Tartans Worn As Tribute

[McMurdo]

I think your story would be good enough for anyone. It sounds like a lovely tribute.

[CameronCat]

I agree completely! Follow the three rules and never look back:

1- Know something about the tartan you wear; its name, etc.
2- You do NOT have to justify wearing it, but a brief explanation can be helpful. ("I like it" is a good reason, too!)
3- Wear it like you mean it!

Trust yourself and follow your heart.

[Crazy Dave]

I am definitely not an expert on Kilt etiquette, but if you were wearing my family kilt and gave me that explanation, I would feel honored that you loved a family member that much.

[Jock Scot]

As you are asking. If that is what you feel you need to do, then carry on. Personally it would not be what I would do, or, expect anyone else to do. Wearing someone else's tartan in such circumstances strikes me as being overly sentimental, rather insincere and unnecessary. Sorry.

[plaid preacher]

I learned a long time ago this simple adage - if you have to ask, you probably already know the answer. The tartan is a symbol of your belonging. Therefore, for the rest of your life, every time you wear your kilt you will have to be prepared to tell this story anytime you encounter a MacKintosh. While it is a touching story and certainly you have genuine affection for this remarkable woman, having to constantly "justify" why you are wearing another clan's tartan will become wearisome. In this matter I am of a like mind to Jock. I wouldn't.

[ThistleDown]

As you are asking. If that is what you feel you need to do, then carry on. Personally it would not be what I would do, or, expect anyone else to do. Wearing someone else's tartan in such circumstances strikes me as being overly sentimental, rather insincere and unnecessary. Sorry.

I suppose there is little difference between the question asked and 'would it be right to wear a Guards' Uniform or a US Marine's when you have not served in either if, in doing so, your purpose is to honour the memory of another?'

Honouring another takes many forms: a black arm-band during the year following his/her death; a black-wreathed painting or photograph; black garments in the period of mourning. Photos (sans the black) on the mantle or piano for all the years after his/her demise.

I suppose this will cause some discussion once again and, if so, that is good.

[Jock Scot]

It’s just a matter of degree Rex and we all have a view on this subject ———any subject———and some have been expressed here. A question was asked and well formed answers, based on personal opinions were given, however what the person asking does with those opinions is entirely down to him. Such is life.

[McMurdo]

When it came time for me to get a kilt as a tribute I went to Barb Tewksbury for a kilt in the Royal Naval Association Tartan, here is the story and photos:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...odyssey-35853/

[OC Richard]

I think the OP's idea is fitting and lovely. If he's wearing his Mackintosh kilt someplace and gives his reason, I doubt if anyone wouldn't accept it.

I do a similar thing, though not with tartan. I grew up with family members who were WWII veterans, and in the shadow of having lost an uncle killed in action in that war. My father-in-law would sometimes wear a tie made to resemble the ribbon of the WWII Victory Medal, and when he passed I asked my mother-in-law for permission to wear it.

I often wear it when kilted. No-one has ever asked about it. If asked I would tell them that I wear it in tribute to my uncle, stepfather, and father-in-law, all passed. I would never dream of wearing a medal, medal ribbon, or article of uniform that belonged to any of these men; this tie is none of those, but an item of civilian attire.