Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[Manxstralian]

Now there's another thing that to a Scot nowadays is just completely bizarre.....

"so closely involved with his family and clan in Scotland"

What on earth is that all about?
Clan?

Born, brought up in Scotland, heavily involved in the piping scene for years and used to drink in the well known Edinburgh folkie/gaelic haunts and yet I have never, ever come across a single person who wa ,'closely involved with his clan', other than the son of certain aristocrat who had no choice but to 'play at clans'.

Coming over to Scotland to see and meet your clan will certainly mark you out as a tourist.....big time!
It's the sort of thing that really does bring a smirk to the face.

"Aye, I'll have to ask MY CLAN chief whether I should grab my trusty basket hilted sword, mount Morag the garron and go out and reive some highlan' coos, today or....then again..... maybe I'll just get go into the office after Starbucks!"

Not sure quite how to start this, but.... Are you suggesting that "Clans" have no relevance in Scotland, even as a cultural construct? And subsequent to that, only tourists are truly interested in their clan?

Furthering that line of thought, are you suggesting that Clan Chiefs and Societies (or Organisations, or whatever they happen to be called) only perform Clan Gatherings etc to gull ignorant tourists?

I met a lot of Scots (from Scotland) at a clan gathering (all of whom seemed genuinely excited to meet other "clansmen" (the chief's word, not mine), and to celebrate their common heritage), and since Clan MacPherson (simply used as an example) has one every year, it seems like a great deal of effort to generate what would be not a lot of income for the association, or the chief.

When I attended the MacLean gathering, I know we spent a hell of a lot more on accommodation and food (and beer) than we did on "Clan" events. Unless the Chief is in league with all of the B&B's, Pubs, and Motels and getting a kick-back, this seems to be an absurd proposition.

Granted, some clans may be more structured, or more "active" than others, but that doesn't mean that the sentiment doesn't hold true for some.

Cheers,

Cameron