maternal heritage - can i wear a clan kilt?

[The Wizard of BC]

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the Scottish Clan system, Tartans and just about everything having to do with them.

May I suggest you take a look at a few sources of information.

The authoritative source on the Clan System today is The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. There are a lot of claims and misinformation on the web. Some that say or claim that this or that name are a Clan cannot be found on The Standing Council

http://www.clanchiefs.org.uk

You can be 100% Scottish and not be a member of a Clan. Just because you can trace your lineage to Scotland does not automatically make you a part of a Clan. Historically the Clan System was only in the Highlands. The majority of the population lived in the cities and the lowlands.

There are two good sources for information on Tartan.

The Scottish Register of Tartan is operated and maintained by the Scottish Govt. https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/

Another site which has an alphabetical listing and pre-dates the Register is The Scottish Tartans Authority. http://www.tartansauthority.com/
You have to click on the little "Tartan Ferret" to go to the search area.

Take a look at the dates of the Tartans Most Tartans are not ancient.

If you would like learn about heraldry such as Coats of Arms may I suggest you go to The Court of The Lord Lyon. www.lyon-court.com

Many people are surprised to learn that under the Scottish system there is no such thing as a family coat of arms. You can also learn the definition of a Clan and how a Clan Chief is appointed.

The best advice anyone can give is not to believe everything you see on the web. Go to the authoritative source.