Scottish vs. Scots

[GDub]

I would argue that there is no such thing as a Scots race. It's been all about claims to territory, along with an enthusiastic mixing up of the gene pool, for a very long time. "The blood that flows in my veins..." is nothing more than an antiquated fantasy--IMHO, of course.

[Lachlan09]

Well, if they kept it in their genes, there wouldn't be Scots today !

[Fast Eddie]

Well, if they kept it in their genes, there wouldn't be Scots today !

very clever...

We grew up with the understanding that "Scotch" referred to the malted beverage made exclusively in Scotland. "Scots" was the language that was somewhere between English and Gaelic. "Scottish" was the label for all things made in, or imported from, Scotland (including the inhabitants). We never used "scots-irish" except in reference to things or people from parts of Northern Ireland, or referred to anything or anyone from Scotland as "Scotch" - it was understood to be incorrect and inappropriate for common usage.

This goes back over 40 years in our family, who have been proud of their Scottish ancestors, just as they are proud of their American, English, French, Portuguese, and Native American ancestors... I'm not Scottish, just an American who's comfortable with his ancestry, and delight in all the positive aspects that my assorted cultural connections bring!

[macwilkin]

Chas noted this several weeks ago, but it is certainly germane to this particular thread, that the formation sign of the 15th (Scottish) Division in the First World War was a red wheel "scotch".

T.

[Lachlan09]

Chas noted this several weeks ago, but it is certainly germane to this particular thread, that the formation sign of the 15th (Scottish) Division in the First World War was a red wheel "scotch".

T.

That's right, the circle represented "O", 15th letter of the alphabet and the triangular device in the middle was a “scotch” block, a form of wedge used in industrial applications.

But, Cajun, I dinnae think it was germane, I’m pretty sure it was Scottish.

[macwilkin]

That's right, the circle represented "O", 15th letter of the alphabet and the triangular device in the middle was a “scotch” block, a form of wedge used in industrial applications.

But, Cajun, I dinnae think it was germane, I’m pretty sure it was Scottish.

But the formation sign was a "scotch" block, not a "Scottish" block.

T.

[Lachlan09]

But the formation sign was a "scotch" block, not a "Scottish" block.

T.

I think Scottish Block is what Sir Walter Scott got when he couldn't think what to write !