson fall under clan Chattam but some list them as seperate clans, not septs of Chattam.
Well, nobody said it would be easy.

Mike

[phil h]

no need to feel sorry for the English, we are doing quite well thanx.
you must truly have the blood of a scot, you can't resist having a dig at the English.nor can I resist a dig at the scots. nice to see its all boiled down to a friendly jibe.In the most part, as intended here. indeed the best clans of scotland remained loyal to the English.
as for the flag? boys will be boys

[Donnie]

I think the clan system is awsome! I didn't feel like I had any roots till I discovered my Scottish roots. As for Tartans I personally wear only tartans to which I have family conections. I also feel anyone can wear any tartan they like. Seems to me that it should make a clan member proud that someone likes to wear their tartan.

[bubba]

The genealogy of the Clan system is definately interesting. I recently discovered a connection to MacPherson through marriage. One more family connection. This connects this branch with Hamilton, MacNeil of Barra and MacPherson.

[macwilkin]

Remember that belonging to a clan is all about allegiance, even more so than blood ties, although those are certainly important.

Two examples from popular media:

1. Golly Mackenzie, the Ghillie at Glenbogle estate on "Monarch of the Glen" -- he is a Mackenzie, but he wears the MacDonald tartan to show his allegiance to his Chief, first Hector and then Archie.

2. Eric Stolz's character MacDonald in "Rob Roy" -- a loyal tacksmen to Liam Neeson, who also wears the same "district" tartan as the MacGregors in the film.

As several other posters on this thread have said, most clan societies will allow anyone to join who essentially "pledges alliegance" to the clan society, although some may limit them to "associate" memberships, i.e. who can vote or run for office. Other clan societies, such as the MacDonalds, are far more strict and require genealogical documentation -- which I disagree with, since the whole notion of being part of a clan went a lot deeper than genealogical ties, and you possibly eliminate a lot of good and active members that way -- Our St. Andrew's Society here in Springfield allows anyone -- Scot or not -- to be a member.

Cheers,

T.

[macwilkin]

Normally I'd edit my last post, but this new post will put me at 500 messages -- woo hoo! :mrgreen:

I actually have a form in a book entitled "Old Morag's Commonplace Book" by Douglas McKercher, an adjunct professor of Gaelic at the University of Ottawa, which has a Bond of Manrent in it. It is a form that you fill out and submit to the Lyon Court in Scotland (The Lyon Court & the Lord Lyon have jurisdiction over all matters relating to heraldry and coats-of-arms in Scotland) if your Chief agrees, which essentially makes you a "genuine European vassal", as the book says -- needless to say, I'm waiting to hear from my chief to see if I can submit my Bond of Manrent! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

T.

[Raphael]

When David Coulthard was driving the McLaren/West Formula 1 Team, he used to wear a McLaren Tartan kilt to the Team's official functions.

[David in Maryland]

-- Our St. Andrew's Society here in Springfield allows anyone -- Scot or not -- to be a member.

Cheers,

T.

That is so good to hear. I am the Vice-President of St. Andrew's of Mid-Maryland. We also let anyone who has the money for either associate member or full voting in. If you are not Scottish or of Celtic ancestory somewhere, we will make you. It usually involves a bit of alcohol.

David