Links Of Interest

Our Links To Scotland

"...yet still the blood is strong and the heart is Highland."

We have conclusive proof of our family's descent from Daniel Carmichael of Appin. My particular line is descended from Daniel and his first wife, Margaret Monroe. The details are found in the Michael Genealogy. Others are descended from Daniel and his second wife, Sarah McColl. From these lines of ancestry we can claim to be what is known as dependants of the Clan Stewart of Appin, thus entitling us, among other things, to wear the clan tartan.

Stewart Of Appin Clan Tartan - WR842

But what exactly is tartan? The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines tartan as "any of numerous textile patterns consisting of stripes of varying widths and colors crossed at right angles against a solid background, each forming a distinctive design worn by the members of a Scottish clan." However, there is more to the concept of tartan than mere componential definition.

Tartan means identification with a clan or family. Traditionally, members of a clan would wear the clan tartan as a pledge and constant illustration of their allegiance to the clan chief. The tartan was unique and could be worn only by members of the clan, by blood relation or association. Clans of the same surname living in different areas had distinct tartans - the Stewarts of Athol, the Stewarts of Ardshiel and the Stewarts of Appin all wear different tartans signifying each as a distinct, separate entity.

MacMichael Family Tartan - WR2063

Carmichael of Carmichael Family Tartan - WR1078

Although kilts and the like are not standard, everyday wear for Scottish men and women today, we are still left with the colors of the tartan. They may be worn in many different ways - on pants, shirts, socks and even on baseball caps. Even if not regularly worn and displayed in public, tartan is a symbol of unity and pride in our heritage and should not be lost through lack of documentation and interest.

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