Scottish ancestry.

[freep]

I thought this stated my feelings about my Scottish roots well.

[Liam]

Couldn't agree more. Those that have never left the land of their ancestors often don't understand this however.

[Stan]

I thought this stated my feelings about my Scottish roots well.

I agree with the poem, and the next (second) post..

Several years ago, and with out having confirmed my Scottish heritage, I started wanting a kilt... As you may imagine this almost, "out of no where, need for a kilt" was a bit confusing and made me wander a little... Well, I surrendered to "the call" and bought the kilt, (the first of 20) as well as all the "trimmings". A month or two later was my first Burns night, where I just felt "at home".

After burns night I sought out membership in the clan that I my last name was a sept. of.. When I contacted the chairman of the membership for that clan, I was treated like (what I was) a long lost cousin... In my whole life, I'd never felt so at home....

After those first few "Scottish" experiences (and now 4 years later) via DNA testing (family tree DNA) and genealogy I have confirmed my Scottish heritage ....back to 1237... and further..

The discoveries of my 1000 plus years of DNA heritage explained (at least to me) my love of the pipes, and how they brought (and bring) pure chills to my soul every time I hear them......

I'm now a member of a pipe band, and a paid card carrying member of clan Gregor. I enjoy EVERY MINUET of my Scottish heritage, and the DNA and genealogical discoveries that have helped to explain a lot about myself, and my family.

When I shared my DNA, and Genealogical discoveries with my parents and brothers, they ended up with the same feeling of (at last) "being at home" with membership in Clan Gregor, as well as membership in the St. Andrews society.

I Love the pipes, Love being in a pipe band, and LOVE being Scottish.. P.S. and I love wearing (and buying) kilts too.....LOL.

Stan L.

[Downunder Kilt]

you are. of course. referring to your membership of the clan association/society? The Clan and its society/association are not the same thing. This assumption that both are the same appears to be a common misconception in some quarters. cheers

[Stan]

you are. of course. referring to your membership of the clan association/society? The Clan and its society/association are not the same thing. This assumption that both are the same appears to be a common misconception in some quarters. cheers

Of course..

[Jack Daw]

Stan, this was almost my experience as well. My father planted the seed, as did my Maitland grandmother, who's grandparents immigrated from Scotland to Canada. I'm still trying to figure out why my McIntyre line came over, as they've been in North America since at least 1704. There are at least two theories I'm working on.

[Jock Scot]

------------ Those that have never left the land of their ancestors often don't understand this however.

There I was, thinking that understatement was a British thing! It might be wise for those outwith the UK in general and Scotland in particular to try to understand the above statement, even if you might not agree with it. It will lessen the shock, if you should come across it in the future.

[Taskr]

There might be something to genetic memory, as science has been exploring and giving it more notice in the past few years. That sense of belonging might be a reflection of it, or from finally finding something to fill an intangible void. Certainly - many yeas ago - when my 2yr old lit up excitedly, exclaimed "the pipes!" and ran to the screen door to watch the young piper near the house ...had to have come from somewhere.

[tpa]

I can't speak of the pull those who unfortunate enough never to have been to Scotland feel, but I know that whenever I return, I feel comfortable and at home. The roads first, as I am usually driving, then the hills, the air and the accents are all suddenly again familiar and you don't want to have to leave again.

However, it must be the same for anyone returning home in any part of the world; the difference being that Scotland has it pipes and its tartans, two very distinctive characteristics that are recognised around the world as distinctively and uniquely Scottish. Not every country is so fortunate.

[fflex]

Even after living in Canada for over 29 years, I still have a recognizable accent. It always makes me smile when people proudly claim that they are Scottish, no matter how many generations their families have lived here.