Clan adoption

[piperdbh]

This is a quote from my clan's (Lockhart) webiste.

In December 1996, the Chief called a meeting at Biggar in Lanarkshire to explore the interest in establishing a Lockhart Family Society.

It was decided unanimously by those present that a society should be formed which would be open to anyone regardless of name, who consider themselves to be a member of the famly, or who has a strong interest in the family, its origins and its history.

According to my chief and the original organizers of the family society, blood ties were not required for membership, and a "strong interest in the family" is a good enough reason to a part of the family society. There's no mention of allegiance to the chief.

This is from the American branch's side:

Annual Membership - is limited to those at least eighteen (18) years of age, who are direct lineal descendants of a Scot bearing the surname LOCKHART; or who can trace their English ancestry to Clan Lockhart or one of its Spellings. Spouses of such persons shall be recognized as the same type membership with all benefits. Annual members pay dues, can vote, and may hold office.

My last name is not Lockhart, but my grandmother's maiden name was. And, just as on the clan webpage, there's no requirement of allegiance.



Is this pretty much standard practice for other clans/socities, or just for ours, which was trying to attract members?