Read in a brogue if possible

 

“Let me get rid, once and for all, of the thought that there is a ‘Campbell of Argyll tartan. While it is true that the Sixth Duke [of Argyll – b.1768 – s.1806 – d.1839] introduced a white line to his plain Campbell tartan to differentiate himself from the rest of the Campbell’s, (he being the chief and entitled to do so), he was the only member of the family so to do and the rest of the family thought he was rather pompous to do it.

Campbell of Breadalbane–fine [to wear].

Campbell of Cawdor–fine.

Campbell of Loudoun–fine.

Campbell of Glenlyon–I have never heard of it.

Campbell of Loch Awe-this is plain ridiculous, as we are all Campbell’s of Loch Awe originally. – Apart from anything else, I have never heard of a Campbell of Loch Awe tartan, nor do I wish to do so.

THERE IS NO DRESS CAMPBELL [TARTAN]–repeat! repeat! repeat!

There is NO HUNTING CAMPBELL.

There is NO CAMPRELL RED.

There is NO CAMPBELL – SIMPSON.

There are no Campbell cheques, other than commercial ones…

Yours ever,

Your kinsman and Chief.

Argyll”

 

In my search for the perfect Campbell plaid for our soon-to-be grandson, I came across the Clan Campbell Society website. It has been an endless source of me trying to read in a brogue.

I love the Campbell tartan and wanted to have some pillows made for the baby’s room. Magically enough, up here in Hayward Wisconsin, is a little store called The Legends of the Celts and they will order the fabric from Scotland.

So the wee Comer lad can rest his eyes the Ancient Campbell tartan. It is a bit softer and brighter green, then the other choices. Ay it tis.

The pending arrival of a baby has prompted our daughter Brigid to do some research on family history and names. She has found a preponderance of Edwards and Michaels on the Campbell side. Her Norwegian male relatives were Nels, Ole and Sever and Joe’s Portuguese relatives were Umberto and Pimentel.

We have used family names to honor those who came before, but it can be a time to start fresh, stake a claim and forge a new family path. We shall see what the Comer-Campbell family decides.

“Himself” will have a touch of the Campbell tartan in his room. If you come to visit you can also wear a bit, as it is appropriate for all subjects of Elizabeth II to wear the Royal Stewart tartan, in much the same way that clansmen may wear the tartan of their clan chief.

A Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!