Many thanks, Kyle, for pointing out the difference between the clan chief’s personal emblem (the crest) and the clansman’s badge (the crest within a strap and buckle).
Time and again I see that people trip over the distinction.
But I should also mention that for people not resident in Scotland, there is no need for them to obtain a grant from Lord Lyon.
In Scotland, Lyon has the power to deface irregular arms.
It is, however, preferable that arms be registered with some authority (even if it is a private association in the US), simply to ensure that they are in fact unique.
Regards,
Mike