Identity in the Scottish Diaspora

[Reiver]

Most, and I really mean MOST, Scots want to get rid of anything hereditary but, you will understand, it is not in Scotland's control.

Alan

Yes, I understand that. However, the other type of lineage we enjoy has nothing to do with that so how does that bleed over?

[neloon]

Yes, I understand that. However, the other type of lineage we enjoy has nothing to do with that so how does that bleed over?

Oh, it doesn't. I don't think we have ever said that individual US citizens should not be interested in their ancestry - only that few in Scotland are and therefore, culturally, we don't understand the need. That may be our loss. (I think I am fairly unusual in that I happen to know a lot about all 8 great grandparents.)

Alan

[Reiver]

Oh, it doesn't. I don't think we have ever said that individual US citizens should not be interested in their ancestry - only that few in Scotland are and therefore, culturally, we don't understand the need. That may be our loss. (I think I am fairly unusual in that I happen to know a lot about all 8 great grandparents.)

Alan

I don't think it a 'need' as many care not one whit. It appeals to my love of history ( I enjoy many historical subjects) and only got involved with this endeavor after I retired.
It may also appeal simply because our families did not stay put so there is a story involved. My lineage is not simply a he begat she who begat ... it is a collection of stories of common people.

e.g. "In one of the largest property transactions ever made in the colony Mr. Scott is to be congratulated on securing one of the finest young orange groves in the colony."
That was printed in the local paper in LA, California in 1887....if James Scott had hung on to that property we'd be flush as today it is part of downtown Los Angeles ....and cousin David has recorded stories of individuals all the way back to the borders in his 45 years of investigating.

[neloon]

Reiver,
Yes, I can see that, in a rapidly evolving society, there may be interesting stories.
In my paternal line, the employment sequence went
blacksmith > marine engineer > civil engineer in Huntly > Singapore > Lagos and Aberdeen
but it's an unsurprising progression at the height of the Empire. More demographically interesting is that my great grandfather was born in 1812 and, if my daughter survives into the next century which is quite possible, her great great grandfather will have been born nearly 300 years earlier. It's what happens with a sequence of "late" births.

Alan

[Reiver]

It may also, this desire for history, be partially related to being 'uprooted' as it were.
In the last 400 years my 'relations' went from the borders (some to Ireland not of their free will actually) then to the Colonies.
From operating a coastal ship prior to the revolution to eventually reaching the west coast in the 1800's...it is just an interesting story.
My good cousins (and name) research just takes us back to the borders so here we are.
I'd try not to read to much into this 'need' really. Can't speak for others, just myself.

[neloon]

Bill,
You're a nuisance. You were the reason for me digging out the Andrea Beaton session yesterday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QacpHUd_a4
Now I can't get it out of my ear. By the way, if you knocked on any door on Lewis today, Andrea's are the facial features that would appear.
And then there are more unrelated Beatons - well of course they're related, but you know what I mean.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCSk5waVkxI
Here's Margie with a bit of step dancing from way back in the Hebrides now being revived in Scotland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKHWq4_uF3c
And Dawn,who is Celtic Colours’ Artistic Director, interviewing Chrissy Crowley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vupz...rMCDdLy2buo1W4
More of Chrissy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T96DdnK7cuU

And we are lucky to have one of your fiddlers over here just now
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/elphinstone/pe...arley.williams

Sorry about all these lovely ladies, chaps. Can you cope? And I know it's a bit off topic
These have all been in my favourites list for years. Suas e!

Alan

[Jock Scot]

Sorry to let the side down Alan, but to my non musical ear------too many loud bangs, I expect---------I find that that sort of music puts me in mind of a brace of cats with appendicitis, being strangled!

[Jock Scot]

Oh, it doesn't. I don't think we have ever said that individual US citizens should not be interested in their ancestry - only that few in Scotland are and therefore, culturally, we don't understand the need. That may be our loss. (I think I am fairly unusual in that I happen to know a lot about all 8 great grandparents.)

Alan

I have said the very same type of thing as you in your post Alan and I don't know why-----and I say this with some seriousness-----it seems to me that our North American "cousins"( Oh how I loath that expression "Cousin" used in a general term, but it does seem to be alright when used in North America) are determined to misunderstand what you and I are saying! I do wonder if they understand our English? I have to admit I have been at pains to express myself as clearly as I am able and I have to say I understood completely what you have said on this thread and the "other" thread that started this discussion.

[Nathan]

I have said the very same type of thing as you in your post Alan and I don't know why-----and I say this with some seriousness-----it seems to me that our North American "cousins"( Oh how I loath that expression "Cousin" used in a general term, but it does seem to be alright when used in North America) are determined to misunderstand what you and I are saying! I do wonder if they understand our English? I have to admit I have been at pains to express myself as clearly as I am able and I have to say I understood completely what you have said on this thread and the "other" thread that started this discussion.

After many years discussing this topic with you on and off xmarks, Jock, I think the misunderstanding is mutual...

[Jock Scot]

After many years discussing this topic with you on and off xmarks, Jock, I think the misunderstanding is mutual...

Oh I don't know, at least you are now agreeing with me that you are a Canadian!