Question for Mac Newsome

[Jerry]

Mac, I posted this question in another thread, but I guess you didn't see it. Anyhow, Everyone I've checked with tells me that my Family (McNeills) are a sept of Macneil of Barra. But I also see a tartan listed for Macneil of Colonsay. Are the two clans the same? And, how does everyone know that we are of Barra and not Colonsay, or do I have a connection to both tartans. I do like the Colonsay tartan.

[Riverkilt]

The Clan MacNeil website has a good history.

http://www.clanmacneil.ca/history1.htm#Gigha


Probably the only way to tell for sure is to trace your own family history back to Scotland.

Ron

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Jerry,

Barra and Colonsay are two differnet islands. But as far as I know (and I don't claim to be an expert on MacNeil history) the MacNeil of Bara is the chief of the clan, and the senior line. So I would say that unless you knew specifically that your family was from the Colonsay MacNeils, the MacNeil of Bara tartan would be appropriate to wear, since your clan cheif is on Bara.

Aye,
Matt

[Jerry]

Thank you Mac. That seems to be the consensus, but I've never had anyone link it to the actual location of the clan chief. I guess that makes sense.