Scottish Patriotism

[Kiltedjohn]

I have been following this thread with great interest.

I find the word "patriotic" something of a problem, as it can suggest the attitude of "We are the greatest; everyone else is inferior", so brilliantly caricatured by Flanders and Swann in their "Song of Patriotic Prejudice". (It can be viewed on YouTube, but I hesitate to provide a link, in case I'm thought to be endorsing the views that they were sending up!)

If, on the other hand, patriotism is to be understood in valuing aspects of one's national culture, that is something I can relate to, though the word "culture" is very wide and vague - when I come across the word, I'm often unsure how it is to be understood. I do admire some forms of traditional Scottish music; see, for example, https://lostsongsofstkilda.com/year/1202 and http://www.animusi.co.uk/page4.htm Also, I have an interest in my Scottish ancestry and the ways of life of my forebears. Not surprisingly for someone contributing to this website, I do like wearing a kilt. In those respects, I could be called "patriotic", and I'm sure I'm not alone; I don't doubt that many X-marks contributors would have similar attitudes.

So, in answer to the original contributor, he is not alone in being a patriotic Scot.

[KiltedSergeant]

One reason for Not wearing the kilt is it's not Scots, it's the clothing of the Gaelic Speaking people Who live in Scotland. for many centuries the Gàidhlig people were regarded by the Scots almost as as savages in the wilds of the Highlands. There are many who will never wear a kilt in Scotland even for a wedding. My sisters Husbands from central Scotland in Central Scotland didn't wear a kilt for their weddings, but my gaelic speaking brother brought up in the highlands did... in England..

Very interesting and accurate point. My sons and I wear the kilt to celebrate, and perpetuate, our Scottish heritage- the kilt, because it's an iconic symbol of Scotland. My ancestors were lowlanders from Dumfriesshire, and I'm quite sure never wore the kilt, and in fact may likely have held it in disdain. But, it is worn by many of Scottish ancestry simply because it is that iconic symbol. Oh, and also because it's bonnie comfortable in a cool breeze!