Can a non Scot become a clan member?

**Liam** · 29th October 14, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Generally speaking, the Clan system was set up to recruit warriors. Thus if your mother was a member, you would be assumed to have fealty to the chief, and thus your children & theirs. So would your father, having "married into" the clan. I'm told that some clans however, look for a closer and more formal relationship than that.

Something we all need to keep in mind however, is that with the exception of a few restricted tartans such as the Royal Family's, there is no restriction to wearing them other than your own scruples.

Padre... are you suggesting that the clan system is matrilineal?

**Father Bill** · 29th October 14, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Liam

Padre... are you suggesting that the clan system is matrilineal?

Not in the least, but rather inclusive. My understanding is rather that clan membership can be inherited through either line, depending on other appendant circumstances.

**MacEanruig** · 29th October 14, 05:38 PM

Clan Henderson Society welcomes you! In fact, one of our top Mid-Atlantic convenors is not, to my knowledge, the least bit Scottish. He is Belgian. He has been awarded a couple of the clan medals for his participation. Moreover, he is well respected.

**rebelrouser** · 29th October 14, 06:01 PM

Clan Maclaren has a membership option for non scots

**Norbo** · 30th October 14, 03:53 AM

well im a non scott born in England both parents all so bourn in England my granddad on my mums side was born on Orkney and moved to England when he was a lad and my great grand dad bourn and lived in Orkney all his life, Im not in any clan and I were what ever tartan I like . I don't think you need to be affiliated to Clan to were that kilt .

**bwat** · 30th October 14, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

If you have English and Welsh heritage, the chance of you not having some Scottish ancestry is quite low. Scotland, England, and Wales are all on the same small island.

There's been surprisingly little mobility of surnames in the UK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4620786.stm

**Mel1721L** · 30th October 14, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

Check also your surname in case in proves to be a Sept of a Clan.

I doubt it, it goes back before the Norman invasion in Warwickshire.

**Mel1721L** · 30th October 14, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by The farqcom

Clan Farquharson US an "Associate, interested non Farquharson membership" for the same price as regular members, $20/yr to provide folks that opportunity.

Jim McKeehan,
President, CFUSA

That seems a bit like buying a bit of land in Scotland to become a Laird.

**Mel1721L** · 30th October 14, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

If you have English and Welsh heritage, the chance of you not having some Scottish ancestry is quite low. Scotland, England, and Wales are all on the same small island.

You would think that but the reality was, until the invention of the railway, people rarely travelled further that the next village or nearest town.

**Mel1721L** · 30th October 14, 08:41 AM

Well thats answered my question but raised another. What is your obligation as a clan member? Obviously in the past it was to fight for your lord, pretty much the same of any tribe, but what now?