Namesakes

[Chas]

But let me be a little more clear as to my question, if I was to be wearing a kilt from the Ross clan and either competing in the games or if asked the question, Whats your lineage? I would like to respond in the proper form, i.e Stiverson with the Andrews Sept of Clan Ross! Or however it would be said!

Hi Sapper,

Whether this will help or not, I don't know.

As far as I have discovered, EVERY clan will accept a person as a clan member as long as they undertake to support that clan and as long as they pay the membership fee. This is little different to when a man went to a clan chief and swore allegiance to him to become a member of the clan. Then, a man paid with service, now with money; but the allegiance is the same. If Clan Ross accept you as a member then that is between you and them; it is no one else's business.

There are no Lineage Police. If someone asks you your lineage, they are either being polite and trying to make conversation or they are trying to look important. No one in the whole world knows all the possible septs of all the clans and more importantly 'No One Cares'.

When someone asks 'How do you do?', they expect the same in return. They do not want to hear about that little bowel problem you've been having this last week; watch their eyes glaze over as you tell them. Likewise, 'What's your lineage?' should be replied with a snappy 'Sept of Clan Ross' and nothing more.

What if you, or one of your ancestors was illegitimate - born on the wrong side of the blanket as it is so politely said? Would anybody expect you to reveal your relative's indiscretion to a totally random stranger in a field. I think not. None of their business.

If you are happy to be in Clan Ross, that is your lineage and association. Clan is another word for family. Wear the tartan, work in the clan tent, be a good family member. There is not a lot else that a man can either ask for or deliver.

Regards

Chas