Clan MacMillan

[jbaker42j]

I recently sent an email to The Clan MacMillan Centre that I've been waiting a few years to send. It basically said:

"I am inquiring about the relationship between the surname Baker and the MacMillan Clan. Studies show the links between them but the Clan website doesn't recognize this connection. Ive always been told that my family has links to the MacMillan Clan and Ive been proud of this fact. I am hoping that maybe you can give a nod to the Bakers on your site and maybe recognize us as part of your Clan. One study that I base some of my information on is by Peter J. Roberts. He found MacMillan and Bakers to be linked by DNA. http://home.comcast.net/~libpjr1/clandna.html.

.......I also was wondering if it is acceptable for a Baker to wear the MacMillan tartan. I am a firefighter and we have a Society where we show our Scottish heritage and I am looking at purchasing a kilt. Thank you for your time!"

Graeme Mackenzie, Clan MacMillan historian & genealogist, ( whose work I respect greatly) quickly responded back and said that I am right to suggest that the Clan ought to have Baker listed amongst the names connected with the MacMillans since it is another form of Bacasdair/Baxter which has long been recognised as a sept of Clan MacMillan. He also said that it's entirely accceptable to have a Baker wearing the MacMillan tartan - especially in the light of the DNA match. He also hoped that I would join a Clan MacMillan Society.

I am curious to see what some of you MacMillans out there think about this. It would be great to wear the MacMillan tartan, I fully understand the MacKarrots and the MacOnions and dont want to design a new tartan. Many online sites have given false or misleading information on my surname's history. This is the closest to what I know but still doesn't cut it http://www.houseofnames.com/xq/asp/s...wledgebase.htm Thanks!

[Riverkilt]

Well, I'm okay with it for sure....but my MacMillan blood is pretty thin now. Like many in the U.S. I trace back to John McMillan b. 1736 who moved from Edinburgh to Ireland for a while then on to New York State.

I have the MacMillan Dress tartan (red and yellow/gold) high on my wish list.

If a Macdonald can wear MacMillan I'm sure Bakers can too. If you get Jay's okay you're home free.

Ron

[jbaker42j]

Yeah, Ive got Shaw, Alvis, and Maxwell blood thats runnin in my veins but that Baker blood is the thickest and Ive always been told of my MacMillan links and Im pretty proud. Now I just need to find out which MacMillan tartan to get and a store that wont mislead me with the infamous MacMillan Black tartan ( even though it looks pretty sharp)

[jbaker42j]

Well, I'm okay with it for sure....but my MacMillan blood is pretty thin now. Like many in the U.S. I trace back to John McMillan b. 1736 who moved from Edinburgh to Ireland for a while then on to New York State.

I have the MacMillan Dress tartan (red and yellow/gold) high on my wish list.

If a Macdonald can wear MacMillan I'm sure Bakers can too. If you get Jay's okay you're home free.

Ron

I guess Im not home free. Ha. I was looking at the USAK MacMillan Tartan and I still dont understand this MacMillan Black deal? Is it MacMillan or Buchanan? Excuse my ignorance.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I guess Im not home free. Ha. I was looking at the USAK MacMillan Tartan and I still dont understand this MacMillan Black deal? Is it MacMillan or Buchanan? Excuse my ignorance.

"MacMillan Black" is not a MacMillan tartan-- it is a fashion tartan that was registered without the approval of the Chief, and has nothing to do with Clan MacMillan. The Chief made his view on this subject absolutely clear about six months ago: Anyone is free to wear it, but it is not recognized as having any connection with the clan. By extension, I would suggest that wearing the so-called "MacMillan" Black tartan should probably be avoided when attending clan functions, or representing the clan in any manner whatsoever.

Basically the "MacMillan Black" tartan appears to be a variation of Buchanan with a black background. The Clan MacMillan Society tartan, patented by Daniel McMillan in the 1890s has a green background, and is identical to MacMillan Ancient, with the exception of the symmetrical sett.

Hope that clears things up!

[Fedgunner]

The information on the "Black MacMillan" is correct.
George (our Chief) doesn't care if you wear it, but he has stated that you should never imply that it is a MacMillan tartan.

I do wear mine to clan functions, but it is more tounge in cheek wearing the "Banned MacMillan"
For more formal functions I wear my Clan Brown tartan.

[Riverkilt]

Think Rocky has a MacMillan tartan from Marton Mills...had it on my wish list for a semi-traditional, but farther down the list than the Red/Yellow MacMillan dress.

Sorry, just noticed you were a new poster - welcome. And Rocky is USA Kilts. Link it at the top of the page, left side. Click on semi-traditional or casual and you'll see the tartan...I think...pretty sure...maybe...

Ron

[SteveB]

Hello and a warm Celtic from Boston, Massachusetts.
Wear the tartan proudly and all will be happy to see you in it.

Thank you for your service to our nation, from a very old P-2 mechanic.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Kinsman,

Of course you're a MacMillan-- as our clan genealogist has pointed out, your name is another form of Baxter. According to our Chief, George Macmillan of Macmillan and Knap, there are three authorized MacMillan tartans: Dress MacMillan, Ancient MacMillan, and MacMillan Hunting. These are available in modern, ancient, and weathered colours, and you are free to wear whichever tartan or colour you choose.

Welcome aboard!

[jbaker42j]

Tough decisions!!! Do you go with the Ancient MacMillan or MacMillan Hunting? I think Im going to put the MacMillan Hunting Old Colors on my wish list. How would it look best pleated? And I need to find a good vendor that isnt too too pricey ( Im a poor fireman, who's expecting a baby in the next month) but I would still like it to be nice.

Maybe I could start out with a special MacMillan tartan gift for my baby girl thats due!!