Quote Originally Posted by Don Patrick View Post
I understand the Clan Chief is entitled to make the rules concerning their tartan. The Standing Chiefs of the Scottish Clans have stipulated that it is acceptable for those with matching family names to wear the like tartan. They go on to say the wearing of the tartan means that the wearer gives their allegiance to the chief. Allegiance is a duty of fidelity said to be owed by a subject or a citizen to his state or sovereign. In that sense it represents the feudal liege homage, which could be due only to one lord. So much for wearing more than one clan's tartan.
The Chiefs can make the rules about their tartans, insofar as they can say which tartans are official clan tartans. They can have it registered with the Lord Lyon. But they can't prevent anyone from wearing their tartan or demand allegiance from anyone (in case they're trying to lead a raid on a neighboring clan).
That said, just because you can do something does not mean you necessarily should. I can go out and wear any tartan I would like and behave any way I like in it. But I subscribe to the "respect" school of thought. I'll wear a tartan I don't have a "connection" to, but I will know the clan, the history of it, I'll behave myself (best as I can ), I won't pretend I'm something I'm not and I'll be willing to down a few beers with any clans members I run into