The most ridiculous.......

[Colonel MacNeal]

The biggest Scottish myth ..
drum roll please ........
Nessie

The second biggest Scottish myth ..
well maybe ...
that Scots are cheap

[EagleJCS]

That bagpipes were banned and players faced the penalty of death by the Act of Proscription.

Actually, that is true.

As a piper, I feel it necessary to try to quash this particular myth. It's been perpetuated long enough! The Act of Proscription (1746) and its extension in 1747 do NOT ban bagpipes! I've read the whole thing here.

In summary, the Act of 1746 is a reinstatement of the Act of 1716 which expired in 1723, with regard to the weapons used by the rebels in the Highland districts. In addition, it bans the wearing of "Highland dress" (i.e. tartan), requires the educational establishment (public and private) to take an oath in support of the king and his heirs and be registered by the government, and it indemnifies anyone who supported the Crown during the Scottish rebellion.

A good explanation of the likely source of this myth can be found here. Basically, a rebel piper was arrested in England and hanged for treason, not for playing the pipes. In the opinion of the court in that town, "a Highland Regiment never marched without a piper; and therefore his bagpipe in the eyes of the law, was an instrument of war".

Rant over.

Now, as to the interest in clans, etc. that Phil questions, I think that can be attributed partly to the relative lack of history here in the States & elsewhere (less than300 years, generally speaking), and a desire to 'belong' to something that you have in common with others. Often, the connection to the community can be tenuous, especially in today's fairly mobile society. Having 'roots' in a clan 'society' can help assuage that feeling of a lack of history/community. It gives a person something that doesn't change from place to place. That's my guess, anyway.

No myths I've heard that haven't already been discussed.

[Kilt TN]

That it is only a kilt if made in scotland, or that only scots can wear the kilt

[puffer]

The following are HIGHLAND TRADITION, pre 1782
1. Designated Clan Tartans
2. Knife Pleated 8 yd Kilt
Actually both are of ENGLISH innovation.

Puffer

[macwilkin]

The following are HIGHLAND TRADITION, pre 1782
1. Designated Clan Tartans
2. Knife Pleated 8 yd Kilt
Actually both are of ENGLISH innovation.

Puffer

Since when was William Wilson & Sons of Bannockburn an English firm?

Todd

[puffer]

Since when was William Wilson & Sons of Bannockburn an English firm?

Todd

Yes they wove Tartan Cloth. But ???

1, Besides those used by the "Regiments, were these Clan Tartans ( restricted for use by a specific clan ??
2. Were the Kilts made from these Knife Pleated ?? (exclude the "Regiments") ??

Puffer

[macwilkin]

Yes they wove Tartan Cloth. But ???

1, Besides those used by the "Regiments, were these Clan Tartans ( restricted for use by a specific clan ??
2. Were the Kilts made from these Knife Pleated ?? (exclude the "Regiments") ??

Puffer

They were the ones who assigned clan names to tartans:

http://www.albanach.org/sources.htm

Regards,

Todd

[Detroitpete]

MYTH: Scottish food and athletic events were created on a dare.

Oh...wait...those may be FACTS. I'll have to get back to ya on that ;-)

[Nighthawk]

I was told the other day it's a taboo to wear my long hair in a ponytail when I'm kilted... Go figure that one out! Luckily, it was one of my martial arts instructors who told me that, so I was able to dispel that myth... at least, with him! ( I lohe you oop: )

[Nighthawk]

My daughter took over my keyboard... Kids. /konjk