Hi Steve,

I think that we are in agreement more than it seems due to the limitations of emails / texts. I always enjoy exchanging information with folks with the same interests in history - It is good for cognitive health! Yes, for sure, there was enthusiasm outside of Scotland - London - to standardize and identify tartans. Some of the enthusiasm was sufficient enough inside Scotland for some of the families to adopt a tartan for themselves as a modern (post-1842, 19th century / onward) endeavor with the realization by some at the time that the more modern connection with a particular tartan would be different than the conditions in the 1700s. It would be more accurate for me to say that the current / more modern clan Kerr connection with the tartan that they adopted reflects the 19th century / onward era, and would not represent how tartans were viewed in the 1700s.

As you mentioned, paying membership dues to join a clan these days, regardless of one's personal history or surname is completely different than the 18th century reality.

I also agree that one should independently research family histories, and confirm any information if it is offered from a commercial source. The family crest/heraldry issue is one example of an item that might have been connected with one family group but not all those with the same surname.

Best,
Garry