Clan societies in UK

[Troglodyte]

So how can Americans who want to participate in clan events do so?

Really my original question was asking about who and why do some Scots interest themselves in these identities and how do they view them.

I guess your dilemma is what has led our American kin to do their own thing...

The only way to participate in clan events is to come to Scotland and join in with what the locals are doing, even if that is less than you really want.

To modern day Scots (from what I experience), the clans are a nice idea but mostly irrelevant. Clan societies and associations (both unnecessary terms when it comes to clans) are really there to preserve the clans' traditions and history, and provide a focal point for those with an interest in their cultural past.

As I mentioned, our association is really a form of history society with the clan as its subject. Much has been done to preserve factual record, dispel myth and steady the romance and nonsense that flourished in the 19th century. The Gatherings are really for like-minded kindred spirits to get together and enjoy each other's enthusiasm and share knowledge or research. There is little desire for pageantry as this is abundantly catered for in the Highland Games season.

There are so many games held around Scotland that it is possible to go to several each week if you wanted. These games play up their local clan connections to a degree (such as with the Gordons at Aboyne) but this is incidental to, rather than a motivation for, the games.

Asking the average Scot how he feels about the clans is perhaps like asking and Englishman how he feels about the Normans or Saxons. He might know a bit about them, and may even know that he has a Norman name, but that will be the extent of it. The lack of interest is due to irrelevance to modern life.

This is a pity - which is why a forum such as this is an important link for those who do have an interest, and are eager share their enthusiasm with fellow travellers.