The Scots Who Left

[Joshua]

Frankly for me its possibly a case of lacking an ethnic identity, and being envious of those that did. That, and among my amazingly diverse lineage, the kilt is the only ethnic garb in my lineage that is culturally relevant in these moden times (unless Welsh stovepipe hats or leiderhosen from Germany come back in a strong way). America has no "ethnic" group, so even if there was a national dress and it was as exciting as the kilt, I would still wear the kilt.

My attachment to Scotland is more a love affair than a direct lineage anyway, and I hold similar love towards the Viking countries of Iceland, Finland, Norway, etc... (even though I have NO recorded descendents there at all). This has to do with my love of physical strength, the classic feats of manhood, that were at one time very much a part of those ancient cultures (the manhood stones of Ireland, the McGlashen stones of Scotland, the Husefel stone of Iceland, the games, etc...).

In short...
I got hooked onto this oft-romanticized culture and found justification to call it my own.

[AN COIGREACH ALBANNACH]

These posts are really a good read.Honest and interesting answers.
I grew up with Scots in the family,and due to the close family connection recognized on the official level I actually went back to live in Scotland.Same as a resident but unable to access financial social benefits.(though I was admitted to N.H.S)
As you see,not a born Scot but even so I do share a degree of the wonderment that Scots feel at seeing this oft seen desire to find and celebrate Scottish roots,at times so far removed.Particularly in America there almost seems to be another "Walter Scott inspired highland revival" take two occuring,and I thank those contributing posts because it does help me get your perspectives.