Quote Originally Posted by Sketraw View Post
A wee correction Todd the 'Chiefs Crest Badge' is in a plain circle (usually accompanied by three feathers) The Clans folk's Badge is the 'Chiefs Crest' in a 'Strap and Buckle' to show allegiance to that chief. Even his heir apparent and all other siblings have to wear the 'crest' in a 'Strap & Buckle'

By Scots Heraldic law and Custom only the Chief/Armiger can use/wear 'his crest' outwith a circle all others should display the crest in a 'Strap & Buckle'
By courtesy all un-married children of an armiger are permitted to display their father's arms undifferenced until they reach their majority. At that time they must either abandon their paternal arms, sue out a differenced version of those arms, or sue out new arms altogether.

The only entitlement the child of an amiger has is the right to apply for a differenced version of the paternal arms. The heraldic authority having jurisdiction in the matter then determines two things: first, what if any, claim the child has to those arms, and second, what, if any, differences should be applied to those arms. The heraldic authority then issues a legal document which (1) confirms that the child is lawfully entitled to some form of use of the paternal arms, and (2) grants the use of those differenced or undifferenced arms to the child.

As to the use of a clansman's badge, like it or not, there is no automatic "right" to wear or display the same. In Scotland the crest, motto, and buckle and strap devise are technically and legally the property of the chief. As such he has the right to control its use, and to say who may--or may not-- wear the badge of a clansman. It has nothing to do with your surname, and everything to do with the good humour of your chief.