Which tartan for Buie (Bowie)?

[NewGuise]

[QUOTE=M. A. C. Newsome;842075]... the Bowie tartan that is commercially available from Lochcarron is in fact a variation of MacDonald, probably because of the relations between the Bowies and MacDonald Clan.QUOTE]

For what it's worth, that Lochcarron Bowie tartan looks pretty fine to me.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I've always thought it interesting that the Duke of Argyll holds such a strong position in regard to a tartan that has historically been worn by Sutherlands, Munros, and Grants, as well as by Campbells;

He's entitled to have a strong position in regard to the tartan because, as the chief of a clan, one of his prerogatives is determining what is and is not an official tartan of the clan.

[davidlpope]

In a desperate bid to bring this back on topic, one can sincerely believe that the Campbell of Argyle tartan is a recognized and authentic tartan for the clan. The reality is that the chief, the Duke of Argyle, has said it is not. My sincere belief that it is does not change the fact that it is not. Does that mean I cannot wear it? Of course not. But if I go about saying "this is the clan tartan" then I would, objectively, be wrong.

I've always thought it interesting that the Duke of Argyll holds such a strong position in regard to a tartan that has historically been worn by Sutherlands, Munros, and Grants, as well as by Campbells; especially considering that most of the historical portraits of Campbell chiefs show them wearing predominately red tartans - not all that different in appearance from the simple red and black checks of the Buie tartan.

Deil's Chiel, I believe you are mistaken on this point. The Black Watch/Government Sett/Clan Campbell/Hunting Grant/Hunting Munro tartan as worn by Sutherlands, Munros, Grants, Campbells, etc. is not the same as the "Campbell of Argyll" tartan that Matt referenced, which the Duke of Argyll has deemed is NOT a Clan Campbell tartan. The "Campbell of Argyll" tartan has alternating white and yellow overstripes and, to my knowledge, has no connection with Sutherlands, Munros, Grants, Campbells, etc.

Cordially,

David