Census poll: What is your cultural / historical connection to the kilt?

[CMcG]

I haven't done any DNA testing or worked very far up the family tree; my connection to the kilt is mostly through family lore. Emphasis was always put on the family name, and therefore the patrilineal heritage, though I have the blood of various European nations running through my veins.

My father's line came to Canada from Ireland. I was told, however, that going further back we were also part of a Highland clan. The most ancient origins of my surname appear to be from Ulva. My dad played the bagpipes in his youth and wore the kilt, though no-one else in the family did.

On my mother's side, I have an aunt who was actually born in Scotland but moved to Canada at a very young age. We are not blood related though, as she was married to my mother's brother. Some of the men in her family are kilt wearers and supported my interest.

[Mike_Oettle]

One could argue about the definition of a direct connection – my link to Scotland is through my mother’s maternal grandfather – but there is a definite blood connection.
The old man came from a Lowland clan, but also claimed to be a MacGregor descendant, which makes him part Highlander.
One possibility not put forward in the poll is a military connection.
I am proud to have served in a kilted regiment, and kept a regimental-issue kilt for nine years. I handed it in with great regret.
But I will also admit to being a true South African mongrel. I belong to the 11th generation since my earliest European immigrant ancestor (who was from Cologne in Westphalia) settled at the Cape in the 1650s.
Plenty of French, Dutch and German bloodlines too, a touch of Bengali and a strong English connection through my maternal grandfather. And my father’s paternal grandmother was French Swiss.
Regards,
Mike

[Alan H]

My Scottish connections date from around 1750. WAY back there, a John McKnight emigrated from Ulster and settled in Alexandria. That's on my mothers side. His granddaughter, Martha McKnight is one of the great historical Matrons of the Virginias. His son, also John McKnight, founded McKnights Tavern in Alexandria, which Mael Colum can tell you about.

On my fathers side, a couple of Bryson family brothers fought in the Revolutionary war, and there is some documentation that their grandfather was from Scotland. Bryson is apparently a sept of the MacFarlanes.

So we are talking about a mighty thin connection, here. Way, way way back.

[Brett]

My paternal GGGF came to Canada from the Isle of Mull in the mid 1800's.(McCallums)
My paternal GM was born in Glasgow.(Murhead)
My Maternal GF was of English parents.
My Maternal GM was born in Scotland.(Thomson)

I am the first Male on my father's side that has not worn the Black watch tartan as part of the regiment and most of my paternal grandmother's male family members served in the Black watch either in Scotland or here in Montreal, Canada. I've got some very cool pictures of various family members in Black Watch kilted uniform. Two of my great grandfather's served in the war in South Africa and WWI. A number of great uncles and my grandfather served in WWII, with one of my great uncles dying in France.

I've never been able to stomach the idea of shooting a gun at another human being, so became a professional firefighter instead to somehow carry on some form of family tradition in public service.

[Newfoundlander]

Very interesting reading through everyone's family histories, I have to admit!

My own is fairly common for Nfld. There have been several influxes of blood from the old country to my family and part of Nfld over the years. It likely began several generations ago with MacDonald and Grey from Scotland and Fitzpatrick from Ireland. Spice that with influxes of Forrester (changed to Foster with my Grandfather) from Scotland, and Paddock from England. There might be a dash of other Irish in there too, the parish records are a bit shaky... Pure-bred Newfoundlander ;)

Now myself, I was born in Scotland, but my parents quickly migrated back to home so their son and daughter could grow up in Newfoundland. Thankfully, I can't imagine not growing up as a young lad in a trap skiff with my uncles...

Oh, did I mention I was born on St. Patrick's Day?

[Jimmy]

I'm born and bred in Scotland from an Irish background, I've always wondered if I had been a footballer what country I would have decided to play for, Scotland or Eire. I love both countries and I am just as happy in Eire as I am in Scotland, these two countries share many things in common and have more than often the same outlook in life.
I love wearing the kilt and always feel that it defines me as being Scottish, like many kilted men I tend to always be on my best behaviour when kilted as I feel that I am representing Scotland. Perhaps if I was Irish I probably would be a little bit jealous of Scots as they have the finest national dress in the world and as opposed to being Irish, greater opportunities to wear the kilt.
So I guess I'm a proud Scot and just love the kilt.

[Chas]

I always knew that my paternal grandfather was Scottish, He came from Aberdeen. That made me 1/4 Scots.

In August, my mother (92 years old) came for a visit. She let slip that he courted and married a local girl. In one instant, I went from 1/4 Scots to 1/2 Scots.

Regards

Chas

[Steve Barclay]

My paternal grandad moved down from Cleland, near Motherwell in the late 1920's to Coventry to work at a car factory, as the depression in his part of Scotland hit really badly between the wars as the industry there was all steelwork and mining. He was also a fine singer and made a semi-professional living singing in working men's clubs.

[Woot22]

My paternal Great Great Grandfather was born in Aberdeenshire in 1865 and died in Michigan in 1931. That is where I trace my lineage to Scotland from, although there is some Scottish roots on my mothers side of the family as well. I believe the bulk of my moms family were French Canadians who immigrated to Michigan probably in the late 19th century. Being that my own fathers grandfather was the first of his family born in the US my dads side of the family has always maintained a strong connection with Scotland. Having said that I am most certainly a product of America with many different nationalities comprising my makeup. I think when we as Americans start seeing how many different cultures came together to form our own culture it is only natural to sort of adopt one specific link to try and connect with. Many times we use our surname as the most logical point in which to connect with, such as what myself and the rest of my family have done.

[Macman]

I'm Canadian by birth and residence. Both my grandfathers were born in Scotland and emigrated to Canada. The rest is mostly English with a little French Hugenot thrown in.