ok i've got a question now

**Galb** · 5th August 08, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by kiltted_lad

im confused which side of the family (fathers or mothers) am i supposed to follow to find my tartan?

Traditionally, you would follow your father's side. HOWEVER, there are no real "rules" in regards to what tartan you can or cannot wear. That being said, if I was you, I would get one kilt in my father's tartan, and one in my mother's. See? Problem solved, and you get two kilts.

**Nighthawk** · 5th August 08, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

Traditionally, you would follow your father's side. HOWEVER, there are no real "rules" in regards to what tartan you can or cannot wear. That being said, if I was you, I would get one kilt in my father's tartan, and one in my mother's. See? Problem solved, and you get two kilts.

That was my general philosophy as well. Of course, I have taken it a step further. I am getting (eventually for all of these) a kilt in the following tartans: Wolfe (Grandmothers surname) County Clare (Grandfathers county of origin) Cian (the Wolves are a sept) and Colorado (because that's where I am from!). So there are all kinds of options! And I get 4 kilts that are family specific out of the deal.

**Cawdorian** · 5th August 08, 12:28 PM

By using both the maternal and paternal sides of your family you are going to get a much larger selection of tartans. You can always select the one you like the best or choose the family you feel the closest connection with.

If you follow this method you will be able to greatly increase your Kilt Kollection.

**ehiker** · 5th August 08, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

...and in the fullness of time became the Earl of Erroll.

The Earl of Erroll... that's hilarious!

Personally, I'd suggest going with whatever tartan goes best with your hair... but then, I'm a redhead. At some point, I wanted to get a kilt in the Galway tartan, which is where my Irish ancestors are from, but the rust reds and oranges and yellows just WOULDN'T go well with my hair! Can you imagine the Irish coming up with a tartan that looks bad with red hair??

(That's all just in fun, really. I wear a Campbell because I married into the Clan. I'll soon have an Irish National because I'm Irish, myself, and my wife likes me in green.)

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 5th August 08, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by ehiker

The Earl of Erroll... that's hilarious!

The Errolls have been prominent in Scottish history since c. 971, and have been hereditary High Constables of Scotland since the days of Robert the Bruce. The present Earl of Erroll succeeded to the title upon the death of his mother in 1978.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 5th August 08, 02:01 PM

At one time in the ancient Celtic tradition, I have been told that it was the Mother's side which determined such things (matrilinear) But it is a matter of choice. My Mother's father was a McFadden (MacLaine of Lochbuie) His mother was a Boyd, his wife my matrernal Grandmother was French! On my Father's side, his mother was Irish, his Paternal Grandmother a Ross, his Maternal Grandmother a Leslie (hence our middle name). "So ya pays yer nickle an' makes yer choice". I chose MoL as being the most recent. (My last name is English, and with plenty of notorieity if one checks back in history

Then there are the district tartans, but 'nuff said.

**gilmore** · 5th August 08, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by ehiker

The Earl of Erroll... that's hilarious!

Why?

Originally Posted by ehiker

Personally, I'd suggest going with whatever tartan goes best with your hair... but then, I'm a redhead. At some point, I wanted to get a kilt in the Galway tartan, which is where my Irish ancestors are from, but the rust reds and oranges and yellows just WOULDN'T go well with my hair! Can you imagine the Irish coming up with a tartan that looks bad with red hair??

...

Why not dye your hair to go well with your family tartan? Just a thought...