Trying to Understand how Nixon fits into the clan system

[davidlpope]

Shaun,

I think you're over-thinking this. In the modern world, clans are "ideas", albeit official in the case of clans which have a chief recognized by the Lord Lyon. The whole clan/tartan/bagpipes phenomenon is culturally a Highland thing.

Historical, the Nixons were a reiving family in the Borders. Have you read George MacDonald Fraser's book, The Steel Bonnets? It would be a great introduction to the particular history of Borders families and their culture.

David