Clans without Crests

[Morris at Heathfield]

Clan Donald has strict policies regarding sept names: if you can't trace your surname back to a particular area (e.g., the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland or Antrim County, Ireland), you won't be considered eligible for membership in the clan society. I would imagine that your surname is fairly common throughout the British Isles (According to Scots Kith & Kin it was also found in Renfrewshire and Berwickshire, outside Clan Donald territory), so you'd need to do some genealogical research to narrow it down. I'm not going to get into the argument of whether you need to be eligible for membership in a clan to wear its tartan except to note that there's no legal restriction on the vast majority of clan tartans.

On the other hand, there's also a Park tartan, STA ref. #2387. It strongly resembles the MacDonald of the Isles tartan. According to the Scottish Register of Tartans, there are restrictions on it, but it doesn't say what they are exactly. On the other hand the registration notes say that it can be worn by any of the name "Park". Presumably there is at least one weaver that is authorized to produce the tartan.

[Scotus]

The motto is also a part of the arms, and is written beneath the shield.

Adding to what Sketraw has already said, in England the motto isn't a part of the grant of arms. Mottoes can be changed at will. In Scottish heraldry, the motto (appearing above the crest) is a part of the official grant of arms and can't be changed at will.

[Sketraw]

As the thread is about Clans without Chiefs, you may be interested in 'The Council of Scottish Armigerous Clans and Families'

This is a new organisation being put together at present by a number of Scottish Armigers and heads of Territorial Houses. Its object is to aid those families seeking recognition from Lord Lyon as an officially recognised Clan, either by supporting their search for a genealogical link to a previous historic Chief, or by the derbhfine process of creating a new Chief/Commander of a clan.

The website has only one page up at the moment but you can download the draft constitution of the Council from that page by following the link above.

Any feedback, comments and suggestions are being looked for regarding the draft constitution and people are encouraged to have their say either by email, or if you are a member of facebook or panalba, join their group there.

[macwilkin]

I can trace my roots back to a Scottish Family... there is a family crest, and its not available anywhere... just as a work of art so to say... but thats ok... I choose to wear a clan badge that has more significance to me.. I wear the Marine Corps Clan badge... its where my loyalty lies.. I know everyone is different.. I am just saying.. this is my opinion...

If you feel you want to be part of a Clan, join the Clan Society, that your family is a sept of... it will give you a new extended family, and probably help tracing your roots, back to Scotland.. wear that clan badge with honor, and pride..

You might find yourself wearing the Thistle, the symbol of Scotland.. wearing a district tartan... wearing a Scottish National tartan.. or even a fashion tartan.. who knows.. but whatever you choose.. wear it with pride.. and with respect..

By "family crest", did you mean a "clansman's badge", as there is no such thing as a "family crest" in Scottish heraldry.

T.

[DamnthePants]

Well, I can throw this whole argument ( from my side) pretty easily, I am just not sure which traditional you are to claim family from, them others side or the fathers.

My Mother last name is Ross, and her Grandfather came over from Scotland, and all the historical paper work has been done to prove that it is legitimate and everything.

It was only when I learned that my Grandfather on my Fathers side was also Scottish ( beyond that I know nothing more), that I wanted to look in to that side.

[macwilkin]

Well, I can throw this whole argument ( from my side) pretty easily, I am just not sure which traditional you are to claim family from, them others side or the fathers.

My Mother last name is Ross, and her Grandfather came over from Scotland, and all the historical paper work has been done to prove that it is legitimate and everything.

It was only when I learned that my Grandfather on my Fathers side was also Scottish ( beyond that I know nothing more), that I wanted to look in to that side.

I would go with the Ross tartan then, since there's no question regarding your great-great grandfather.

T.