Quote Originally Posted by MNlad View Post
Not to mention folks with Scandanavian or Danish forebearers whose ancestors back in 900-1100 viewed Scotland as a great summer retreat.
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Many people associate redheads with Ireland, but the country with the largest percentage of redheads is actually Scotland, (somewhere around 11% of the population I believe), without a doubt most of those can count some Scandinavian blood in their ancestry, (think Erik the Red, Leif Erikkson, etc).

but to get back to the OP question, I'm inclined to lean more towards the "wear the tartan pattern/colours you like" side of things. If you are really concerned about it, and you find a pattern you like, find out as much about that clan as you can, e.g.: the clan motto for example, and if that motto mirrors how you feel, then wear that pattern with confidence and if questioned, state that your personal beliefs make you feel kinship with that clan and you honour them by wearing that pattern.

You also must remember that family/sept association with clans did change over time...so take that into account as well.