Linton Surname and Tartan – More Info

[cglinton]

Thanks for the elaboration and additional, good points, Steve. You are correct - The Kerrs (and Lintons) are Lowland families, so they are not related to a Highland clan. Traditions for the Kerr clan tartan are based in the 19th century conventions that you mentioned. Historically, the Kerrs were a prominent and powerful family of the region, so the early members of the Linton family would have recognized their influence, fostering the sept designation for the Lintons (albeit unofficial and at the discretion of the Kerr clan chief).

On a personal basis, I embrace the history that all tartans were / are originally based on localities vs. families and later matched up with families during the widespread marketing effort in the Victorian era, so I wanted to share some details about the Kerr tartan for the Linton sept and its connection to region.

I've had a chance to explore my family history that includes Highlander and Lowlander ancestors in paternal and maternal lines from all over Scotland, so I've enjoyed learning more about those family surnames and beyond the Linton name and original region for Lintons. One of my more recent direct Highland ancestors (paternal) was a McNeil. I've incorporated that particular clan history into my current study as well.

Thanks,
Garry