Scottish identity

[chocoluvva]

Do you feel you have one?

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

Who was that for trixy?

I'm in Facebook, just obviously not friends with the same people as you. My friends are generally nice people. That's why they're my friends.

I have always identified as Scottish.
British has always felt quite alien to me as when people describe things that are British they usually mean English.

My friends are 'nice people' too - but there were plenty of insults flying about on the BT page from Yes supporters who felt that those of us voting No were traitors, not proper Scots and all sorts of other crap. Which is why I've become increasingly fed up with the notion that being truly Scottish = someone who wants independence.

Sirchenjin yep I agree completely with what you say about the insults and how they were directed at no voters.

Chiruri I think you need to open your eyes if you think those types of insults weren't directed at no voters.

I was born in England (Northumberland) and brought up in both Edinburgh and Hampshire. I felt Scottish and returned to Edinburgh when I left home at 18 as I have always felt more Scottish than English, but I say I'm of British nationality, because that's what's on my passport.

I feel more at home in Scotland. Being a scot is very important to me, but I hate the chip on shoulder and bitching about the English some people do because I find insulting to my English mum and her family side. It can get a bit wearing

We've obviously had very different experiences, then, and are therefore drawing different conclusions. I was less than impressed with the people making judgements or flinging insults based on a single issue opinion (either side, however o personally heard much more vitriol from the No camp), however I still have respect for the people on either side who decided to turn it into a mature debate rather than descending into petty bickering. We as people not defined by a single opinion. I am still proud to be Scottish because of the many other redeeming qualities, as I listed previously.

Peggy, I at no point said that No voters weren't being insulted, however I did say that I personally hadn't seen it and that I, as a Yes voter, was on the other end of some nasty and personal insults myself. I have also said that I lost respect for people on either side who turned it into a personal attack, but am able to see beyond the single issue of the independence debate.

There were insults flying in both directions. The nastiest I saw personally were coming from No voters. I suppose it all depends on who your friends, what you read and what social media you look at.

Is it fair to say 'Yes' voters are in general less successful and/or less well-educated? That sums of my non-empirical research based on people I know who voted 'Yes'.

No drawing different conclusions at all. Whilst you might have been on the receiving end of certain judgements, what was not called into question was your loyalty to your country or your nationality. The Yes side have absolutely hijacked 'Scottishness' for political gain - those of us who didn't vote 'the right way' were accused of being traitors. Hardly the sign of inclusiveness.

Well, Alpha - I have a degree and two post grads and I voted Yes, so feel free to add that to your non-empirical research.

It's unhelpful, insulting, and comes across as pure shit-stirring.

I'm Scottish and have always lived in Scotland. I voted no in the referendum, but I would quite like to see federalism or at least a complete cutting of ties from the crown and Westminster at some point. I have no issue with anyone who voted no or yes.

I work with international students who are fascinated by Scotland and Scottish identity - they find whisky distilleries, kilts, bagpipes enchanting. I find the shortbread tin image of Scotland very cringey but showing my country to visitors has made me appreciate its beauty and uniqueness a lot more. I was up on Skye recently and was blown away by how amazing it is. I'm Glaswegian and love how much my students like this city, saying how funny, warm and friendly people are. I do think this is a good city - we like a laugh and a party.

My great grandad was from South Uist and I have his very Scottish surname. But all of my other not to distant antecedents were Irish. I have never felt British. For me, there's way too much diversity in these islands for 'British' to be something I could identify with.

You can't really have respect for people who want to turn your life upside down and place everything you've worked for at risk, for some cause you don't support.

Holds hand up. I'm a yes voter so will join the less successful/ poorly educated line.

I'm proud to be Scottish. I agree with a PP who said it's an emotional attachment, a feeling of pride in my heritage and the things we have achieved, but also a recognition of the things that shaped it- good and bad. It's also a sense of belonging, for me.

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 think it's far more complex than that when it comes to the "Highland Revival"- or at least it was where I come from (although agree with PP who says it flaunted for the tourist trade). There are obviously people who really buy into that Romantic history created by Walter Scott and may hang their idea of "being Scottish" with this, but I don't know any.

Where I grew up it was very much acknowledged that the Jacobite risings weren't simply about Bonnie Prince Charlie, it was about religion/religious freedom, cultural identity, political power etc. The outcome had a direct impact on the Highlands, and the culture there (systematic destruction of the way of life, banning of gaelic, tartan etc following the defeat at Culloden). The consequence of the huge power shift following the uprising played a hugely significant role in the events that led to the Highland clearances- which are not so very long ago and have directly shaped the region to be as we know it today. To me, that is part of the history of my homeland and is important to my understanding of the community I grew up in. It shaped my identity. That is not to say it is the only aspect of the history of this country which has had an impact on my Scottish identity.

Alpha, that's bullshit. Especially if that rammy of No-ers in George Square was anything to go by. And I say that as someone who voted no.

I think tge whole concept of feeling a particular nationality is overrated. Do other countries or parts of countries go on (and on) about it so much? I work alongside a lot if Germans, Belgians, French, Dutch and Danes, and if the went on and on reminding me at every possible juncture that the were a certain nationality, or droned on about how wonderful and special their country was, tolerating no criticism of it, id think they were butters and give them as wide a berth as possible.

SirChenjin I'm confused. You're saying that there is loss of Scottish identity because certain Yes voters have tried to hijack Scottishness? So you're tarring all of us with the same brush? Hardly seems fair yourself.
To each their own.

No, no. It's not bullshit. It's non empirical research.

Are you telling me that's what I'm saying, or are you genuinely confused?

Storytopper - your qualifications sound almost good enough for you to go to England to find work. Arf.

Chandler, are you shitting me re: France? They don't go on about their country and how great it is?!

Now, I flamin' love France with a capital L, but those dudes are generally pretty proud of their country and protective of its identity, especially wrt food (AOC), wine, art, film, music.

I am genuinely confused about what your point is. I don't see how the actions of some arseholes (which is what they are, no matter what they voted for) should have any effect of whether or not the rest of us can feel proud to be part this nation.