I think that we need to be a little relaxed about this matter, it's true. On the other hand, just as we tend to take exception to the idea that any old unbifurcated garment is a kilt, and insist on the concept of a "kilt" conforming to certain minimum norms, so too I believe with tartans.

As James has said, there are plenty of area tartans, national tartans, and so on to wear - and the Government Tartan, I think, comes under this heading.

But for whatever reason, certain setts have become associated with the clans. I think that one needs to have at least some connection, no matter how strained, if it's only even a matter of aesthetics with the tartan of choice.

Surely to treat the clan tartan as a trivial thing is insulting to the people of that clan, and many have suffered terrible things for their clan affiliation. We should respect their memory through respecting their tartan.

I actually don't mind people wearing the various Clan Donald tartans, but I'd like them to be conscious of what they're wearing, and know something about the Lordship of the Isles, and maybe a bit about famous Macdonalds (more than, say, the fast-food joint) such as Sir John A. Macdonald, the Great Canadian.