Quote Originally Posted by cajunscot View Post
The whole idea/concept of an affiliated name only works if you can trace your line to the general area of the clan you wish to affiliate with; in other words, whilst Park may be indeed a "sept" of the Macdonalds of Clanranald, this gent's Parks may not even be from their territory.
I had the same problem when I started tracing my ancestors. I know of at least three clans claiming my primary family name, but research says my particular family is only related to one of them. The other side's details are a complete mess. Everyone assumed someone else was keeping track of things for them.

If you want your family to know where they came from start poking around carefully. Don't assume someone else is doing it for you, don't assume the family stories are true (most of mine were entertaining, but not verifiable) and don't pay someone else to sell you "your history".