FAO Jock Scot / Phil re: Tat and the Scottish Identity

[Gryphon57]

The one thing that they all have in common, though, is that apart from occasional vacations to Scotland to visit a castle or two, a pilgrimage to the home of golf, a dabble at Burns’ poems, and a penchant for haggis and shortbread, is that not one of them would actually ever consider living in the place. Not ever. Not in their wildest dreams.

Not wanting to stir the pot any more than it already is, but I'm afraid I will have to disagree. I spent 3 weeks in Scotland for our 30th anniversary. I felt comfortable and at home from the minute I left the airport in Edenburgh. I would be back there in a minute if I had the opportunity and could afford to do it. The people I met were friendly and I think the change of lifestyle wouldn't be that much of a difficulty. I will admit that I don't care for haggis and Burns' poetry is not my cup of tea except in small doses. The tea should be Brodie's.

My GGGrandparents were from Aberdeenshire, so my connection is apart by over 100 years. They arrived here just before the turn of the century, in the late 1800's. Ironically, they raised their family 30 miles from where I live now.

Needless to say, wearing of kilts and all things Scottish was not part of my life growing up. I didn't really "get into it" until the family started on a geneology penchant. Although I have always loved the sound of pipes. I don't wear my kilts as often as many. I came to wearing the kilt less than a decade ago. I tend to wear them on special occassions for the most part. Does this mean I'm following Scottish tradition?

[Burly Brute]

I also would like to point out that I am first generation in Arizona, and that my family moved out here from the hills of Tennessee a generation back. So, most my family still lives there. And I love "Cold Mountain" the movie...

[Mael Coluim]

<snip>The one thing that they all have in common, though, is that apart from occasional vacations to Scotland to visit a castle or two, a pilgrimage to the home of golf, a dabble at Burns’ poems, and a penchant for haggis and shortbread, is that not one of them would actually ever consider living in the place. Not ever. Not in their wildest dreams. So why continue the pretence of being vaguely Scottish? ,snip.

Phil, I am with Gryphon57 on this one. Every time I visit Scotlandd, my wife reminds me to return home. I'll have to wrap up my few remaining economic earning years here, but afterwards I hope to find some bothy in the Argyll, before it is all said and done.

[Phil]

Phil, I am with Gryphon57 on this one. Every time I visit Scotlandd, my wife reminds me to return home. I'll have to wrap up my few remaining economic earning years here, but afterwards I hope to find some bothy in the Argyll, before it is all said and done.

Well that's two of you. Any more? I know I wrote that earlier piece a bit tongue in cheek but they do say the most fervent Scots are the ones who have left their homeland. They are the ones who have the Caledonian Balls (virtually unknown here), drink single malt with shortbread and reminisce about bonnie Scotland. That is until there is the suggestion of moving back to the place whereupon you can't see them for dust!
Seriously though, anyone considering it would have to take on board the subtle cultural differences involved. Things like lowering the speech volume a few notches, remembering where the greatest country in the world actually is now, removing expletives from their conversation, making sure to leave any venue where the National Anthem is played in good time (it has to do with that verse " Lord, grant that Marshal Wade,
May by thy mighty aid,
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
and like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush,
God save the King. ",)
look with pride at the Saltire when it is flown, ignoring that other one that smacks of a subject nation. There are too many more to go into than a short post here can cover but they can be picked up over a lifetime.

[Jock Scot]

------and then the incommer will then have to work out that not all Scots think like Phil!LOL

[Paul Henry]

------and then the incommer will then have to work out that not all Scots think like Phil!LOL

and in the interests of balance and fair play, not all Scots think like Jock Scot either....

[Jock Scot]

and in the interests of balance and fair play, not all Scots think like Jock Scot either....

Oh absolutely! It would be a very boring place if they did!

[Phil]

------and then the incommer will then have to work out that not all Scots think like Phil!LOL

And what sort of a place would it be if everyone thought the same? We all come from different backgrounds and different experiences have formed our attitudes. Some wish to keep the status quo above all else while others yearn for change. The more open-minded the better I say!

[OC Richard]

The one thing that they all have in common, though... is that not one of them would actually ever consider living in the place.

You bring up a valid and thought-provoking point there.

I would jump at the opportunity to relocate in Britain. I know a few people who have, some permanently, some for a time. They all liked it there. Most, however, lived in England not Scotland.

Most people, wherever they move from and wherever they move to, have an initial honeymoon period, when everything is fresh and new and fascinating, followed (often at around 6 months to a year) by a period of homesickness, when the alienness of their new surroundings starts to press down on them.

So I realise that I would go through those phases.

But Scotland... the weather is an issue to somebody like me, coming from a Mediterranean climate. The cold, and the small periods of daylight in the middle of winter, would be tough for me to get used to.

Personally I think I would prefer the weather in the southwest of England.

My wife was actually offered a very good job in Scotland but she turned it down. She didn't want to be seperated from her parents and other relatives here in SoCal. I have no issues with that, having no relatives here anyhow, and I was disappointed that she passed that job up. Just to think of the accents our kids would have now...

[Phil]

But Scotland... the weather is an issue to somebody like me, coming from a Mediterranean climate. The cold, and the small periods of daylight in the middle of winter, would be tough for me to get used to.

Personally I think I would prefer the weather in the southwest of England.

You have inserted (Americans) in the quote which somewhat misconstrues what I was trying to say in that there are other nationalities and many Scots who have relocated elsewhere and who share the same attitude.
As to weather, I don't know if you are aware, but Ireland and the western approaches, Wales, the west of Scotland and England are among the wettest parts of Britain. The east and particularly the south east of England are the driest areas. Scotland is not particularly cold being influenced by the Gulf stream and a maritime climate and is much less cold than, say, Scandinavia or other places at the same latitude. New York, for instance, suffers much greater extremes of temperature than Scotland does.
Living in Scotland one becomes used to the various seasons and their differing qualities, something that I would miss the most moving to a more southerly climate.