Want to kilt up...need advice. NOOB post!

**iKiltIt** · 15th August 16, 08:46 AM

Ok first post here (glad I found this group). I have questions that I hope you guys can answer. I've been doing research on kilts because I want one for my 50 year old self, and because I just discovered my Scottish/Irish roots. My last name is Smith and I know there is a Clan Smith from Scotland. My maternal Grandparents are where my Scottish heritage comes from though. My Grandmother was Haley and my Grandfather was Lowder. My question is, I can't find any tartans from those clans. Can I wear whichever tartan I like the look of or by unwritten rule are you supposed to wear clan tartans?

Also...although I really want an 8 yard Great Kilt, that will be for something special before I can buy one. I'm looking for something more modern with the buckles and something that won't break the bank. I don't want to spend a mint on one, but don't want something "cheap" either. What do you recommend and where are good places to buy one? I only have a limited budget and want to get the Sporran and hose and flashes as well as the Sgian-dubh and kilt pin. I'm assuming this could all add up to quite a bit. Any thoughts?

**slothead** · 15th August 16, 10:36 AM

I see neither Haley or Lowder clans, nor Haley or Lowder Septs. Are you sure of the spellings? You can always pick what you wear by what you find attractive or find some other connections (aside from clans) to wear.

Good luck,

**iKiltIt** · 15th August 16, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by slothead

I see neither Haley or Lowder clans, nor Haley or Lowder Septs. Are you sure of the spellings? You can always pick what you wear by what you find attractive or find some other connections (aside from clans) to wear.

Good luck,

I think the spellings may be off. I'm just going by what my grandmother told me. I know there is a clan Smith which is what my name is. I'll need to check on the spellings. I know from Ancestry.com that both Lowders and Haleys were in Southern Scotland. I'm just not sure about exactly where. Is it possible that there was no clan? No clan no tartan? Either way I'm gonna get my first kilt in Pride of Scotland or Blackwatch.

**cck** · 15th August 16, 10:54 AM

If your surname is Smith, the easiest answer is to wear the Smith tartan. When you wear a kilt you will be asked about the tartan. Rather than replying you wear it because you think it is pretty, you can say this is a Smith tartan and I am a Smith. By wearing a kilt you will be honoring your Scottish heritage.

**Tarheel** · 15th August 16, 10:58 AM

Well met new friend. I see you are in Georgia. Take a look at Atlanta kilts out of Suwanee, GA. There might be something you can find for the "starter" kilt. I have friends here that claim Smith clan ties. If you don't like that tartan, choose an area affiliated or regional tartan that applies to you or just grabs your fancy. The selection is bigger than people think (or feel cubby-holed into). Welcome and good luck with the hunt.

Photos are always sought after by the Rabble when you decide.

**slothead** · 15th August 16, 11:01 AM

Interestingly I saw your post in my email but I don't see it in the thread!!!???

Anyway, the spellings will be significant, so maybe you want to do some more research on those. However, just because your ancestors came from Scotland doesn't mean they were members of a specific clan. The source I used (very quickly) was this one: http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/heritage/F...Sept_Clan.html

But look around, there may be better sources to be found.

**ctbuchanan** · 15th August 16, 11:12 AM

Just a quick look up and it would seem that both names have origins in England. That is NOT to say they could not have made their way up to Scotland, I'm only talking historical origins.
Lowder may be your best best as it seems a locational name from Cumbria on the Scottish border
http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/lowder

Haley seems to have originated in the Yorkshire area
http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Haley

Hope this helps. I tend to agree that the logical choice would be to use your Smith name tartan. Smith is a sept of MacPherson but I would stay away from that if you know your Smith ancestors weren't the Scottish link.

Aye yours,
CTBuchanan

**ctbuchanan** · 15th August 16, 11:26 AM

One more interesting web site to look at a couple of census maps
It shows the names Haley and Lowder in Scotland.

http://gbnames.publicprofiler.org/

This if from the National Trust

**ShaunMaxwell** · 15th August 16, 11:53 AM

If you're not certain of the spelling (Lowder), I wonder if it might be Lauder?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauder

If that's the case, you might consider one of the Berwick District tartan options:

https://www.scotweb.co.uk/tartan/Berwick-District/31435

As for Smith, I have a kilt in Marton Mills 16 oz. Smith ancient colors, which I think is nice:

I agree that it's always preferable to wear a tartan you have a connection to if at all possible.

Good luck to you!

SM

**iKiltIt** · 15th August 16, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

If you're not certain of the spelling (Lowder), I wonder if it might be Lauder?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauder

If that's the case, you might consider one of the Berwick District tartan options:

I seem to remember my Grandmother had a book that she wrote and had traced her family tree as well as my grandfathers family tree all the way down to me (she did this genealogy for me so I would know where I am from) and I remember seeing the name Lauder in there somewhere. I also remember her saying that we had Irish blood somewhere, but Im not sure exactly from where. Maybe it came from the Haley side (her maiden name)? I guess I'm just conglomerate. LOL.

**Edit...just called my mother and she confirmed the name Lauder is in that book. She still has it and is sending it to me.