Is X Marks the Scot a Clan?

[Panache]

There has of late been all sorts of discussion about Scottish Societies and Clan organizations as of late.
Some seem to be genuinely supportive of preserving and sharing Scottish history and culture. Some seem to exist only to take your dues and disappear until your dues are up for renewal. Some are welcoming to those with an interest and enthusiasm for Scottish heritage and history while others want a DNA sample, a bank statement, and a letter of introduction by Lord Lyon’s Court.

This has got me to thinking about our own XMTS. We never refer to it as a club or clan yet in many ways we act like both.

We are the members of X Marks the Scot.com

We research and share information regarding Scottish, Irish, English, Welsh, and Celtic Heritage.

We offer support and advice for each other.

We learn together, laugh together, mourn together, and celebrate together.

We gather and meet regularly in good fellowship.

We travel the world and more often than not find other members who go out of their way to break bread and lift a glass with us.

We communicate and debate on a daily basis.

We plan and gather for Burns’ Night Suppers and other Scottish and Celtic related celebrations.

We have our own rules and code of conduct within our group.

We have elders whose advice is sought for their wisdom and knowledge.

Like them or not, we have clan chiefs who try to protect and keep order and peace among our group.

We promote within our ranks Scottish and Celtic Heritage activities such as Highland Athletics, Scottish Country Dancing, Kilt Making, Highland Dance, Piping, Drumming, Knife Making, and more.

We have a badge and our own tartan to represent and identify ourselves.

This sounds very much like a very close clan to me.

I know how important the blood ties are to many of you. I respect that greatly. I wear the Galbraith Tartan in honor of my Great Grandparents and Mother. I am proud to be their scion. I wear the Mcleod of Lewis tartan in honor of my beloved wife and her wonderful family who are Nicols (Sept of Clan Mcleod). I have read up on both these clans to try to learn a little bit of this wonderful rich history that I am a part of.

That said, I identify myself as much more affiliated with this forum than either clan.

If a clan is made of ties of blood, and ties of blood alone we are not a clan.

If a clan is made of like minded people who gather together for common purpose and all the things I have listed above, then not only are we a clan.

We are a strong clan!

Cheers

Jamie