Clan Heraldry: What you can and can't wear and display

**ctbuchanan** · 13th February 14, 08:02 AM

A very interesting article posted on ScotClans I gather in advance of the gathering this summer.

This will ruffle a few feathers I think.

Coming to Scotland in 2014? Attending a Clan or Family Gathering? Want to get it right? Well aware that feathers may be ruffled and noses out-jointed, Dr Bruce Durie, Shenachie to the Chief of Durie, offers this straightforward guide…

http://www.clans2014.com/clan-herald...r-and-display/

**Chas** · 13th February 14, 08:30 AM

Great link - Thanks.

The whole article should be made into a Word Document and made a sticky, so it can always be referred to and quoted.

**neloon** · 13th February 14, 09:05 AM

" But informally, most Chiefs are only too happy to see as many people as possible wearing the Crest Badge."
Though that is, strictly speaking, "illegal" in the eyes of Lyon Court.
Alan

**ctbuchanan** · 13th February 14, 09:17 AM

And I suppose I should point out, to avoid some confusion, but literally none of these laws apply here in the States other than a few regarding the weapons. And even then it is usually a jurisdictional matter.
We go by tradition but tend to create our own as well.

**EagleJCS** · 13th February 14, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by neloon

" But informally, most Chiefs are only too happy to see as many people as possible wearing the Crest Badge."
Though that is, strictly speaking, "illegal" in the eyes of Lyon Court.
Alan

How is it illegal in the eyes of Lyon Court, when it's on Lyon's webpage here:
"What is permitted is for a member of a clan to use the clan crest ."

which links to here:

"Clansmen and clanswomen
These are the Chief's relatives, including his own immediate family and even his eldest son, and all members of the extended family called the "Clan", whether bearing the Clan surname or that of one of its septs; that is all those who profess allegiance to that Chief and wish to demonstrate their association with the Clan.

It is correct for these people to wear their Chiefs Crest encircled with a strap and buckle bearing their Chief’s Motto or Slogan. The strap and buckle is the sign of the clansman, and he demonstrates his membership of his Chiefs Clan by wearing his Chief’s Crest within it."

**ASinclair** · 13th February 14, 11:04 AM

This is a very good article. Thanks for posting the link.

**neloon** · 13th February 14, 12:56 PM

EagleJCS,
"What is permitted is for a member of a clan to use the clan crest"
Exactly - a member of the clan - not any Tom, Dick or Harry which I think the article comes close to implying ("as many people as possible "). Admittedly, it is some years since any agency (individual or, more likely, corporate) has been taken to court for transgressing but it has happened.
Alan

**Carl** · 13th February 14, 05:27 PM

Happened as reccently as 2001-ish when David Ross, the 27th Chief of the Clan Ross went after Mohammed Fayed for displaying his arms on the gates of Mr. Fayed's estate (Balnagown).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...t-of-arms.html