Food For Thought Two(F4T2)

[davidg]

A very interesting survey thanks Jock

In a future survey I would be most interested in finding out what the same people think defines a Scot or a Highlander. These days with so much freedom of movement it becomes difficult to define in a meaningful way

For example, if someone born in Scotland of a Scottish family moves to England at a young age do they remain a Scot? If so, how does that apply should they move to the States instead? And how is that affected down the generations. In reverse, how is the person regarded who was born in England of an English family but moves to Scotland at an early age?

I know what I believe but what do others think?

[Lime]

Jock thank you very much for taking the time to do this and to everyone who took the time out to complete the survey. It is very interesting.

A very interesting survey thanks Jock

In a future survey I would be most interested in finding out what the same people think defines a Scot or a Highlander. These days with so much freedom of movement it becomes difficult to define in a meaningful way

For example, if someone born in Scotland of a Scottish family moves to England at a young age do they remain a Scot? If so, how does that apply should they move to the States instead? And how is that affected down the generations. In reverse, how is the person regarded who was born in England of an English family but moves to Scotland at an early age?

I know what I believe but what do others think?

I do not think that there is any perfect answer but I think the legal rules on domicile are interesting: i.e. that your domicile of origin is that of your father's on your birth (or mother's if your parents were not married). This governs until another domicile of choice (or of dependency while a minor) is obtained but reverts back to the domicile of origin if a domicile of choice is subsequently abandoned without another being simultaneosuly acquired.

A person is generally domiciled in the country in which he has a physical presence, coupled with an intention to remain permanently for the rest of one's days. It is generally considered as the county in which one lives and "intends to die".

Please don't ask me any complicated questions on the laws of domicile!

[davidg]

A person is generally domiciled in the country in which he has a physical presence, coupled with an intention to remain permanently for the rest of one's days. It is generally considered as the county in which one lives and "intends to die".

True, but the relationship between England and Scotland is very complicated and of the same nature as the relationship between US States

An Englishman has British nationality, as does a Scotsman. They both live in the United Kingdom. So domicile becomes less important in the equation. Or does it?

When you live in a place for a long time you start to think like the locals. I can think of numerous examples of English people who have lived in Scotland so long their country of birth is a distant memory and they identify as Scottish. And vice versa with Scots living in England. I'd love to know what the highland perceptions are of this issue

[robthehiker]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing!

[creagdhubh]

A very interesting survey thanks Jock

In a future survey I would be most interested in finding out what the same people think defines a Scot or a Highlander. These days with so much freedom of movement it becomes difficult to define in a meaningful way

For example, if someone born in Scotland of a Scottish family moves to England at a young age do they remain a Scot? If so, how does that apply should they move to the States instead? And how is that affected down the generations. In reverse, how is the person regarded who was born in England of an English family but moves to Scotland at an early age?

I know what I believe but what do others think?

I think their are definitive surnames that are indeed Highland in origin.

Very interesting thread, Jock, thank you for sharing the information.

Kind regards,

[John McQuillen]

A very interesting survey thanks Jock

In a future survey I would be most interested in finding out what the same people think defines a Scot or a Highlander. These days with so much freedom of movement it becomes difficult to define in a meaningful way

For example, if someone born in Scotland of a Scottish family moves to England at a young age do they remain a Scot? If so, how does that apply should they move to the States instead? And how is that affected down the generations. In reverse, how is the person regarded who was born in England of an English family but moves to Scotland at an early age?

I know what I believe but what do others think?

Jock's post and your question raises some interesting points. As a psychologist I'd suggest that identity depends on the individual and their point of view but belonging to a culture or community also requires acceptance by said community. I'd be interested to see a broader survey....

For my part, I live in Australia and have only recently set up my own set of highland dress, because in more recent years I joined my local clan association and eventually decided to wear the appropriate attire - now I get asked to wear it to friend's weddings and formal events.

I have scots (and irish) heritage on both sides of the family and many family members have worn tartan all their lives, are they going to stop wearing it cause they moved country - no. Ultimately for me tartan is about family, I think of family especially those no longer with us when I put on my kilt, its a part of who I am and it kind of found me regardless of where I lived through family influence. I still have family in the highlands and lowlands of scotland, they are encouraging me to wear it and even have offered to go shopping for me locally when needed.

Having said all that, I only wear it for certain occasions such as clan association events, formal events, weddings etc....

Whats the old saying? home is where the heart is......

As a funny aside, at the one wedding (out of 7 in 2011.....) I decided not to wear a kilt, as I knew I'd be the only person in a kilt and didn't wish to offend, I actually ended up disappointing the bride who was looking forward to a hug with her kilted friend...... you can't please everyone!

[Jock Scot]

Jock's post and your question raises some interesting points. As a psychologist I'd suggest that identity depends on the individual and their point of view but belonging to a culture or community also requires acceptance by said community. I'd be interested to see a broader survey....

A broader survey? Count me out!