Badenoch district tartan

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Good day Rabble,

I was looking for a Badenoch district tartan as that is where my family is from. I did some research and found the hunting Macpherson tartan looking back at me. I do have some Macpherson blood in my veins, and the tartan is also considered the Badenoch tartan. My question is, is it appropriate for me to wear a kilt in that tartan? I know that I can wear anything I wish, but I do not wish to be inappropriate or offend. Do any of our Macphersons object? Thank you kindly. Cheers, Nick Pratt

[davidlpope]

Is there a particular clan that you already "associate with"? Clan Grant (based on your screen name)?

The Badenoch tartan will be almost universally recognized as Hunting MacPherson (despite it's district tartan origin). Wearing that tartan will most likely be interpreted as your profession of association with Cluny and his followers.

Some folks (Highlanders in Scotland?) seem to stick with one clan's tartans. Other folks (many outwith Scotland) wear any tartan they want or multiple clan tartans based on different aspects of their ancestry.

I guess you really need to decide what your personal opinion is on this issue and follow that path.

I think the nuanced "Well, no, I'm not a MacPherson, but my ancestors were from Badenoch, and this is really the Badenoch district tartan, and, well, yes, it's worn by the MacPhersons as a hunting tartan, but I really liked the look of it and...." could prove to be a bit tiresome, if asked repeatedly "What's that tartan?"

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

David,
Yes I see what you're saying. The only tartan I currently wear is the ancient grant hunting (Campbell) which is viewed by many as "universal". I do not currently wear any exclusively clan tartans. My surname is linked to grant but there are no existing photographs of any men in my family in their kilts so it is all based on assumption rather than fact. However, there is no question of our origins in Badenoch. I fear in this case I may not even be "entitled" to wear the tartan with which my surname is connected, but I am more so to the Badenoch district. My screen name indicates what I believe to be my family's clan affiliation, I do not really "associate" with any clan as of yet (but there is always hope). I agree it could grow tiresome to try to explain the above on a regular basis Thank you for your thoughts. Cheers, Nick Pratt

[figheadair]

It rather depends whether you are restricting yourself to tartans in current production. If you are prepared to consider a special weave then I could offer a couple of alternatives that have historical precedence.

[creagdhubh]

Nick,

Wear the Macpherson tartan proudly! As a Macpherson myself, a "Guardian of the Clan Macpherson," having paternal ancestors that hail from Badenoch and Strathspey, and a very active member of the Clan Macpherson Association, rest assure that you will be offending no one by wearing the Macpherson 'hunting' tartan. Cluny (our Chief), does not restrict people from wearing any of the Macpherson tartans, just as long as the wearer demonstrates good taste whilst wearing the clan tartan.

David brings up a valid point, with your clan association/surname being linked with the Clan Grant, then perhaps the Grant tartans are for you? There are Macpherson-Grants amongst the Clan Macpherson, as they have long been associated with Ballindalloch Castle, "The Pearl of the North," in upper Badenoch. There is also a Macpherson-Grant tartan that has no restrictions (see examples below).

Please let me know if you have any further questions regarding Macpherson (and possibly Chattan) tartans.

Macpherson-Grant tartan woven by D.C. Dalgiesh in the 'ancient' colours.


Macpherson-Grant tartan woven by D.C. Dalgliesh in the 'modern' colours.


Macpherson-Grant tartan woven by D.C. Dalgliesh in the 'reproduction' colours - my personal favourite of the three.


Cheers,

[M. A. C. Newsome]

You have ancestors from Badenoch, and you have ancestors who were MacPhersons? I don't think anyone would object to you wearing the MacPherson Hunting/Badenoch tartan at all!

[creagdhubh]

You have ancestors from Badenoch, and you have ancestors who were MacPhersons? I don't think anyone would object to you wearing the MacPherson Hunting/Badenoch tartan at all!

Exactly right, Matt!

I suppose, it's a matter of personal preference for you, Nick. Whether you wish to wear only one clan tartan, and variations of it in regards to the different setts and colour schemes, or possibly both Macpherson and Grant tartans, which are all very smart looking designs and colours in my humble, yet biased (towards the Macpherson tartans of course!) opinion. I have always worn Macpherson, or Chattan tartans, because my father's surname is Macpherson and his family line hails from Badenoch. That coupled with the fact that I have been an active member of the Clan Macpherson Association for many years, is the reason why I choose to only wear Macpherson/Chattan tartans, and nothing else.

My mother is a Gow, or Smith. Now, there is a very handsome Gow/Smith tartan with different setts and colour schemes that I could easily wear if I wanted to, but I choose not to. This of course, is my own decision and personal preference. I feel there is no need to further complicate my life by having a massive, multitude of different tartans in my closet - frankly, it's too much in my opinion, and it could easily become far too expensive! Ha-ha! Let me just say, that along with the Gow/Smith tartans, I have been tempted to wear other fine tartans (Culloden) as well, oh boy, let me tell you, I have been tempted big-time, yet I really never see myself wearing another tartan besides Macpherson.

I realise that every person's situation, family background, genealogy, personal preferences, likes, dislikes, etc, will vary greatly - as it naturally does on this forum, which is one of the reasons why XMTS is a fabulous resource of detailed information. You just have to figure out what works for you and make your own decisions. Peter's idea of having a special weave tartan designed and made for you, is another fantastic option. As you are aware, the choice is ultimately up to you. Just my two cents for what it's worth, mate!

Best of luck!

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

It rather depends whether you are restricting yourself to tartans in current production. If you are prepared to consider a special weave then I could offer a couple of alternatives that have historical precedence.

I am asking because my father is interested in buying me an 8 yard traditional kilt for my birthday. Although I prefer to never restrict myself, I feel his generous offer would be expensive enough, I wouldn't feel right asking for a custom weave on top of it. I would most certainly consider that down the line when the dollars being spent are my own. I may seek those alternatives you mention at a later date. Thank you for the suggestion. Best regards, Nick Pratt

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Matt,
Be careful when encouraging me as it will only make the STM all the busier! He is going to purchase the kilt there, and perhaps some of your lovely accessories (kilt hose!!!)

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Kyle,
It is good to hear that I may wear the tartan. For it is not only my Macpherson blood, and roots in Badenoch that make me want this tartan, I bloody LOVE the sett, particularly in the ancient colors. Couldn't help but notice you have the exact kilt I refer to, down to the mill, weight, and pleating if I am not mistaken. Very sharp mate! Cheers, Nick Pratt