Hello Barb, I hope I don't start any clan wars with my statement. If your ancestors were from the Borders then they would not have been members of a Clan. Clans were a way of life in the north and west of Scotland ( The Highlands). The head of a Clan had control over his family and all other families who promised to aid him in time of war. In turn the Chieftain was sworn to protect all those who promised him allegiance. In the lowlands this was somewhat the same except the leaders were not heads of families so to speak but landed gentry, (men with titles). Everyone who lived within the boundaries of their lands owed the Lord allegiance. In turn all owed allegiance to the King of Scots. Well some of the time anyway. Pretty short explanation, but I am short on time. Hope this helps. Joe Boyd Williams Katy, Texas PS Most of the Clan link ups you see today were put together by vendors so they can sell you some tartan or other clan goodies. -----Original Message----- From: Barb Andrew <bjandrew@westman.wave.ca> To: BORDER-L@rootsweb.com <BORDER-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 8:49 PM Subject: Clan help >Hello List. >As I am fairly new to searching for information on my Scottish roots, I wonder if someone on the list would be so kind as to explain to me why most Scottish names are included in Clans , but some do not seem to be. I have searched many sites trying to find out what Clan that the BRYDON family would belong to and have been unable to find any connection to any Clan. If in fact the BRYDON family did not belong to a Clan would there have been a reason. I hope this is not to basic a question to be asking, but I am a firm believer in the old adage...."If you don't know,,,ASK ! >Thank you in advance to anyone willing to assist, or who could point me to a source that could answer my query. > >Barb Andrew >Brandon, Manitoba >Canada > > >==== BORDER Mailing List ==== >The Border Names Newsletter contact boglelodge@yahoo.com for details. > >