Quote Originally Posted by davidg View Post
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!