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AIBU?

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Original poster

Scottish identity

520 replies

chocoluvva · 26/04/2015 18:31

Do you feel you have one?

If you're not Scottish living in Scotland, do you think there is a Scottish identity?

OP posts:
jacks11 · 26/04/2015 21:26

I'm Scottish. I have always felt Scottish. I don't feel British, and have never described myself as that (e.g. when I briefly worked in NZ) but I don't have an issue with Scots who either don't feel Scottish or feel British first and foremost. I voted Yes, but not out of some twee, "heather and tartan" nationalism. I am always quite sad that when so many people think of Scottish culture they either think of the "White heather club" or some twee country bumpkin.
I speak gaelic. It is an important part of my culture and I learnt local myths/stories and to play traditional music- something my family has done for generations. It is important to me to pass this on to my children. I think it would be a shame if gaelic and other parts of this aspect of our culture were lost. Same goes for understanding of the Scottish Enlightenment period and other parts of Scottish history which contribute to how we see things today.

The truth is, though, that there are many different traditions and cultures across Scotland- always have been. What it means to be "Scottish" to me, might not be to someone else.

SenecaFalls · 26/04/2015 21:31

I have a fairly strong sense of a Scottish-American identity from family history and from having lived and studied in Scotland.

Following what Ubik said, as an American, one thing that I respect about Scotland is that there is a stronger sense of the social contract there that means a greater acceptance that government policy should be central to addressing economic disparity and other social issues. Also, there is a welcoming culture; I have found that everywhere, but especially in Glasgow.

cleanmyhouse · 26/04/2015 21:34

Maybe by the third date Eigg, but even then, there would have to be some fairly strong chemistry.

piggychops · 26/04/2015 21:36

English, but have lived in rural Scotland for 40 years. Love the sense of community and the way everyone pitches in during a crisis. What others have said about chatting to strangers is so true. It all makes for a safe feeling environment but it can be a bit insular at times. This was particularly noticeable in the recent Scottish leaders debate.
So, we have tried to install into our children that there's a big world out there, ripe for exploring, and it's so important to try do that. You can always move back here, but it's good to experience other ways of life, cities etc.

PacificDogwood · 26/04/2015 21:40

I'm German, lived in the UK for 22 years; 6 months in England, the rest in Scotland.

IMO 'national identity' is very much an emotional state - I love my adopted home, I will never return to live in Germany and I am very happy with that, but equally I happen to be German and not British or Scottish.
I've thought about this quite a lot (and I would love to be able to vote in the upcoming GA, but of course cannot. I was appreciative of being allowed to vote in the referendum), but I just cannot 'see' myself with a British passport. Nothing wrong with being British, I just happen not to be.

Wrt Scottish qualities: I dunno. Self-reliant, proud (in a good way), friendly and garrulous in equal measure, I think less class aware than some people South of the border?, funny and genuine people.
I have been made to feel very welcome, I am most certainly part of my community and I love where I live.

And yy to the social contract being more alive and well here than in some other parts of the UK.

PacificDogwood · 26/04/2015 21:42

Clean and Eigg, get a room Grin

Btw, I have not experience the referendum and its outcome as divisive, but maybe that is because I have every sympathy with why somebody may have voted either way - I don't think that voting whichever way made anybody a 'better' or 'worse' Scot.

NonDom · 26/04/2015 22:19

I struggle with people saying they are proud to be xxx nationality, when they have done nothing to bring this about.

I lived in the USA around the time of 9/11 and I was quite sickened by patriotism.

A lot of the Scottish identity is around the Highland Revival that was completely made up by Sir Walter Scott, and then encouraged by Queen Victoria.

There are so many parts of Scotland that are airbrushed out of the romanticism and pride.

SenecaFalls · 26/04/2015 22:31

A lot of the Scottish identity is around the Highland Revival that was completely made up by Sir Walter Scott, and then encouraged by Queen Victoria.

