What does "my clan" or "my chief" mean?

[Scotus]

In another thread on clans, the "obsession with clans" was brought up. While I agree that obsessions are often not a good thing, I think the spirit of those posts seemed to be saying that those of use who wear the tartan of a clan or belong to clan societies are not doing so with any base in reality; that is, there is no more clan system. If that's not what was being said, my deepest apologies. It's not like I've not been misunderstood in posts myself.

However, that being said, I thought it might be a good topic for a little thread of it's own. Why? I think so because the whole notion of clans and Scottish history very much plays into why we even wear and discuss kilts, at least from the perspective of many of us in the forum. I know this is true not only for Americans and Canadians but for men I know in Scotland. So what is my personal perspective?

I agree that there is no more clan system in the sense of being called to arms by a chief and going to war with other clans, or even any real bond of fealty to a chief. When I speak of "my clan" or "my chief" I don't mean it in the same way that the Scots of old in the Highlands would have meant it. I mean it more in the way of belonging to a group, having roots, and being attached to a certain group of people in a loose bond of mutual interest. When I say "my chief," I mean the man who is recognized in an official capacity by the Lord Lyon as the hereditary head of this group.

"My clan," or "my chief" is a basis for what else I do in regard to the kilt and it's a focus for my study of Scottish history and culture. I think these are worth preserving. If it weren't for these notions, how many people would be wearing kilts because of it's connection with Scottish culture?

What does "my clan" or "my chief" mean to you? Is this the basis for your wearing the kilt and/or a particular tartan?