Gray Tartan

[Don Patrick]

but I wouldn't put too much reliance on a connection just because the surname is similar. I have been doing a bit of genealogy and found that what seems to be the case almost never is and you can only ever rely on hard documentary evidence.

In the case of tartans, most agree (where it is an issue) that the majority of us only have the surname to use as a basis of tartan rights. It is a shame but that is the way it is today. Back then it could happen that a MacDonald might move to the lands of a MacGregor and there upon immediately change his surname to MacGregor.

Blood line was suspose to be followed at the Lord and Chief levels, but allegiance was the rule of the day for all those clan members at the lower end of the totem pole. There is at least one incident where the chief of the clan picked up a new last name and the whole courtyside immediately changed their last names as well.

The surname issue is actually even worse - making genealogy tracking almost impossible. There were at least three 'other' common methods individuals used to allow the last name of their descendants to wander. One the 'T' Name or nick name, another using the name of the area they were living in, and another by the use of Mac or such. It was so bad, I believe DNA, such as it is, is our only resonable hope of straightening the lineage issue out.

It wasn't until the mid 1800s that a decision was made by the registrars that off-spring would be required to use the surname of their father. Until that time a Scottish son might choose most any last name they so desired.

I believe the way it works; The Lord of Lyons is involved in determining the Chief of a Clan. Particularily where there are issues - such as the Gray-Campbell issue in the 1950's. The chief of the clan, then is entitled to make the decisions for the clan - such as matters concerning the tartan.

Sorry to use so many words. Guess I got carried away.