Can I wear the McPherson Clan Tartan

[MacBean]

Yes, MacPherson has a lot of tartans to choose from, it's true, but the one they mostly wear is probably not one you'd choose if you had no contact with the Clan. Personally, I think writing the Chief is a great idea. It will give your kilt that extra dimension of affiliation, even if you aren't MacPherson by birth. Their Highland history is interesting; they have an active, illustrious Chief who is welcoming (as far as I can tell their Chief is always known as Cluny). If you learn more about MacPherson, you will soon learn they are part of the larger, ancient Clan Chattan Confederation from Inverness-shire. There are many other Clan Chattan folk here (myself as a MacBean included). I'd say the more interest you show in Clan MacPherson the more you will enjoy your kilt, and the more at ease you will feel in wearing their colors.

There's another MacPherson tartan that I favor a bit more than the one you selected: The MacPherson red muted which can be seen here being worn by our own NewEnglander.

There are some red Stewarts that are especially nice too; I favor the muted myself.

If your looking for a cheaper, casual kilt (especially a first kilt), this MacPherson red muted can be had at an unbeatable price from Burnett's and Struth (link above). It's harder to find on their web site than it once was. You go to the Men's Kilts link, then Casual Kilt on Sale. That particular tartan is on sale, and perhaps other MacPherson reds as well (you have to fill out your measurements, fake ones are OK to get to the place where they list the available tartans. If a tartan is available now, it doesn't mean that it will be in 3 months; they sell out. That kilt is lighter, a possible 5 yards, may have no 'steaking' which means removal of material at the sewn-down top of each pleat to make it lie better. My first kilt was from them and I like it.

On the other hand, most here would recommend getting the best you can afford (me included). I've done that too (an eight yard handmade Barbara Tewksbury). The two kilts are worlds apart and the more expensive kilt is truly lovely, hangs better, swishes like a dream, and costs more than 3x the B&S Casual sale kilt. But they both look fine.

[McClef]

Writing to the Chief of a Clan does not guarantee a reply one way or the other.

A Chief has the power to recognise a tartan but after that they do not appear to have any control over the production and distribution of that tartan. Very few tartans are actually restricted and I am not aware of any Clan tartans that have a restriction.

You will get those who argue that silence equals consent and those who argue that it means the opposite. You pays yer money and you takes yer choice.

I for one do not feel guilty about having and wearing my MacPherson Red nor other Clan tartans of which I am not Clan member. I wear them with respect and honour and I am sure that it is also good advertising for that Clan as many people would otherwise not have the chance of seeing it worn.

[seanachie]

Writing to the Chief of a Clan does not guarantee a reply one way or the other.

A Chief has the power to recognise a tartan but after that they do not appear to have any control over the production and distribution of that tartan. Very few tartans are actually restricted and I am not aware of any Clan tartans that have a restriction.

You will get those who argue that silence equals consent and those who argue that it means the opposite. You pays yer money and you takes yer choice.

I for one do not feel guilty about having and wearing my MacPherson Red nor other Clan tartans of which I am not Clan member. I wear them with respect and honour and I am sure that it is also good advertising for that Clan as many people would otherwise not have the chance of seeing it worn.

I posed this question some months back, and based on some of the "it just isn't done" replies I received I did contact clan MacPherson. I got two prompt replies from clan officials (not the chief). It was acknowledged to me that some Scots might not approve, I was asked to learn a little of the clan and told that they did not have an objection. I will quote one line I think appropriate: "I am glad to know you wear the kilt appropriately attired – it makes all the difference to see it worn properly. Enjoy wearing our tartan."

[McClef]

It would be interesting to know what they mean by "appropriately attired."

[seanachie]

It would be interesting to know what they mean by "appropriately attired."

Trefor: I believe those words were a quote from the email that I wrote. I had basically outlined my case in that I wore the tartan respectfully and appropriately attired. My meaning that I did not wear the clan tartan in some combination of clothing that the clan might feel inappropriate, like sagging off the hips with a loud Hawaiin shirt and psychedelic belt. I think we have also seen kilts worn in ways we think not an issue of taste but just plain grossly inappropriate and I was trying to insure they understood I would never do so and be mindful of being respectful in my dress.

[figheadair]

Wear it as 'Caledonia' which is what it was called before it became MacPherson.

[Mike in Dayton]

Wear it as 'Caledonia' which is what it was called before it became MacPherson.

That was tartan #43 which was also listed in Wilson's book as KIDD. That was based on who purchased that tartan at the time. Someone by the name MacPherson also purchased the material and was so recorded in Wilson's book. Some tartans have an interesting history that can result in multiple identities.

I have some yardage of this particular tartan to be made into a kilt. For me it is because of the KIDD association.

http://www.tartansauthority.com/tart...d-or-caledonia

Mike