Clan Tartan Appropriateness

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 29th June 11, 09:23 PM

*****

**AKScott** · 27th June 11, 11:19 AM

If I am a good enough step father that one of my sons wants to wear my clan tartan, I would be honored.

**Jock Scot** · 27th June 11, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by AKScott

If I am a good enough step father that one of my sons wants to wear my clan tartan, I would be honored.

Indeed so. On the other hand a wise step father has to accept and respect the decisions of others who probably had a difficult choice to make. Such is life, sometimes.

**AKScott** · 27th June 11, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Indeed so. On the other hand a wise step father has to accept and respect the decisions of others who probably had a difficult choice to make. Such is life, sometimes.

Indeed, but the only clan tartan my sons have any claim to is mine.

If they were to decide to become kilted and select a universal sett I think I would still be complimented.

**Macman** · 27th June 11, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mickey

Would you take any slight offense at it?

My short answer is no. If I met you and you were wearing my clan tartan, I'd probably assume you were wearing it for the same reason as I do. I would't ask you why you were wearing it, and I wouldn't be miffed if you were wearing it for another reason.

**sp00ky** · 27th June 11, 01:27 PM

The only time I have struck up a conversation with someone for the simple reason they were wearing a MacKenzie kilt was because they were manning the Clan Tent at the games...

Passed multiple people in MacKenzie around the games and simply smiled.

The only time I have discussed connection to the clan was when lining up with other MacKenzie's for the march of the clans and making introductions. I just introduced myself as Scott (McKenzie implied) and the other gentleman said my name is Dave Jones (wasn't actually Dave Jones but cannot remember his name) he then took it upon himself to explain the connection to MacKenzie (a few generations back through his mother). He actually then asked me if it was OK if he joined in the march, my reply was the more the merrier, but stated non-MacKenzies were required to buy the MacKenzie's a drink after... The grin and the wink gave my joke away.

Many people (non-kilted) have asked me about my tartan, but no one has ever asked for ID so to speak.

My $0.02

As long as it is respectful (even so much as I really like the pattern) then its all right with me.

**O'Callaghan** · 27th June 11, 01:32 PM

Well, I Have no Scots blood that I am aware of, but my mother's maiden name ties me to one of the few clans recognised by the Irish government. There is a chief, who lives in Spain, but no clan society, although there was one based in Ireland at one time. There is a tartan, but it is a special order weave, so if anyone had it woven who wasn't of Callaghan descent I'd say they would have to be crazy to spend the money!

ETA: I've never yet seen it worn atall!

Like many who live in the US, even though not an American myself, I have several different tartans, but I wouldn't wear anything I had no claim to.

One time, while wearing the Cork tartan (House of Edgar version) I was spied by another guy similarly clad, who shouted 'Cork' at me! It transpired that he had no idea what part of Ireland his Irish ancestors had come from. Whilst I wouldn't have worn the Cork tartan if I didn't know that my family came from there, not everyone is that fastidious. However, at least he knew what tartan he was wearing.

ETA: I've only one other time seen that tartan worn, and I didn't ask the wearer if she had family from Cork - I would just assume that she did.

**robbiethepiper** · 27th June 11, 02:00 PM

I heartily despise anyone wearing an identifying item to which they are not fully entitled. Clan tartan, club/school/regimental tie. military rank/unit insignia, medals etc. I would never be rude enough to ask, so assume entitlement. The wearing of unearned military medals is a criminal offense in the UK. other items are left to ones sense of decency.....Robbie

**Irish Jack O'Brian** · 27th June 11, 02:17 PM

In my younger days, I was a member of several secret and/or exclusive clubs-societies-fraternities-clans, etc. All were distinguished by secret handshakes, special clothing, reserved insignia, and a bunch of other paraphernalia that allowed the special members of these superior groups to separate themselves from their lessors.

I don't belong to any of these clubs anymore, and do not subscribe to the exclusivity supposedly bestowed by such membership. If one feels obliged to judge others based on the color of their clothes or the buttons they wear, that's your business. I choose not to make such judgements.

**English Bloke** · 1st July 11, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by robbiethepiper

I heartily despise anyone wearing an identifying item to which they are not fully entitled. Clan tartan, club/school/regimental tie. military rank/unit insignia, medals etc. I would never be rude enough to ask, so assume entitlement. The wearing of unearned military medals is a criminal offense in the UK. other items are left to ones sense of decency.....Robbie

Mmmmm... Robbie, I'll go along with the wearing of unearned medals and passing them off as yours. Despicable!
I'll go along with the ties and the university scarves and the SAS dagger lapel badges and the para wings tattoos an' the bogus qualifications on CV's (It'll be fine, they never check) and all that stuff that people without honour will do.
But I can't get these two English fraudsters out of my concept of who owns a tartan. Consequently and possibly regrettably, I'll have to differ on that point so I'm afraid you'll have to heartily despise me too. Shame that, from my perspective anyway.