Armigerous Clans and use of Clansman's badge

[HarborSpringsPiper]

But in any case, the way one really displays one's loyalty to a clan is by displaying the crest badge of said clan. The crest represents the cheif and the strap and buckle signifies that your loyalty to the chief.

As to the use of a clansman's badge, like it or not, there is no automatic "right" to wear or display the same. In Scotland the crest, motto, and buckle and strap devise are technically and legally the property of the chief. As such he has the right to control its use, and to say who may--or may not-- wear the badge of a clansman. It has nothing to do with your surname, and everything to do with the good humour of your chief.

I have learned much about heraldry from this site, especially using the search function. In another current thread, Matt made the statement above and MoR made a similar statement in an older, closed thread, all of which has come to be my understanding. I would add an understanding that I did not have prior to visiting XMTS over the last couple of years.

My question is how does this all relate to Armigerous Clans who do not have a chief? I have some familiarity with Clan MacRae for instance and know they are recognized as a clan, have a long history and have been trying to work toward having a recognized chief by the Court of the Lord Lyon. I know they have societies in Scotland, North America and abroad and conduct "clan business" to whatever level they can, short of what having a chief would confer upon them. However, when it comes to something like a clansman's badge, who controls the use of it if there is no chief? Are these crests in limbo pending the appointment of a chief? Or does this become a grey area?

I hope this isn't a contentious issue, as I certainly have no interest in creating controversy. My question is academic as it really has little bearing on me, though I know that for some these become significant life altering issues.

Some background might be helpful as to why I even became interested in the issue. As I have stated elsewhere in this forum, I have no Scottish ancestry of which I know. I started playing the pipes in my teens with the then Clan MacRae Pipe Band of Detroit. I understood that the band had received permission from someone within Clan MacRae to use the name, image, etc. and apparently "they" were flattered by the request (this was probably in the 1960s). I really have no idea why the name was chosen, which occured long before my joining; perhaps an original member or donor? The pipe band dis-banded long ago. Anyway, this became my adopted clan, so to speak.

Since I learned of the significance of the the clansman's badge, I've felt less comfortable about wearing it and rarely do now. I'm very upfront with people about my non-Scottish heritage and do believe I honor the MacRaes well by wearing their tartan. Over time, I think I've come to know and understand more about the history of Scotland and piping than most people I encounter. As I still honor and treasure my true ethnic heritage from Poland, it's like having a dual cultural citizenship.

Back to my question, who does control the crest, motto and buckle and strap device of an Armigerous Clan?