I am reading Frank Adam's (revised by Sir Thomas Innes of Learney) The Clans Septs & Regiments of the Scottish Highlands and found the following to be of interest -
The clan society is thus, as above indicated, by the Law of Arms, a most important member or branch of the clan organisation but equally it is not "the clan." This was made evident in recent litigation when the Lyon Court and the Court of Session both rejected the plea that resolutions of a clan society or its council should be received in determining the right to arms and other chiefly honours.
Page 198
The clan society is thus, as above indicated, by the Law of Arms, a most important member or branch of the clan organisation but equally it is not "the clan." This was made evident in recent litigation when the Lyon Court and the Court of Session both rejected the plea that resolutions of a clan society or its council should be received in determining the right to arms and other chiefly honours.
Page 198