The wearing of Tartan

[biblemonkey]

Just wondering if it is wrong to wear a Tartan that is not my Clan's. I have read both ideas on it. It is hard to find my families Tartan.

On my dad’s side, my Grand Mother was a Glasgow and I can only find city and school Tartans. I have spent many hours on the I-Net and cannot find the clan I am associated with. My family has tried to track the name back to Scotland and they can’t find any info. All I know is my family came over and settled around Chicago.

Any advice on what Tartan to wear and if it is okay to wear other clans that I know.

Thank You
Scott

The best advice I have recieved is, "Because the Scottish, for the most part don't really care, do what you are comfortable with." If you are at a clan gathering or "official" event, try to wear your clan. If you are just wanting to look nice for a wedding or for everyday, wear what you like. My grandmother's clan (Hynde) is next to impossible to find unless you special order the wool, so I wear the Graham which is the other side of our family and she wears the "Maclean" as a substitute for the Hynde as it is the closest she could find. I also wear some of the "universal" tartans like the "Scotland the Brave" and "Blackwatch". there is a great listing of these on usakilts.com. If you are comfortable wearing another clan then go for it. Just make sure you know what tartan you are wearing and be respectful in your wearing of it.

All the best in your search,
Hugh

[davidlpope]

The best advice I have recieved is, "Because the Scottish, for the most part don't really care, do what you are comfortable with."

Hugh,

I'm not sure that this reflects what Scots really think, but I'll let them chime in.

David

[ctbuchanan]

In reality there is a large percentage of people of Scottish descent that do not have a "clan" family tartan. Many have a district tartan - Glasgow included - and wear them with pride. The Scottish District Family Association is active at many highland games in the U.S.
There are also many other 'generic' Scottish tartans to enjoy as well.
But learning the surname you are researching might help us all help you.

[biblemonkey]

Hugh,

I'm not sure that this reflects what Scots really think, but I'll let them chime in.

David

I was actually told this by a Scottish national who had emigrated to the states. Some may hold different opinions but it seems the majority (that I have met anyway) don't really care TOO much unless at an official function. You just better be ready to explain why you chose that particular tartan and know a little something about it.