Tartan Obligation

[Standard]

There are some,not many,tartans that I really like and if I were a "colonial"(sorry!)type who has been brought up with a healthy dis-regard to conventions or even rules then I would very happily go out and wear them.I am afraid that whilst this traditional old Scot is still breathing I am doomed (and proud) to have worn the same tartan for all my years.

Being one of the colonials who has ties to Scotland, although they are back several generations, I have no direct line to any one name. While hunting for a tartan for my recent kilt purchase I looked at the tartans connected with all my ancestrial names. Some of these tartans caught my eye, and others made me think "well...." and in the end I chose the Caledonian as much for the district as because I (and as important I suppose my wife) liked the look of the tartan.

To some of the traditionalists on this board this might appear to be a sketchy way to choose a tartan, and for my next I'll certainly choose on connected to a particular ancestor's name. However, that being said I had the thought process that I'd rather be comfortable in getting to wear a kilt that I truely liked over wearing a tartan just because of the name. Just my two cents for what it's worth.

[BoldHighlander]

and in the end I chose the Caledonian as much for the district as because I (and as important I suppose my wife) liked the look of the tartan.

To some of the traditionalists on this board this might appear to be a sketchy way to choose a tartan, and for my next I'll certainly choose on connected to a particular ancestor's name. However, that being said I had the thought process that I'd rather be comfortable in getting to wear a kilt that I truely liked over wearing a tartan just because of the name. Just my two cents for what it's worth.

And as a "traditionalist" I say that is all that matters

[ccga3359]

You've put a lot of thought into choosing the right tartan for you. Woo what a way to pay respect to it, congratulations.

[Jock Scot]

Being one of the colonials who has ties to Scotland, although they are back several generations, I have no direct line to any one name. While hunting for a tartan for my recent kilt purchase I looked at the tartans connected with all my ancestrial names. Some of these tartans caught my eye, and others made me think "well...." and in the end I chose the Caledonian as much for the district as because I (and as important I suppose my wife) liked the look of the tartan.

To some of the traditionalists on this board this might appear to be a sketchy way to choose a tartan, and for my next I'll certainly choose on connected to a particular ancestor's name. However, that being said I had the thought process that I'd rather be comfortable in getting to wear a kilt that I truely liked over wearing a tartan just because of the name. Just my two cents for what it's worth.

You have weighed up the pros and cons of the tartan you have chosen and all credit to you.You most certainly don't have to justify that decision to me,or anyone else for that matter.Enjoy wearing the kilt and I hope that enjoyment lasts for years to come.By the way, your views are as priceless as anyone else's.

[Standard]

Thank you for the kind words all.

[J.B. Simpson]

So if I am reading all of this right...........

I can choose the Fraser Tartan since the name Simpson is a Sept

or

I can choose the Gordon Tartan since Gordon is my Great Great Grandmothers maiden name

or

I can choose the US Navy Tartan since I was in the Navy.

That just makes it more difficult to choose which one to get first since I like them all, but at least I won't feel obligated to get the Fraser first.

[BoldHighlander]

So if I am reading all of this right...........

I can choose the Fraser Tartan since the name Simpson is a Sept

or

I can choose the Gordon Tartan since Gordon is my Great Great Grandmothers maiden name

or

I can choose the US Navy Tartan since I was in the Navy.

That just makes it more difficult to choose which one to get first since I like them all, but at least I won't feel obligated to get the Fraser first.

Or you can buy all three @ the same time to save on the decision making!

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

The subject of which tartan was proper was important in the days when clan loyalty was at issue. Fortunately, we no longer have wars between the clans and this is a whole lot less of an issue.

People can wear a tartan for loyalty to their clan or because they like that tartan. And, there are variations in clan tartans (Modern, ancient, weathered, etc.). The more I look at it, the more I think Ancient Forbes is pretty grotty, but I needn't wear it!

Just steer clear of the folks who believe that you need to be born into a family to wear that Tartan.