I don't think anyone on this thread is talking about a tartan and shortbread, kailyard type of national identity, if that is what you mean.

cleanmyhouse · 26/04/2015 22:35

there are so many parts of Scotland that are airbrushed out of the romanticism and pride

What? Like linoleum production?

cleanmyhouse · 26/04/2015 22:38

And please, please don't insult Scotland by comparing their pride to American patriotism.

SirChenjin · 26/04/2015 22:41

I feel Scottish and British. I'm originally from England, but have lived here for many years and have Scottish parents/grandparents etc. My reference points are more Scottish than English but I feel that being Scottish has been hijacked by the SNP and the political nationalism that goes along with that. It makes me both sad and furious in equal measures.

peggyundercrackers · 26/04/2015 22:42

Jack that's interesting, I don't identify with being European at all - I detest the thought of being thought of as European.

Ubik - I am all for fairness but not a big fan of socialism but that's because I don't believe it's a particularly fair system.

chiruri · 26/04/2015 22:43

I am Scottish, living in Scotland. I am proud to be Scottish; to come from a country so filled with kind, fair and just people. I am proud that we were one of the first to legalise gay marriage, for example, and that we have a history of voting for parties who represent socially fair politics.
I have personally NEVER heard first hand any of this 'if you voted No you aren't a true Scot', and around the time of the referendum I heard plenty of heated debates, and many different views. I have remained friends with many No voters despite being a Yes myself, and think no less of them following the vote. I know we all have different priorities and believed the campaigns to varying degrees. I was, however, on the end of some rather nasty comments from No voters (not friends, but colleagues), calling me stupid, naive, and a nationalist Braveheart wannabe. I think less of those people, as well as any Yes voters who have made the referendum into any personal vendetta.

NonDom · 26/04/2015 22:43

Linoleum is Staines upon Thames, surely?

I was thinking that candidates for air brushing were places like Niddrie and Muirhouse...

Mamiof3 · 26/04/2015 22:43

Is there a word for those who have Scottish parents but were brought up English? It's a weird one. When I visit I remember all the places we used to go when I was a kid, all the little traditions from my parents and grandparents, but definitely feel like a tourist. I love Scotland and am proud of my Scottish heritage, I am English though.

BakewellSlice · 26/04/2015 22:45

Are you Rod Stewart? Grin

Mamiof3 · 26/04/2015 22:47

Me??!!!Shock

storytopper · 26/04/2015 22:50

I'm with chiruri - everything she says resonates with me.

SirChenjin · 26/04/2015 22:50

chirui - you got off lightly with stupid, naive etc. At least you weren't a "fucking Tory lackey". Lucky also that you haven't heard the accusation that you're not a true Scot if you didn't vote Yes. I did. Many times.

And this was supposedly an "energising and engaging" event in Scottish history? Was it buggery.

piggychops · 26/04/2015 22:51

NonDom , what you are talking about is the stuff laid on for tourists which is a vital part of the economy. It's not a true reflection of Scotland, and it is not how most Scots feel about their country.
In the Highlands, the memory of the Clearances is still alive, given that they were still on-going in the early part of Queen Victoria's reign. No romanticism about that whatsoever.

SenecaFalls · 26/04/2015 22:51

Scottish literature certainly doesn't airbrush places like Niddrie and Muirhouse.

rednsparkley · 26/04/2015 22:52

I'm Scottish but live in England, returning several times a year for extended visits. The whole referendum thing has tarnished my pride in being Scottish and my feelings about my homeland. I am far far less keen on moving 'home' now.

cleanmyhouse · 26/04/2015 22:52

Lino was big in Fife.

TeaInGlasgow · 26/04/2015 22:54

I don't feel Scottish but I do feel part of the community and part of this great country. I find the people open, friendly with a great sense of humour a real sense of the ridiculous and the absurd. I find Scots much more direct and upfront than English. They are much more argumentative which took a bit of getting used to at work. They expect you to fight your corner.

I'm also English living in Glasgow and agree with this completely.

trixymalixy · 26/04/2015 22:54

I guess you're not on Facebook then. I got told I was shameful, a traitor, selfish, hoarding my gold.

I've lost a huge amount of respect for a lot of people.