Where not to wear a sgian dubh

[Phil]

research I did a while back also pointed to the fact that in poorer areas of England (such as the highlands of Scotland)

Doesn't say much for the quality of the research, does it? I find it hard to believe that a member of this forum could demonstrate such ignorance of the Scottish people as to state that they are, or ever have been, in any shape, fashion or form part of England.

[davedove]

I can understand someone thinking of Scotland as part of England though. Many folks here in the US tend to equate England with the United Kingdom. It's wrong, but that is a common misconception.

[Phil]

I can understand someone thinking of Scotland as part of England though. Many folks here in the US tend to equate England with the United Kingdom. It's wrong, but that is a common misconception.

Many people in England do the same - hence the heightened sensitivity we feel in Scotland, the only part of the United Kingdom never to have been conquered and ruled by a foreign power (and that includes England). Apologies accepted Carolina Kiltman. Having visited your country many times I appreciate the misunderstanding and always make a point of correcting people when they ask if I am from England. I don't think they really understand, though, going by the puzzled look on their faces.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Phil, and all others:

What make it more embarrassing is that I know better. The research had to do with table manners during the renaissance. England was closer to what we do today, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall were "behind" in that guests were expected to bring their own cutlery when invited to a meal, which was the norm in late Medieval England.

[thanmuwa]

....Scotland, the only part of the United Kingdom never to have been conquered and ruled by a foreign power (and that includes England).

Hmmmm. The reason Gaelic is spoken in Scotland is because the Gaels (ie the Irish) conquered and ruled, leading to the kingdom of Dalriada, the name of Argyll (meaning Eastern Gaels), the Roman name for the tribe, Scotti (that Scotland is named after) amongst other things. And that is without getting to the political argument of whether London rule implies stealth conquering.