When I was trying to decide which clan Tartan to order for my first kilt, I checked out the websites on the two clans to which I felt that I had a connection (Macneil of Barra and the house of Gordon) Both said that I had a legitimate connection and could wear their tartan without feeling guilty about it. But both having said that said that anyone was welcome to wear their tartans, and could even join the clan association if they wished and supported the aims and ideals of the clan. Technically, the clan association follows the father's limeage, but havibg a mother, or stepmother is accepted also. My father's family is a sept of clan MacNeil and my mother's side of the family are Goedons. I chose the MacNeil tartan, but my next kilt will be in one of the Gordon Tartans