I must admit, I never use the word “Scots”, unless referring to Royal Scots DG’s; Scots Guards; Royal Scots etc. To me “Scots” sounds a bit old-fashioned and I never use it about myself or family or ancestors. In fact of my ancestors, including my father, I would always say Highland or Highland Scottish. It isn’t a conscious decision, the term “Scots” just never really came into my lexicon. I refer to myself as Scottish. If foreigners ask me what nationality I am, I always say Scottish, as that is most natural for me – I would only ever say British as second choice if the person asking didn’t know what Scottish was.

But if they hadn't heard of Scottish or Scotland, I would certainly feel sorry for the poor deluded foreigner .