Ideas for a Clan Booth

[jordanjm]

Hi everyone. I am doing my first clan tent for highland games. I have never been to any games before, and I would like to know what would you suggest I do. What I need to know is what kinds of books, papers, and other things I should have in the tent. I would also like to know if flying the Guidon of the chief is appropriate. And so you know this is for games in the state of Utah in the USA.

[Tattoo Bradley]

Are you going Rogue on this? Or, are there other clansmen that will be there to help out? Each clan usually has some protocol for this sort of thing. Which clan btw?

[arrogcow]

Just my opinion, but I would think that the chief's guidon would only be flown when the chief was present.

Adam

[MacWage]

Guidon of the chief is appropriate. And so you know this is for games in the state of Utah in the USA.

On this, I'd say ONLY if the chief is actually present IN the tent, or a legitimately recognized representative allowed to fly it. I've only been in one tent where it was actually done right. The chief and his official standard bearer were both IN the tent that day, so either way, it could be flown. To do so falsely, is the worst of bad taste.
Why?
It is roughly the same as heraldic identity theft, even if done for "all the right reasons."

As for the rest, most tents have relevant books, clan name, and historically appropriate symbols, signs, etc. A Gunn tent once had a targe with Keith tartan scraps nailed to it. A Keith tent had a Gunn tartan with a knife in it. (all in good fun of course). Some have "sign-in" lists for clan members who come and some "info" lists for those seeking more info on the clan society.

We may be more helpful, if we know which clan, so we can suggest clan-specific historically relevant "trinkets" that might be good to have, like can plant badges, and other symbols.

[macwilkin]

Hi everyone. I am doing my first clan tent for highland games. I have never been to any games before, and I would like to know what would you suggest I do. What I need to know is what kinds of books, papers, and other things I should have in the tent. I would also like to know if flying the Guidon of the chief is appropriate. And so you know this is for games in the state of Utah in the USA.

Check wi' your clan society -- most publish some sort of commissioner/convenor's handbook, as well as pamphlets, flyers, handouts, etc. for convenors to distribute at the games. I would talk to one of your society officers before setting up; you might be able to talk one into coming to the games with you to help out.

Also have a few folding chairs, an esky (cooler), some water and other refreshments for wearing clansmen and women. A saltire and US or state flag with poles to display, and some other Scottish "bric-a-brac" to round out the tent.

Never set the table accross the front of the tent, but over to the side, so there is not a barrier between you and the visitors. Invite them in to have a "wee dram"/cold drink and visit with them -- remember that hospitality was highly valued in the Highlands, so always make your guests feel welcome.

You might also have a few books on tartans and genealogy -- I would recommend:

Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History by George Black

Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia by Way and Squire.

A handout with various Internet sites, such as the Tartans Museum, Matt Newsome's personal site, the Tartans Authority, the Lyon Court and your own clan's web site is also good.

The correct flag to fly is the pinsel -- here is what Lady Saltoun of the Clan Fraser has to say:

The Pinsel is a flag used to denote a person to whom the Chief has delegated authority to represent him on a particular occasion. It should be 4'6" long and 2' high.

-- http://www.fraserchief.co.uk/heraldry.html

The Scottish Heraldry Society also has a nice article on "flying heraldry and discusses both the guidon and the pinsel on this page:

http://www.heraldry-scotland.co.uk/flyingherald2.html

Notice that the author states:

The standard ia a long, narrow, tapering flag, granted by the Lord Lyon only to those who have a following, such as clan chiefs or chieftain. As a 'headquarters' flag, its principal use is to mark the gathering point or headquarters of the clan, family or following and does not necessarily denote the presence of the standard's owner as his personal banner does.

The guidon is similar to the standard. Of course, the key is there that you have the authority of the Chief to fly it. If you do not, then it's best not to. Again, talk to the Society President or another officer.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Todd

[jordanjm]

The Clan is MacGillivray. I am a regional Covenor of the Clan over Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. It was suggested to me to start small, and just in my local area. The clan is currently without a chief.

[macwilkin]

The Clan is MacGillivray. I am a regional Covenor of the Clan over Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. It was suggested to me to start small, and just in my local area. The clan is currently without a chief.

Then where did you get the guidon? Is it a historic reproduction? Given that there is no Chief, I would be very careful in displaying it.

As of now, my chief, Sir Alistair Cumming, does not have a pinsel, so I only display a flag in the Cumming tartan, although I want to get one of the banners depicted on Lady Saltoun's page with the clansmen's badge of the Cummings.

Does the Clan have a Commander, a sort of Chief pro tem, who has been appointed by the Lord Lyon to preside until a Chief can be found. The Gunns have one, Iain Gunn, and I know he has given the Gunn Society a standard to carry at the Games.

EDIT: I just read this interesting article about the Chief:

http://www.mcgillivray.us/chiefshipintro.html

So, the Macgillvray's had a Commander at one time, but since the passing of Col. George B. Macgillivray, there is at present, no Commander.

I wonder if Col. Macgillivray was the same person who authorised the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment to wear the Macgillivray tartan in the 1950's, when the "Lake Sups" became a Highland regiment? Very interesting.

So, I would ask your society president or another officer what the protocol is in regards to the guidon.

Enjoyed the clan's web site; very informative!

Cheers,

Todd

[jordanjm]

I have seen images of the guidon, and I was thinking of making one using those, one of the things the late commander did was to establish the arms of the chief with Lord Lyon. However, I am going to avoid offending any, and sticking to ideas that are free from bad taste.

[Wompet]

As a nod to popular culture (and kilt-wearing), you could have a picture of that famous fictional MacGillivray, Elmo MacElroy.
(Say what you want about the character, he knew how to wear the kilt.)

[JimB]

I go to the festivals every year. I look forward to seeing your booth!