Which Clan ?

**Swamp Yankee** · 23rd October 09, 08:22 AM

Howdy all. Question. My father did all kinds of family tree work, and leaves me with a big question. Here's the thing, Within two different Scottish lines, I can idenify no less than 5 different clans represented in the lineage. So, which clan should I claim ( the appropriate question is , which clan would claim me? ) ? Thoughts ?

**HeathBar** · 23rd October 09, 08:37 AM

Traditionally you would choose the one that is associated with your own family name. Unless of course one of those is Barclay, then you should choose that one.

Are you looking to join the clan society? There is nothing wrong with belonging to more than one society, other than it can get a bit expensive paying all those dues. And if you are planning to be active in the clan, it could become a chore to be active in all of them.
What you get out of this depends upon what you put in. If your ties are not of your own family name, and you had to choose one, then I would choose the one that's activities fit what you are looking for.

Best of luck.

**Jock Scot** · 23rd October 09, 08:39 AM

You ought really to go down your father's line first,if he has one.

**Swamp Yankee** · 23rd October 09, 09:00 AM

Thanks gents. Both lines I mentioned are my father's. The clans are Forbes, Erskine, Dunbar, Barclay , and maybe Stewart. My surname is Anglo Saxon ( English), and of no help. I don't know how interested I am in joining a society, hadn't thought of it. I'm more interested in clan loyalty, whose banner I should fly, y'know? Wich tartan to wear, which crest to use. Having a bit of an identity crisis.

**HeathBar** · 23rd October 09, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by Swamp Yankee

Thanks gents. Both lines I mentioned are my father's. The clans are Forbes, Erskine, Dunbar, Barclay ......

There you go! Barclay, enough said. Just kidding of course. I do what I can to promote our small clan. If you ever want to discuss Barclay offline, just send me a PM.
The choice is purely your own. The one that is the fewest generations away would probably be the smartest. But no one will ever ask for your pedigree when making purchases of clan items. I'd be curious to hear what you choose.

**macwilkin** · 23rd October 09, 09:18 AM

Since you are interested in joining a society, I would also visit society web sites and/or clan tent and see which organization is the best fit for you.

T.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 23rd October 09, 09:20 AM

I know the feeling. I can find 5 or 6 clans on my father's side, and several on my mother's. I also have an English surname which goes back to 1630 in NH and MA.

I chose to join the clan society of the closest one on my father's side, but it is not very active where I live.

I however married a Scott, and my fair lass is actively involved in Clan Scott activities. As an member of her clan society by default (by way of the ring and the back door?) I find myself helping her out at festivals and other things, and it's been very rewarding. Plus it's a neat shared activity. I just won't wear her clan crest.

I would suggest you check into a clan society. I think they all have good newsletters, and you can get a lot of information from them. How active you are is dependent on what you want to do.

Regards,
Dan