7% Scot, 87% Irish; What Would You Do?

[Jock Scot]

New to the idea of a kilt but I just got off an Alaskan cruise and saw more than a few guys in kilts for formal night. Now, obviously, I’ve got great knees so, naturally, my thoughts drifted to a kilt. My mind works that way.

Anyhow, my Ancestry DNA says 7% Scot, 87% English/Irish, and 6% Swedish (Vikings, I suppose). So, I can’t claim a clan or anything... What do I do as far as a pattern, etc? Don’t want to step on any toes by wearing the wrong thing resulting in a cross-examination I can’t withstand.

Just a thought. I assume, perhaps wrongly, that you are an American? If so, why not choose a tartan with an American connection?

[AustinDiver]

Just a thought. I assume, perhaps wrongly, that you are an American? If so, why not choose a tartan with an American connection?

The question assumes that I did not look. The ones associated with Texas are special weave. A few of the others of ‘American” are just names created as marketing by a weaving mill or one of the shops to sell kilts. I suppose that I could have chosen another tartan.

Many if not most of these tartans did not exist when my ancestors immigrated in the 1600/1700’s to what is now the US or participated in the settlement/colonization of Texas. I live a mile from a Bannockburn Church on Brodie Lane. The granite exterior on the state capitol was built by Scottish rock workers in the late 1880’s. ...

[Jock Scot]

The question assumes that I did not look. The ones associated with Texas are special weave. A few of the others of ‘American” are just names created as marketing by a weaving mill or one of the shops to sell kilts. I suppose that I could have chosen another tartan. ...

With the greatest of respect, I was answering the OP's first post. However.

I am afraid that "many if not most" tartans that we know today did not exist in Scotland at the time your ancestors settled in the US either. Many of todays Clan tartans were designed much later and often with dubious provenance. The tartans designed by The Sobieski Stuart brothers in the 19th century are a prime example. Alright someone had to invent those tartans, so its really no big deal and they are now respected Clan tartans. However, these tartans, along with most others, arrived on the scene well after the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Tartans are still designed today and a good example of a very recent tartan and popular tartan, is the "Isle of Skye" . These tartans that have no Clan, or, specific affiliation are known as "fashion tartans". So worry not if your US State tartans are a recent invention.

So all in all, I don't think your ancestors in the 1600/1700's would have known tartan as we now know it today.

[Kiltedjohn]

I took an Ancestry DNA test a few years ago. The word "Irish" appeared in my results, rather than Scottish. As far as I know, my mother's side of the family is entirely Scottish, and I have not traced any Irish roots. I think Ancestry are gradually refining their results, so they are beginning to become more specific.

[jthk]

I took an Ancestry DNA test a few years ago. The word "Irish" appeared in my results, rather than Scottish. As far as I know, my mother's side of the family is entirely Scottish, and I have not traced any Irish roots. I think Ancestry are gradually refining their results, so they are beginning to become more specific.

Being that many Irish moved over to Scotland during the 10th-12th centuries (and beyond), that wouldn't surprise me.

[OC Richard]

I am afraid that many if not most tartans that we know today did not exist in Scotland at the time your ancestors settled in the US...

This is an important point that many of us with some tartan knowledge might take for granted, but that "the general public" might not know.

My Scots ancestors came to the USA in the mid-18th century, well before the concept of Clan tartans emerged.

[Highland Logan]

I may be the dissenting voice here... but if your last name or family name has anything to do with a Scottish Clan, knock yourself out. Many here have different opinions on who should and when Scottish National Dress should be worn. I am from the camp that says if your last name has nothing to do with Scotland, why bother?

Someone might like Japanese kimonos, but have no straight (paternal) heir back to Japan. To each their own. But keep in mind, as much as others may; on the board here may disagree with me, many others will, on the board and in the wild. I can't speak for the Scottish people, any more than Jock Scott can. I'm Canadian... Jock Scott is Scottish. But we can only offer opinions that are are own.

My advice is to do what you want. Knowing full well that others may "call you out", and that you'll have to deal with that.

This is not a condemnation, or approval. Just the point that some care deeply about cultural appropriation... this is 2019 after all.

Frank

[AustinDiver]

I may be the dissenting voice here... but if your last name or family name has anything to do with a Scottish Clan, knock yourself out. Many here have different opinions on who should and when Scottish National Dress should be worn. I am from the camp that says if your last name has nothing to do with Scotland, why bother?

Rubbish, That is a very demeaning statement toward women when you postulate that heritage only comes from the male line.

[kiltedsawyer]

Back to the OP's question: 7% Scot, 87% Irish; What Would You Do?

I'd drink scotch until I felt at least 40% Scot, ( or 80 proof.)

Cheers,
David

[Highland Logan]

Rubbish, That is a very demeaning statement toward women when you postulate that heritage only comes from the male line.

No it's not. You find offense where none was intended or implied.

I made my opinion, you made yours.

Frank