French speaking Scot wannabe

**Potirons** · 11th July 11, 04:19 PM

Hello all, greetings from Montreal.ca

Am I glad I found this site... boy! so many questions... Let's start from the beginning, the rest will follow as this thread grows (hopefully it will)

First of all, I wasn't born in Scotland nor is my father or grandfather or great great great great grandfather (you get the picture). My most recent ancestors are from an american native heritage. But I was able to go back to the last man born in (dare I say it...) England in 1586 or so, I know between him and the firsts bearer of my name that came to England as mercenaries for William the conqueror, some went to Scotland (didn't find the straight line yet but working on it) But I know that my name is a sept of Clan Donald (Gill is the name)

So after that long introduction, the question is... What tartan can I wear?

Am I allowed to wear only the general Donald ones?
Is there a way for me to find out that my name is associated with Clanranald or Lord of the Isle?
Am I just suffering from too much paranoia and should go with any tartan of the Donald clan that I feel comfortable with?

other questions about the kilt will follow...

Thanks in advance

**be da veva** · 11th July 11, 05:21 PM

Salut de Repentigny....

As far as what tartan you can wear, there is a wide array of choices in universal and district tartans. You can also choose to wear a commercial tartan with no problem.
For clan tartans, there are probably tartans related to your family, but you could wear any tartan you wish. The important part is to wear it with respect and to know the tartan. I ask permission to wear the tartan from other clans. So far, nobody refused and they were happy that I liked their tartan. But you can do as you wish.

Et en passant, bienvenue à Xmarks...

**Father Bill** · 11th July 11, 05:23 PM

Welcome to the Great Rabble!

**R.S.L. Kiltwearer** · 11th July 11, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by be da veva

Salut de Repentigny....

As far as what tartan you can wear, there is a wide array of choices in universal and district tartans. You can also choose to wear a commercial tartan with no problem.
For clan tartans, there are probably tartans related to your family, but you could wear any tartan you wish. The important part is to wear it with respect and to know the tartan. I ask permission to wear the tartan from other clans. So far, nobody refused and they were happy that I liked their tartan. But you can do as you wish.

Et en passant, bienvenue à Xmarks...

i second be da vera,
and welcome to xmarks

**KenB** · 11th July 11, 06:36 PM

Welcome from Toronto. Clan Donald is a large and welcoming clan. I'm sure you will feel comfortable in any of the MacDonald Tartans. The Scots and the French have always had a strong relationship.... wear the tartan with pride.

**knotty** · 11th July 11, 08:15 PM

Greetings from Vancouver Island

**Morris at Heathfield** · 11th July 11, 08:27 PM

There is also a MacGill tartan.

**Chas** · 12th July 11, 02:49 PM

Hello Potirons,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

As to the tartans you can wear - wear what ever you choose. If you tell them it is your family/clan tartan, No One Will Ever Question You! Why? Because they don't know themselves. You are wearing the tartan - you are the expert.

Regards

Chas