# Source Verification Framework

Date: 24 June 2026

## Purpose

The Clan Finder should become trusted because it explains evidence and uncertainty. Surname-to-clan associations must be traceable to sources.

## Preferred Source Hierarchy

1. Scottish Register of Tartans
2. Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
3. Official Clan Societies
4. Historic Clan References
5. Academic Sources
6. Heritage Organisations

## Source Categories Used in Phase 1

The starter dataset uses:

- Scottish Register of Tartans
- Official Clan Societies
- Historic Clan References

## Source Handling Rules

- Do not invent surname-to-clan associations.
- Do not treat a sept list as absolute proof of ancestry.
- Do not collapse disputed surnames into one confident answer.
- Always show the evidence summary.
- Always show confidence level.
- Always show source references.
- Where source material differs, mark the record `DISPUTED`.

## Current Source Examples

- Scottish Register of Tartans
- Clan Fergusson reference material
- Clan Campbell reference material
- Clan Donald/MacDonald reference material
- Clan Stewart reference material
- Clan Fraser reference material
- Clan Mackenzie reference material
- Clan Douglas reference material
- Clan Gordon reference material
- Clan Ross reference material
- Clan MacLeod reference material
- Associated Clan MacLeod Societies

## Future Verification Workflow

Before adding a new surname:

1. Identify the claimed clan relationship.
2. Check official tartan records where tartan association is claimed.
3. Check official clan society or chief-recognised material where possible.
4. Check at least one historic reference.
5. Look for conflicting clan associations.
6. Assign confidence level.
7. Add evidence summary.
8. Add notes where the relationship requires user caution.