Which tartan to wear?

[Jock Scot]

The bottom line is that the MacKay have very few events, the MacLarens have quite a few, and I'm a member of both. Makes for an interesting problem of etiquette

Well not really. Don't forget you have been a MacKay for longer than you have been a scout. As I understand it, scouts are big on families and loyalty, so I do humbly suggest, unless there is some monstrous family upset lurking, that your family name take precedence in this case.

[Lyle1]

They become an associate member and are encouraged to wear the MacLaren tartan and take part in clan events. As an associate member I also get invited to the AGM and have a vote. T

To me, it seems that you are encouraged to wear the MacLaren tartan, but you are not required to do so. Do you really think that in Scotland it would be rude to wear your clan tartan to any event? Please say it isn't so! That said, it does sound as if you have options, and it is simply a matter of doing what you want to do. However, if you decide to buy a kilt in the MacLaren tartan, don't blame it on the MacLaren's; be honest about it, and buy it because you want to buy it.

[Meggers]

I suspect you will find some in Scotland who like the more relaxed American way. Another kiltmaker local to me surprised me a few months ago when he said he wears a different tartan kilt every day. There is also a precedent for this kind of thing as Jock explained in another thread because the MacLaren tartan is closely associated with Scouting and there is a sense that we are part of that clan in the same way I might wish to wear the Royal Air Force tartan or a US Marine the Leatherneck tartan or a piper the pipe band tartan. There will also be lots of other MacLaren events in coming years too

The reactions so far are very interesting though

Oooooh...well then go for it! If you can think of times when it will actualy be in use, then it might be nice to have a second kilt in another tartan. Mix things up a bit

[xman]

You love your daughter, but you will get the kilt.

MacKay and Clergy are both three colour setts no matter the scheme, so very basic patterns. MacLean is a more complex and beautiful design, but very bold wit the red field.

MacLaren Modern would take a unique place in your kilt line-up.

Good choice!

[figheadair]

MacLean is a more complex and beautiful design, but very bold wit the red field.

Not sure the MacLaren could be described as having a red field. Two thin red stripes don't quite make it

[xman]

Not sure the MacLaren could be described as having a red field. Two thin red stripes don't quite make it

You misheard me, Peter. I said 'MacLean' not 'MacLaren'.

[Jon Lilley]

Hi David,

I wish it were so about all the kilt wearers here in the US, but alas, it isn't. I was able to dodge a couple bullets (new kilts required by different bands), but ended up learning how to make them just to save a buck or two . . . OK, $200.00 to $300.00 a crack.

A proper kilt is an investment and a real joy to wear. So, go ahead and indulge yourself!!! In doing so, you'll be supporting the woolen mills, kiltmakers AND all the tradition surrounding it. Just have another look at the tartan to be sure you're aware of what the tartan looks like. And give your kiltmaker as much time as possible. Rush jobs don't always turn out quite as nicely. And, take a couple pictures on the day to share with us on how it turnes out. Curiosity abounds!

Slàinte,

Jon

[Grizzly]

I think you have already made up your mind. Enjoy your new Maclaren kilt and have a great evening.

[FatherWilliam57]

When your argument centered on the fact that one might where a military tartan or a pipe band tartan, you had me convinced. But then you mentioned there was an "official Scout tartan" which is NOT the same as the MacLaren tartan. I should think that since you are an associate member of Clan MacLaren, it would be understood that you may have full membership elsewhere (Clan MacKay). If you are going with the "I am not only a MacKay but also affiliated with this unit/band/scouting tradition, why are you not considering the official Scout tartan? (Just thought I'd ask...and have fun whatever you decide!)

[davidg]

you mentioned there was an "official Scout tartan" which is NOT the same as the MacLaren tartan.

I've never actually seen anyone wear the Scout Tartan. I think it's restricted and used to only be available to special order from Scout Shops, which I don't think even exist any more, certainly nowhere near where I live. That's probably why nobody wears it and I'm fairly certain that even kiltmakers can't get hold of it, although I may be wrong, so it's not a realistic option. I have trade accounts with most of the mills and to the best of my knowledge they cannot supply me with any