Wearing the Family Tartan

[Redregon]

Hello there, new to the community here.

i'm sure you've probably heard this before, but i'm researching my family tree and i am half scot (well, scottish-canadian) and interested in the family tartan

I was wondering, if one were to get a kilt of the family tartan and/or crest, is there any protocol that would have to be followed? like, would i have to contact the clan chief or something so that it's okay or is it couth to just go ahead and wear it anyway?

also, anyone from Clan McCallum/Malcolm around here? ;)

[george7]

It's a material world, just go out and buy it.

[SteveB]

First off, one can wear any tartan they like unless it is protected by a copyright, of which there are very few. There are some Malcolm and McCallum types that visit this forum fairly regularly. You should look at the Scottish Tartan Authority's website. Use the tartan ferret with both surnames to see all the possible tartan options, then check out some of the vendors here. You may find that the tartan of your dreams (like mine) cost about 53 Sterling/Metre. With four to five metres needed to properly make a traditional knife pleated kilt of double width material for most gentlemen, this can get expensive, before the kiltmaker even starts sewing. In the kiltmaker's threads on the D.I.Y., you will find a lot of information on what goes into making the kilt. Also posting there are some kiltmakers, with Matt Newsome, and Barbara Tewksbury having great reputations for the work that they do. There are several others on the board that are sewing kilts. Wallace Catanach (ChattanCat) just finished an Isle of Skye that looks great on him. (sorry Wally if I butchered your surname)

[gilmore]

Hello there, new to the community here.

i'm sure you've probably heard this before, but i'm researching my family tree and i am half scot (well, scottish-canadian) and interested in the family tartan

I was wondering, if one were to get a kilt of the family tartan and/or crest, is there any protocol that would have to be followed? like, would i have to contact the clan chief or something so that it's okay or is it couth to just go ahead and wear it anyway?

also, anyone from Clan McCallum/Malcolm around here? ;)

Almost all tartans are available for anyone to wear. Generally, people wear a tartan associated with their surname. It doesn't require permission from the chief of the clan.

People often wear the clan crest badge on their bonnet, which is the chief of the clan's crest encircled by a belt with the motto on it. You can find them for purchase online. They are usually in pewter, chrome- or palladium-plated, or sometimes in silver.

[Riverkilt]

Sounds like you're a product of the clearances too.

Welcome. Kilt up with pride.

Ron

[HeathBar]

anyone from Clan McCallum/Malcolm around here? ;)

Not me, but get in touch with Mael Coluim here on xmarks. He is a member of the clan. I think he might be one of their regional officers.

Good Luck!

[ChattanCat]

I would try to get a kilt in your Clan. There are usually 2 or more different tartans; Clan Tartan, hunting, ancient, and sometimes others. The Tartans Authorority is the best resource for finding your Clan's tartans. It can be found here:Scottish Tartans Authority

SteveB - correct on the surname, thanks.

[Downix]

I would try to get a kilt in your Clan. There are usually 2 or more different tartans; Clan Tartan, hunting, ancient, and sometimes others. The Tartans Authorority is the best resource for finding your Clan's tartans. It can be found here:Scottish Tartans Authority

SteveB - correct on the surname, thanks.

Holy smokes, searching there found that there's a tartan for my surname, Downes. (My adoptive father is a Stewart, so always worn his tartan, never knew there was one for my own surname)

[Mael Coluim]

Hello there, new to the community here.

i'm sure you've probably heard this before, but i'm researching my family tree and i am half scot (well, scottish-canadian) and interested in the family tartan

I was wondering, if one were to get a kilt of the family tartan and/or crest, is there any protocol that would have to be followed? like, would i have to contact the clan chief or something so that it's okay or is it couth to just go ahead and wear it anyway?

also, anyone from Clan McCallum/Malcolm around here? ;)

Aye, a Malcolm, here! Wear both with pride. You need not request permission.

With Chief Robin Malcolm at Duntrune Castle 2003

[macwilkin]

Aye, a Malcolm, here! Wear both with pride. You need not request permission.

With Chief Robin Malcolm at Duntrune Castle 2003

Would that be the same Duntrune Castle which is reportedly haunted by a ghost piper?

Todd