See the following link, Information Leaflet no. 3:

http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/lordlyon3.htm

According the the Lord Lyon, King of Arms of Scotland, clan banners may include a reproduction of the Clan Crest and/or be placed on a correct and registered tartan associated with the Clan. I have often seen the Clan motto and name as a part of the crest on display, but understand this is considered outre. In this case, perhaps a separate banner or sign with the Clan name on it accompanying the group would solve all issues.

It is acceptable to have the tartan in flag form; on a shield or similar shape, or in the upright or vertical form with sidearms for support, more properly called the Gonfalon.

Two types of display are not acceptable, and actually outlawed by Scottish law.

The actual arms, or "coat of arms" and other heraldry of the Chief of Clan, belong only to him or her, and are prohibited from possession or display excepting with expressed permission of the Chief, who is nearly always present at the time of display.

The second, and most common, mistake involves use of the "Rampant Lion" as a symbol for Scotland. The Saltire or St. Andrews Cross is the flag of Scotland, and the Rampant Lion is appropriately displayed when a member of the Royal Family of England is present in Scotland. At one point a member of the Royal Family "approved" the use of this symbol, but inappropriately, in his absence.

While it was the original symbol of Robert the Bruce (I believe) it has been "co-opted" by the ruling house of England. Therefore, its display is only appropriate when a member of the Royal House of Windsor (actually Saxe-Coburg & Gotha) are present, or one of their royal appointees for designees. Incidentally, the Lord Lyon, as an appointee of the Crown, is allowed the display of this design.

A note on Festival and Public Displays from my own experience.

As a high official in Clan MacNachtan Association Worldwide, I have come to display the Saltire/St. Andrews Cross Flag twice on our Clan tent (the Pictish House of Nactan was the first to supply a sanctuary for the bones of St. Andrew, in 685AD, so we MacNachtans have twice the reason for pride in the flag), a flag of the MacNaughton tartan, and a US flag. I carry a flag with the tartan and Clan Crest; and a banner with our Clan name and Clan crest is carried between two marchers in parades and at "kirkins".

Hopefully, the Rampant Lion will disappear soon from Celtic festivals and other displays, as it is much too "Sassanach" nowadays. And I note, in passing, that the UK flag or "Union Jack" is also on the eclipse, as most modern Scots prefer to emphasize their unique identity after devolution at the turn of the century.

Cheers.

Charlie Weir

Vice-chairman, Central US, and Regional Commissioner Central USA NE and NW, Pictish Clan MacNactan
owner and proprietor, The Celtic Shop, Lead, SD USA