Quote Originally Posted by Phil View Post
I take it you are making a veiled reference to what is known here as "The Donald" that trichologically challenged gentleman who blusters and brays at all and sundry on the strength of having a great deal of cash. If so then you are perfectly correct - I think the words "grandmother" and "suck eggs" are apposite here. If you refer to those who genuinely integrate, listen to local views and become an asset in the community then you could not be farther from the truth.
Actually, I wasn't talking about Donald Trump at all. Though I will take this opportunity to apologise for his behaviour on behalf of my fellow Americans who aren't insane. The man is an embarrassment and has been for some time.

What I was getting at is that Scotland has dealt with the influx of outsiders for a long time now. As in, many centuries. For example, there were many attempts by outsiders to improve roads, schools, etc., in the Highlands (and I'm not even talking about the government) many times in the past 400 years. Most of these attempts failed because the locals simply didn't want it, or were being manipulated. Through the centuries, as foreigners moved there, purchased land, and tried to do business there, it seems that Scots have developed a rather healthy distrust of them. And for good reason! In most cases, these ventures have resulted in problems for the people who live there. They have been exploited, removed from their jobs and homes, etc. They have lost much of their language, culture, traditions, and property due to the influx of outsiders. This is why I register surprise at hearing that "what Scottish people really want" is for more outsiders to come in, bring their money, and try to improve the nation. That hasn't worked too terribly well for the Scots in the past.

If you refer to those who genuinely integrate, listen to local views and become an asset in the community then you could not be farther from the truth.
OK, so here I think I understand more where you're coming from. Scots would like people to bring their outside money and experience, but not their outside visions of how to help, right? I'm not sure it can ever work that way. Any time foreign people settle in an area, there will be changes that reflect where they came from. That's the nature of mixing cultures - which is one thing we Americans understand very well.