Clans/Genealogy
Benton & Lisa Scott
Clan Chair
Clans@arizonascots.com

 

Welcome Clan or Association Representative!

Below you will find the forms you need to register your space(s)
for the 2008 Mesa Highland Games and Clan Gathering.

You need to download and print out the following:

2008 Clan Registration Form - UPDATED 10/28/2007

Please follow the instructions on the Registration Form and return to the address provided on the form.

If you were not mailed an invitation letter or are a new clan or association, please download and print out the 2008 Clan Invitation Letter as well.

We look forward to seeing you and your clan at the Games!

You will need Adobe PDF Reader to open the attached files. Click here to download.

CLANS

“Tartan” a cloth (1) usually made of wool with (2) a twill weave using (3) a unique pattern of multicolored stripes in both directions . . .” (from Tartans , William H. Johnston and Philip D. Smith Jr)

The tartan is one of the two great symbols of Scotland, along with the bagpipes. Each clan has a tartan, sometimes more than one; members can be identified by the tartan they wear. In addition to clan and family tartans, there are also tartans for districts and special organizations. At the Games you will see the official tartan of the United States Marine Corps along with the Arizona State tartan. The “Arizona State Tartan” was officially recognized in December, 1995, by a proclamation by the Governor. Colors in the Arizona tartan are green, tan, white, red, black, yellow, and azure, all significant to the state’s history. Many Arizona citizens were involved in creating this newest symbol of our State with the common goal of celebrating a part of our Scottish heritage.

The word “clan” was the name given to a group of kinsmen united under a chief and claiming a common ancestry. The group lived as one great family on the land they claimed and this was their domain. The clansmen or septs supported their chief with great loyalty.

Around the thirteenth century, the clans of Scotland came into prominence. Records of each Clan’s history have been carefully kept and this has enabled Scots to trace their ancestors to that period and in some cases even before.

What’s in a name?
It is interesting to note, for example, that the name Smith is found among the list of septs for Clan MacFarlane and also among the septs for Clan MacPherson. In another book, both the Lamonts and the MacMillans claim the name Brown.

While you are attending the Scottish Gathering and Highland Games this year, make it a point to visit the Clan tents. You will have no problem finding them. Look for brightly colored flags, tartans and banners flying. You’ll be as welcome as you can be, and you will find many gracious and interested folks who will be more than happy to help you with any questions you might have.

The Scots and their descendants are extremely proud of their long and colorful history. If you have any Scottish ancestors, you will almost certainly find your family name among the list in one of the clan tents.

 

Genealogy

Genealogist is Delite Gaddie. Bring your brick walls to the Gathering and have Delite KNOCK THEM DOWN!