Census poll: What is your cultural / historical connection to the kilt?

[CDNSushi]

Over time, there have been numerous threads that have discussed peoples' connection to kilt-wearing (or lack thereof), including one recent one that really got me curious.

What ARE the demographics of kilt-wearers on XMTS? It's possible that this has come up before, but if so, this may provide a more up-to-date cross-section, representative of the active members we have posting these days. The purpose is mainly interest and curiosity. I have no point to prove or anything like that. I'm just genuinely curious to know a bit more about the cultural breakdown of kilt-wearers on the forum.

Please vote in the poll. It's pretty self-explanatory. If you wish to share any additional details in the comments, I encourage you to do so. Just bear in mind that this is not to become a discussion about who should or shouldn't wear a kilt.

[Hocfutue]

When asked if I'm Scottish, I usually reply "I'm half-Scotch, half-soda."

[xman]

I'm an eighth generation Canadian, the first generation raised outside Nova Scotia since 1803. When the Captain of Clanranald came to Canada it was my brother who was invited to be the evening's entertainment. He met the man personally and received a piece of Caer Tioram as well. I was raised with some old world sensibilities by my step-father, a Scot born in the old country so I guess I'm Scottish enough.

When asked if I'm Scottish, I usually reply "I'm half-Scotch, half-soda."

Well I'm 1/4 scotch so I must be 1/4 gin and and 1/2 beer.

[Peter Crowe]

I am Scottish, I was born, brought up and lived in Scotland until I was 37 years of age (equivalent to the lifespan of Burns) although I then emigrated to the USA to marry my Scottish-American wife. Scotland is also where 13:16 of my great-great grandparents were born and brought up, the other three being from the south-west of England.

I honestly believe that ethnic/cultural/national identity is multifaceted but indivisible, and not a matter of proportions (eg more Scottish than British etc.)

I am therefore a Glaswegian (birthtown), Uddingstonian (hometown), a Scot, a Briton, and a European, by birth and upbringing. I am also an American (citizen of the United States) by adoption and legal naturalization. I regard these designations as being as much (if not more) about geography and culture as they are about particular politico-juridical entities.

My son born in Boston is a Bostonian, a New Englander, an American by birth, and legally under various British Nationality Acts (by virtue of my being his parent) a citizen of the UK and the EU. I would prefer he describe himself as an American, Scottish-American, or American of mostly Scots heritage rather than a Scot simply because it makes more logical sense.

Anyway that's my two bobs worth

[artificer]

I may have some 3rd cousins, twice removed who went to Scotland (and ended up staying) rather than directly to the US when they emigrated from Germany. That's about the closest I get to Scottish heritage.

[Bill aka Mole]

My parents friends were Scottish emigre's to America. Things are a little unclear about my Moms biological Mom. We both love bagpipe music and kilts. So who knows, I could be Scottish.

[BoldHighlander]

I just tell folks I'm a "Heinz 57"

My actual paper trail is an amalgamation of various ethnicities, the story of the United States really: Cherokee, Highland Scots, Irish, Ulster Scots, English, German, Swiss, Austrian, French, Belgian, Dutch, & Norse.

My interest in my Celtic/Gaelic roots is the strongest, but first started as an interest in my Irish heritage (back then we were new to genealogy & unaware of the rest of the mix). Over time it grew to include my Scottish ancestery (MacRanald, Scobee, Muir, Stewart, Grant, McIlistalker). I started with a generic Black Watch budget kilt, then had a Mackay (modern), and now I proudly wear the Macdonnell of Keppoch (ancient).

[CameronCat]

The trend is already developing; no surprise I think that many or most will show a direct family link. My father was from Aberdeenshire.

It might be interesting to run a second poll to see at what level we claim our heritage and to track the Scots diaspora. For instance, "My direct family link is:" parent - grandparent - G/grandparent - GG/grandparent, etc. born in or citizen of Scotland.

I'll bet there are some very interesting stories here. X-man's (above) is certainly one of them. [edit: as are the later ones which appeared while I was writing.]

[CDNSushi]

The trend is already developing; no surprise I think that many or most will show a direct family link.

It might be interesting to run a second poll to see at what level we claim our heritage and to track the Scots diaspora. For instance, "My direct family link is:" parent - grandparent - G/grandparent - GG/grandparent, etc. born in or citizen of Scotland.

I'll bet there are some very interesting stories here. X-man's (above) is certainly one of them. [edit: as are the later ones which appeared while I was writing.]

Indeed, there is a pattern, and I did expect there to be one, I just wasn't sure whether it would be through direct connections or more distant ones.

Yes, the poll is a little ambiguous, as it does not address what "direct family" means nor does it define Scottishness in definitive terms. I knew that though. I just figured that I would leave those things up to each individual respondent. For instance, if you moved away from Scotland at an early age, you may or may not FEEL Scottish... Or if you Scottish aunt or grandmother raised you, that may be more direct a relationship than a parent. Or if only HALF of your family came from Scotland... Or a QUARTER... Where does that put you? Which polll options to choose? There are just too many variables to account for. But I would say the right one to choose is the one that feels the most 'right' to you. In any event I think it gives an interesting, broad overview of the general demographics here.

[Mike S]

My signature line tells the story.