New here and fellow scotsman from SoCalifornia

[CBH]

Welcome aboard !!

I've always doubted than any DNA test could relate to geography.

Regardless, there are lots of kilt enthusiasts that have no Scottish ties. Myself included.

When I get inquiries about my Scottish heritage when I'm wearing mine, I reply "The kilt is Scottish - but not me !!"

[Liam]

Not trying to be critical, but having ‘Scottish’ DNA as you put it does not make you a Scotsman - Scottish citizenship does.
I have Scottish ancestors but I am Canadian.

[FossilHunter]

Not trying to be critical, but having ‘Scottish’ DNA as you put it does not make you a Scotsman - Scottish citizenship does.
I have Scottish ancestors but I am Canadian.

While I would tend to use it the way you do, the Oxford dictionary does define Scotsman as either a “native or inhabitant of Scotland or a man of Scottish descent.”

However, the first definition (a native or inhabitant of Scotland) seems to be the most common use and is the exclusive definition of several other dictionaries.

[Jock Scot]

The Scottish National Dictionary:-

"Definition of a Scot":- "A native of Scotland"

[FossilHunter]

The Scottish National Dictionary:-

"Definition of a Scot":- "A native of Scotland"

As I said, most dictionaries seem to use that definition exclusively.

I’m only pointing out that some also seem to include a broader definition. Again, I don’t use the term for myself.

[Pleater]

Probably - one afternoon long ago, a mother and daughter were sorting through what they'd dug up and realising they'd got a lot to carry when a teenage lad slouched into view after a furious row with his father.
He stopped dead and was about to dive back into cover when the mother sent her daughter over to smile at the fellow and get him to come and help take the roots home. She waves her eyebrows. His eyes widen.

A year later there is another generation - a child who is ancestor to all people alive today, either the mitochondrial 'Eve' or gametangial 'Adam' but their existence is pure chance, just like every person who ever lived.

We are all individual and all different - which is just about the one thing we all share.

Anne

[Liam]

My late brother-in-law, an Anglican clergyman, used to say “ I’m English by birth, Canadian by citizenship, and Scottish by absorption!”
The context is all important!

[NordicCùsìth86]

Not trying to be critical, but having ‘Scottish’ DNA as you put it does not make you a Scotsman - Scottish citizenship does.
I have Scottish ancestors but I am Canadian.

Well I would say you'd be up for being a swedish person but you'd have DNA.

Now, I am just as scottish with DNA without having to set foot on Scotland.

[Jock Scot]

Personally, I would describe you as an American with Scottish roots. I hope no one takes offence at that. But with the greatest of respect, I could not define you as a Scot, I am afraid.

[Janner52]

Firstly, a warm to the OP from the depths of the English Midlands.

This is an interesting debate. A person born and brought up in a country, having immigrant parents would consider themselves a native of that country. They would also have strong connections to the country of their parents.
The link to the original home country weakens with every generation.
A 5th generation American with the surname McX?? could not be considered a Scot in my opinion. It would be very difficult to prove 100% pure Scottish Ancestry on both sides of the family. Having ancestral roots in a country is a good reason to celebrate those roots however weak, but for someone with roots in many countries how would you chose which to celebrate.
I consider myself a Devonian (county in South West England where I was born) but I have roots in Cornwall Dorset and Somerset and who knows where if I could track back far enough. As far as I am aware I have no Scottish DNA so where does my interest in things Scottish come from?
No offence intended here this is my personal opinion.