Quote Originally Posted by Friday View Post
Back to a question I asked in another thread this week, what is a clan? I have the surname of one of the low land Scot families. The family tree has been traced back to Ireland and from there there is fairly good indication that Irish branch came from Scotland. However, it is not clear if they did come over and if they did it is not clear if they were part of the family aligned with the Clan Chief of same name.

I do not belong to any of the Clan associations and the current Clan has no Clan Chief. Can I wear the tartan related to my surname, simply because of my surname or must there be some stronger Clan tie? Can there be a Clan if there is not Clan Chief?
There are no Clans anymore, Friday. There are Clan Socities and Associations that you pay dues to belong to. Some will ask for your pedigree to join but I doubt any will question it closely. A quick read of this thread will show a varied response to your question of entitlement to wear a certain tartan. IMHO your surname that has a tartan associated with is reason enough.