Clan societies in UK

[Troglodyte]

Your question is puzzling.

It (and others like it asked recently) make me wonder what the North American view of Scotland is.

The majority of clan societies were formed in the UK (if not necessarily Scotland) generations before the passion took off across the Atlantic, with the likes of the Buchanan Society having its foundation as early as 1725. Others are not so ancient, but have been around for much more than 100 years.

My own clan association dates only from the 1930s, but the reason for the late formation is often attributed to the fact that the chief and gentry never went down the 'clearances' route, and so the old clan structure and practices fell away naturally with the advancement of modern ways. Many clansmen still live locally, and acknowledge the chief and other gentry of the area for their past importance and legacy, but feel little compulsion to enter into what you might call the pageant of belonging to a clan.

The association formed itself as an 'association' as the clan already existed, of course, and so that interested members could actively preserve the clan's culture, history and traditions, along with the Gaelic language, promote the use of the clan's tartans and encourage the wearing of Highland dress. Membership is open to those of the clan name and septs, and, crucially, those who have a genuine interest in furthering these aims.

Interestingly, the American organisation, which dates only from the 1970s and operates independently of the home association of my clan, regards itself as the clan in many ways, and excludes kin from other countries (including Scotland) from its activities. Australian, New Zealander, Canadian, South Aftrican, etc, members have formed branches of the main association, and work as one.

There seems to be something of the inverse square law at play in these matters, and the further away from the point of origin, the stronger the passion is felt. So, those clansmen who return to Scotland from overseas display far greater excitement and enthusiasm for a Gathering than those who live locally. It's not that locals feel less strongly per se, but they have the relaxed familiarity everyone feels when at home.

As for getting kilted-up and entering into the revival spirit of of Highland culture, you only have to look at the number of Highland Games which occur around Scotland each year - it is impossible for an individual to visit them all in the same year, as several will be held on the same day. Both visitor and competitor is spoilt for choice.

Other than pipe-bands, competitors and officials, the number of kilted visitors is proportionately low - but by no means ever nil. In fact, the Games serve as ocasions when many kilties feel free to indulge in a bit of show, and ancient inherited garments and accessories are seen in abundance. Certain Games seem to have formed a tradition of this, which acts as encouragement for visitors to make the effort.

It's not that Scots at home don't care about their heritage and culture, but there is an oft-expressed dislike of the tartan-and-shortbread element that foreigners (including other British) have come to expect. Consequently, the number of kilties seen is often disappointingly low.

Dressing for the occasion has long been a very British thing to do, and most people seem to know what the code is. So, a game-fair or county show will be thronging with tweed-clad visitors, and a Highland Games will see the same folks turn up in Highland dress. But no-one is thought any less of if jeans and t-shirt is their preference at the same event.

There is obvious ambivalence or indifference in much of the Scottish population to Highland culture and heritage, but seldom is there actual dislike or resentment. Highland culture is Scottish, but Scottish culture in hugely more than its Highland heritage, which may account for why it is easy to misinterpret the modern attitude.

No-one chooses their parents or ancestry, and there is no obligation to acknowledge or participate in Highland culture in any way. A study carried out by Edinburgh University revealed that only 30 per cent of the Scottish population identifies with a Highland clan, so the remaining 70 per cent - the vast majority as you put it - can be expected not to. Why would they do otherwise?

No-one does more for Highland culture and heritage than the Scots, and none can argue successfully that the way they do it is wrong. So what is seen in Scotland is the genuine thing, the authentic way, and anything else is not.