well....what can i say, as far as the question of modern or ancient? what does it matter......I've been participating in the SCA for over ten years now as a scot and a real life member of clan MacDonald and i've found out over the years that it's not what kind of kilt ya wear......but how you wear it. the best times of the year ta buy the tartan is at christmas......most of the fabric stores carry universal tartan that anyone can wear.....granted ye'll pay dearly for it...(about 12.50 to 20.00 dollars per yard) but it's worth it in the long run. all ya need to do is learn how to properly pleat it. (i own about 3 colors of tartan, I wear whatever color suits my fancy at the time) granted i would love to import some of my clan's tartan, but at 30.00+ per yard alas that dream will probably never happen, so in the meantime I make do with what i have. I also own my clan's badge so there's no question whom i'm with.