Every person who has the same surname as the chief is deemed to be a member of the clan. Equally a person who offers allegiance to the chief is recognised as a member of the clan unless the chief decides that he will not accept that person’s allegiance. Continue reading
The search for clan chiefs
The revival of interest in Scottish ancestry over the last 50 years has encouraged many clans and families, who had not previously done so, to look for a leader. For many clans this has involved searching for the person most directly descended from the last known chief of the clan. Continue reading
Crests
Chiefs
Heads of large branches of a Clan, who have been Officially Recognised as Chiefs by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, may wear:
– either their own personal Crest within a plain circlet inscribed with the Motto, Continue reading
Tartans
There are no strict rules on who has the right to wear a particular tartan. People normally wear only the tartan (if any) of their surname, or a “district tartan” connected with where they live or where their family come from. Continue reading
Suggested Further Reading
The Clans Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands – Frank Adam and Innes of Learney (Johnston & Bacon)
Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia – George Way of Plean and Romilly Squire (HarperCollins) Continue reading