So if "UK" or "United Kingdom" are sometimes not the best terms, are Britain or Great Britain better? It seems rather a long list to say "Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England," when referring to the combined entity, but I'd rather avoid causing any hard feelings. Some years ago, as a rather more unenlightened American than I am today, a dear Welsh friend educated me about referring to England when I meant the whole four countries. Haven't made that mistake since!

Thanks and sorry for the thread drift.

Holcombe