Rethinking the Black Watch Tartan

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The "Stolen Valor Act" allows for the arrest and imprisonment of those who abuse the decorations and medals awarded to U.S. service personnel; its one flaw is that any moderately "clever" military buff can bluff his way through life claiming all sorts of military exploits without ever being found out.

[Larry124]

What I should have opined in the first place.

My family might be a Campbell sept. My 84 year old aunt is certain. I’m not so sure. I like the tartan.

I would not wear the Black Watch device or any other military or rank insignia.

Peoples with an excess of historical (grudge) memory have given us those wonderful Eden’s in the Middle East and in the Balkans and in other locals.

No thanks.

[sharpdressedscot]

I don't think it's a matter of whether you are "allowed" to wear the tartan, but whether you want to or not.

[Nick the DSM]

well, then. i know a bunch of people who arent "allowed" to wear the BW tartan.

as the tartan beleif says: wear what you want

[GDub]

Just bought an SWK Black Watch. Then I read this thread....

[English Bloke]

GDub... You can wear it... You don't need to earn it. You don't need to swear allegiance to it.

It's a universal tartan and a very fine tartan it is too. I wear it; 'cause I can!

Ron... I think you should get it, if you haven't already?

I wrote a very long and dull summary as to why I think you should but it didn't read well. So there you go, a short post on an old thread.

BONUS!!

[Carolina Kiltman]

Just a comment from a senior citizen. . . . Old grudges and hatreds need to be put aside. First of all because they can be comfortable, like old leather, well worn. But more importantly, they are corrosive, like acid, and can destroy you from within. I had a very hard time accepting the concept of Japanese and German cars being imported into this country. . . . I now own a Toyota.

The same can be said about clan loyalty. I am MacLaine of Lochbuie, via MacFadden. I jokingly tell people who ask about my tartan that I am MoL, not to be confused with the MoD (MacLeans of Duart). When someone remarks that I look like Sean Connery, I reply that really he looks like me! I'm older.

The whole point is that jokes about ancient rivalries can be fun, to take them seriously can and most likely will be, self-destructive.

As a navy veteran, I would not wear a tartan of any other service, out of respect. But that is my choice.

[Leprechaun 91]

My brother was a Ranger in the U.S. Army. He was Issued a Black Beret as part of his uniform.

When I Joined the Military, I was issued a Black Beret as part of my uniform. (I am NOT a ranger) I am still uncomfortable wearing what once had such a significant meaning. It is my uniform however and i will wear it as long as my orders require me to do so.

I am a Campbell. My family history does have direct connection to the Black Watch tartan from before it was a regimental uniform.

It is now considered a regular "universal tartan.) I wear it for 2 reasons.

1. My family ties.
2. I can get it more readily and often for less money than "Campell" tartans.

I have a question, or statement or whatever...

My Beloved WAS in the Blackwatch regiment for a time, and does not react well when he sees people wearing the Blackwatch tartan. He EARNED his, and when someone wears it casually, usually imporperly, it is hard for him.

Any suggestions you all can give me for helping him handle this?

Also, how did a regimental tartan endup being one of the most seen tartans sold in the US? Who sold the "rights" to it? Just curiousity on my part.

Julie