Which tartan for Buie (Bowie)?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I seem to remember Dr. Phil Smith discussing the "Macdonald or Grant" issue for Bowies in an older edition of Tartan for Me!, and suggesting that Catholic Bowies should wear Macdonald, and Protestants the Grant. Whether this was tongue-in-cheek on Dr. Smith's part I cannot say, so I would go with what Matt posted above.

T.

In the most recent (8th) edition, this is what he has to say.

"The name 'Bowie' can either be 'Grant' or 'MacDonald.' If one knows that their family came from the east, then suggest a 'Grant' tartan; if from the west, then suggest 'MacDonald.' If the family traditional religion is Protestant, then 'Grant'; if Roman Catholic, possibly 'MacDonald.' Only 'MacDonald' Bowies should wear the 'Bowie' tartan. It is a variation of the 'MacDonald' tartan."

I believe he is suggesting the Protestant/Catholic thing as a helpful rule of thumb to maybe assist those who don't know what part of Scotland their Bowies came from. I don't think he was intending it as a hard and fast rule.