Who Belongs to the Clan?

**Thomas H** · 3rd September 13, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Johnny Selkie

So if I've met an Clan Chief in person and pledged allegiance to him and asked to be his clansman and he hasn't had any objections against that. Am I just as much a clanmember as those who are paying clan society dues or how does this work?

it differ's from clan to clan - But Fergusson is a Society and there is a Due once a year of $ 25.00 which we dont mind paying at all - as we get that back in new letters , but if you were
signed up - no one would ever question you about you inportance as a member . we would just greet you as family .
http://www.cfsna.net/

**Father Bill** · 3rd September 13, 12:33 PM

The difference between a clan, to which you belong either by birth or by adoption such as you have undergone and on the other hand a clan association to which you pay dues, comes up here from time to time. Generally, a clan association is a club for those who choose to join, and in which membership is generally dependent on existing membership (again by birth or adoption) in the clan itself. You don't pay dues to belong to a clan, just the association or "club."

**Thomas H** · 3rd September 13, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

The difference between a clan, to which you belong either by birth or by adoption such as you have undergone and on the other hand a clan association to which you pay dues, comes up here from time to time. Generally, a clan association is a club for those who choose to join, and in which membership is generally dependent on existing membership (again by birth or adoption) in the clan itself. You don't pay dues to belong to a clan, just the association or "club."

Ok , that makes sense then , I was wondering , So I can claim a clan by birth and not have to join the group - I have more then one I could claim but did not want to have pay dues LOL.
Thank you for the heads up

**Father Bill** · 3rd September 13, 01:17 PM

I expect that others may have other perspectives, but I think I'm close to being clear on this one!

**ThistleDown** · 3rd September 13, 01:43 PM

You are, Father Bill. Membership in a clan is yours by birth or, as in the case cited by Johnny Selkie, through 'adoption' by the chief. Think of the clan as your own family, those who have married into your family, and those who have been adopted by your family's patriarch or chief. Some members of your family may also belong to a social club which accepts anybody who wants to join by paying its dues, or maybe only those who have your particular surname. Your family and the social club are not the same. In thinking this through also keep in mind that the clan is a patriarchy with an hereditary leader and -- usually, but not always -- the social club is a democracy with an elected head. The difference is enormous and understanding that is essential to understanding the significance of the OP's question.

**Johnny Selkie** · 8th September 13, 09:40 AM

The thing in my case is that its been easier for me to get a hold of the clan chief in person (Malcolm Sinclair which was a great experience by the way) than those who are running the UK branch of the Clan Sinclair society website.
I do consider myself a clansman, but I can't help feeling that it might make more sense to the man in the street (at least here in Norway) if I also became a member of the clan society. What do you think I should do?

**ThistleDown** · 9th September 13, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Johnny Selkie

The thing in my case is that its been easier for me to get a hold of the clan chief in person (Malcolm Sinclair which was a great experience by the way) than those who are running the UK branch of the Clan Sinclair society website.
I do consider myself a clansman, but I can't help feeling that it might make more sense to the man in the street (at least here in Norway) if I also became a member of the clan society. What do you think I should do?

That's very difficult for you, Johnny. In the short-term perhaps you can simply accept that Caithness has acknowledged you as a Sinclair clansman and continue to wait for a response from the UK society. Be patient with them; those who run these little socities are all volunteers and some have been shoe-horned into roles they may not be perfectly adapted to. Eventually someone will notice you rapping at the door and, be assured, they will let you in. Don't be concerned about the 'man in the street'; tell anyone who asks that you have a friend in the Earl of Caithness and that's good enough for you. I wish you well.