Mickey,

My take on it is that wearing a tartan to celebrate and honor a family member is an awesome thing and I personally would never have a unkind word to say to any individual expressing themselves that way.

I am a member of Clan Campbell of North America and I wear the Campbell tartan, but I am related distantly and through my mothers family and "technically" for the crumudgeons I am not a real Campbell. My understanding is that the Scots trace their lines paternally.

That being said I am welcomed by Clan Campbell of North America and we are encouraged to wear the tartan if we wish to express our affiliation to the Clan. We also encourage membership for non-Campbell's as well. This is really not much different than how it was done in the old country when smaller weaker families would ally themselves with their dominate and stronger neighbors.

I say wear it in good health and "the devil" to anyone who would try to scold or mock you for it!