Septs are descendants from the Chief by the female line and who, consequently, bear a different surname. The Celtic tradition includes a strong element of descent through and loyalty to the mothers line. Almost without exception, the core clan was augmented by dependant and associated families who either sought the protection of the clan at some point in history, or were tenants or vassals of the clan chief chief. These are known as dependants of the clan. Where there is not an association to the surname the tartan appropriate to the district from which the family originated can be worn.
District tartans are the oldest of our tartans, from which the clan tartans have probably developed.
They have been widely adopted by exiled Scots throughout the world. These became popular in the Victorian era where it became the custome to wear dress tartans after 6pm.