The majority of my Scottish blood comes from my Mother's side of the family. My closest proven clan lineage is on my Fathers through my Great Great Grandmother, most of my Scottish family connections came through the maternal lines of both families.

Most clan societies will accept your membership application and check based on the fact that you are interested in the history of the clan. One of the exceptions is Clan Donald, they have very strict genealogical proof requirements. I can't get into Clan Donald even though I have Mays on both sides of my family. I do qualify for membership by marriage because my wife is a proven descendant of Clan Donald.

One of the other Clan Societies that has some restrictions is the Family of Bruce, I can't qualify for full membership even though I have several centuries of Bruce blood in my veins. Their restrictions only allow persons who have the Bruce name or a sept name to hold office and enjoy full membership privileges. However, they will allow you to be an "Associate" member.