UK in the UK

[Hamish]

I am currently staying at a corporate flat in Reading (perhaps that's part of the problem with the comments?), but will be moving to a house in Upper Basildon in August. I just did a google map for West Sussex and it would appear I'm not that far from you and would be honored to meet you.

Thanks for the kind comments all.

I'd say that living in Reading IS part of the problem, but from what I remember of Basildon (that's the Essex one), I'd imagine you'll get much the same reactions there. I used to live just north east of Chelmsford and we'd avoid going anywhere near Southend or Basildon at all costs! Not that I want to put you off living there, of course!! It is, however, a great kicking-off point for exploring some of England's prettiest villages in North Essex and Suffolk.

Yes, a meet-up, possibly in London (and with Paul Henry, whom I was going to meet and never did), would be great.

Any chance of your making it to The Harpenden Highland Gathering this coming Sunday - we're hoping for a reasonable turn-out of X Markers and their pals (but I've already had a few drop out)? Harpenden is in Hertfordshire, between Luton and St.Albans, north west of London. Details in the 'Highland Games and Celtic Events' section. You'd be more than welcome, as would anyone else who fancies a day out with the elite!!

[Paco500]

I'd say that living in Reading IS part of the problem, but from what I remember of Basildon (that's the Essex one), I'd imagine you'll get much the same reactions there. I used to live just north east of Chelmsford and we'd avoid going anywhere near Southend or Basildon at all costs! Not that I want to put you off living there, of course!! It is, however, a great kicking-off point for exploring some of England's prettiest villages in North Essex and Suffolk.

I have hear that about Basildon, but I will be in Upper Basildon, which is a littel village in West Berkshire, just outside of Pangborne.

Yes, a meet-up, possibly in London (and with Paul Henry, whom I was going to meet and never did), would be great.

Any chance of your making it to The Harpenden Highland Gathering this coming Sunday - we're hoping for a reasonable turn-out of X Markers and their pals (but I've already had a few drop out)? Harpenden is in Hertfordshire, between Luton and St.Albans, north west of London. Details in the 'Highland Games and Celtic Events' section. You'd be more than welcome, as would anyone else who fancies a day out with the elite!!

I think I can be there and would love to meet up. I would think it might be a bit harder than usual to find you. I suppose just looking for the distinguished gentleman in the kilt might not work on Sunday.

[David Dalglish]

Welcome to the Uk. Dont let some shallow individuals put you off wearing your kilts. You must go up to Scotland while you are here, to visit the home of the kilt, you could buy one while you are there?

[Hamish]

I have hear that about Basildon, but I will be in Upper Basildon, which is a littel village in West Berkshire, just outside of Pangborne.

Uh! Trust me to jump to conclusions!! My apologies!

I think I can be there and would love to meet up. I would think it might be a bit harder than usual to find you. I suppose just looking for the distinguished gentleman in the kilt might not work on Sunday.

That would be great! I am sure you are correct - there will be many there who are more distinguished than me. (Me? Distinguished?) Besides I've not yet decided whether to go 'formal' or 'casual', but I WILL be wearing my X Marks tartan kilt! If you really can make it, and we all hope you can, I've suggested that we X Markers meet in the space between the Classic Cars and the Main Arena between 11.30am and 11.45am - just before the march on of the massed pipe bands and the official opening. If you see a group of kilties behaving suspiciously, that'll be us!!

[Presuming Ed]

Second- I have learned that "Jock" is a derogatory term for a Scot, and if you happen to wander into a pub mere moments after England is eliminated from the World Cup in a kilt, you can expect to hear the term and risk a beating. Apparently there is not a lot of love between the Scots and the English when it comes to football, and just after a defeat it not a good time to walk into a room full of drunken fans in a kilt. I am firmly convinced had my wife and kids not been with me I would have been in trouble.

Err...yes. There is a fair degree of animosity between English and Scottish sports fans - traditionally, a true Scot supports whoever England is playing - the saying is "Anyone but England" and the accompanying ethos is alive and well. For example, the First Minister, Jack McConnell said that in the recent world cup, he would be supporting Trinidand and Tobago rather than England.

[Valencian Kilted]

Hehehe.... then i see one more connection between Iberia and Caledonia.... we will never support "the perfid Albion" as well! :mrgreen:

By the way I also experienced the same rejection here with some english mates that came here to live. They simply can't accept that I'm so much linked to Scotland. They don't see a reason and they don't accept my explanations, while their arguments are full of topics and silly stereotypes...

When I want to cut that I simply say a phrase that (even not being so real, and I know that maybe some of you here will feel as well hurted by this) always works... I say that if I like Scotland is because there I still can find the pride and the essence of scottish people, and if I don't go to England is because if I want to look for pakistanis I would prefer to go to Pakistan, but if I wanted to look for english, I don't need to move really far from home!

Usually this is hard enough to make them shut up, as all of them have to agree they went off from UK looking for a better welfare and quietness... and they always come here complaining about immigration... so... they put the weapon in my hands!

I never like to finish a discussion in that way, but at the moment this seems to be the only that worked always!

Anyway, after reading ur comments, I think I'll have to resign to wear my jeans during my two days in London this summer....

¡Salud!

T O N O

[Pour1Malt]

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Anyway, after reading ur comments, I think I'll have to resign to wear my jeans during my two days in London this summer....

¡Salud!

T O N O

yin maire reason tae skip London and spend twa maire days in Scotland!