Moved thread to "heraldry & tartans" section. Please post all tartan-related threads here.

In answer to your question, my "service" to my Chief, Sir Alistair Gordon Cumming, is to represent him and the clan society as the Vice-President and Midwest Commissioner at games, gatherings, etc. and thereby promote my clan's history. What benefit do I get? Being part of what I consider to be a "worthy cause", as I am a historian, and love to tell others about history, as well as Scottish heritage and culture.

Most clan societies provide their members with a newsletter, and in some cases, genealogical databases and information, compiled from the members by a clan genealogist. You always have a place to "hang out" at the games if your clan has a tent. Other clan societies have "clan heritage centers" and/or museums, and still others host international gatherings in Scotland, the US and Canada. Other clans are active in various charitable causes; the Buchanan Society, established in the early 19th century in Scotland, was orginally a charitable group, much like the early St. Andrew's Societies were.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Todd




Quote Originally Posted by Streetcar
One of the themes that keeps coming up on these boards is the subject of clan tartans, and the right to wear one. I consider myself reasonably educated on the history of the tartan (thanks, in no small part, to members of this group!) as well as my own readings on the subject.
I understand that tartans were not “officially associated” with specific clans until the late 18th century, after the Highland Clearances. I know that many people feel that it is acceptable to wear any tartan, provided you have at least a little knowledge of that clan’s history.

However, I know there are also quite a few who feel you should not wear a tartan unless you have a direct, “legitimate” lineage to the clan, through the father’s (not the mother’s) bloodlines.

So for those of you with that direct lineage, what is clan affiliation like today? Is there a service done to/for the clan chieftain? What does the clan do for its members? How is wearing the clan tartan different for a “clan member” than it is for someone else? If I were to swear allegiance to a clan chief, what would that gain me? What would my obligations be to the clan?

I pose this question is posed with the utmost respect, and a desire to understand the …fire… that fuels the concept of proprietarial tartans.