Clan societies in UK

[Wareyin]

It sounds as though the problem lies with the elected president then. That's a shame, as I would think the regular members would have been quite happy to attend the actual clan celebration as you describe it. I misunderstood your terms and so had the wrong impression.

From my experience on the US side of the pond, the blue face paint and claymore wielders are a tolerated minority. Not how most of us wish to celebrate Scottish culture, but not worthy of more than an eye roll at the Highland Games when you see them. I think of them no worse than those wearing their kilts backwards, and would be surprised if that type of person would spend the substantial time and money required to attend a 3 day event in Scotland.

[kilted2000]

So how can Americans who want to participate in clan events do so? I’ve never been to a Highland Games or a kirkin of the tartan, but I am very interested in history particularly the history of how in less than 100 years highland symbols came to represent all Scotland. How groups such as the Highland Society of London created this identity for themselves. To me the fact that the Allen brothers, Queen Victoria, Scott, and Wilson’s of Bannockburn had a hand I created the image of highland dress as we know it today is what makes it interesting. Clan tartans didn’t come down from the mists of time.
Really my original question was asking about who and why do some Scots interest themselves in these identities and how do they view them. Heritage is more about the present than the past and I’m fascinated in how the past, or versions of the past, are used and interacted with by people today.
I hope these thoughts make some sense, I’m writing at the end of a long and tiring American thanksgiving day.

[Jock Scot]

So how can Americans who want to participate in clan events do so? I’ve never been to a Highland Games or a kirkin of the tartan, but I am very interested in history particularly the history of how in less than 100 years highland symbols came to represent all Scotland. How groups such as the Highland Society of London created this identity for themselves. To me the fact that the Allen brothers, Queen Victoria, Scott, and Wilson’s of Bannockburn had a hand I created the image of highland dress as we know it today is what makes it interesting. Clan tartans didn’t come down from the mists of time.
Really my original question was asking about who and why do some Scots interest themselves in these identities and how do they view them. Heritage is more about the present than the past and I’m fascinated in how the past, or versions of the past, are used and interacted with by people today.
I hope these thoughts make some sense, I’m writing at the end of a long and tiring American thanksgiving day.

Good points.

I really can only speak for myself, but I think most of my answers are fairly universal throughout Scotland.

So speaking for myself, I rarely give my Clan a thought, even when wearing the kilt I rarely give the tartan a thought. I only wear one tartan but I have to admit it is a rare occasion that I actually give it a thought. Yes I know some of the history of my Clan but it most certainly is not in my mind very often, perhaps something like once every month or so. Do I go to Clan events? No. Am I interested in Clan events? No.

Do I do Clan/tartan parades? No.
Kirkin the tartan? No. In fact until I joined this website I had never heard of it. As I understand it, it is a modern non Scottish concoction.
I am fully aware of the romantic history of tartan and the many fanciful ideas that spring from them. I actually rarely give them a thought, other than not taking them seriously. But...............

BUT, I cannot ignore the REAL history, we in Scotland live with a thousand years, or more, of Scottish history all around us! It is hard, impossible even, to ignore! Do I know the historical details of most of it? No. Some of it, perhaps a tad better.

Do I care what Clan anyone belongs to? No. Do I care what part of Scotland those from outwith Scotland and the areas their ancestors came from? No.

So Clan razz-ma-tazz impresses me not. A thousand years and more of Clan involvement with Scottish history on the other hand impresses me a lot and is worth celebrating modestly, even though I rarely think about it.

[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.