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Can ye say “purple burglar alarm”? If ye can, yer probably not Scottish. For clarification, this isn’t entirely a joke. There are certain words and phrases that are difficult to say in certain accents because that pattern of sounds doesn’t exist or some such thing.
Nice one Bruce. I'm an expat Scot (Australia) and have an Aussie wife that lived in Scotland for many years, and when I hear her speak of Scotland and the Scots, I see a Scot. She loves and defends both Scotland and the Scots people, more aggressively than I might and shows her Scots husband off whenever she can. She's an historian and has a great store of the history of Scotland, has travelled much of it and has left a trail of friends behind her. When we left to come to Oz, our friend group organised a huge farewell for her and I saw a love for her, an acceptance of this foreign lass as one of their ane. This defender of the Scots, lover of the land is seen as a Scot and is proud of that fact. She isn't blind to our shortcomings, knows full well the paradoxical nature of the Scots character, but loves us as her own. I can't be told that she isn't a Scot. Decades ago, atop a Scottish mountain, she said to me "I don't know why, but I've never felt so at home as I do here", I looked at her, and believed her. During her time there, she gave herself as a volunteer to help ensure the safety of and the future of Scots kids that might otherwise have dropped off the map and ended up in misery. I wear a kilt when I walk each morning, I go to a butcher that has "square sausage and tottie sones", but I suspect that she's the Scot in the hoose
I was born in America with a bucketload of Scottish DNA of several clans. I have visited Scotland and felt a deep kinship there, as if a deep part of me was coming home. I love the Scots and their fierce independence, which is where some of us Americans got ours. So, guess I'm an American with a part of my heart being Scottish. Maybe being Scottish is having it in your heart too.
I'm an American mutt, but I have Scottish DNA and many many ancestors from Scotland, I've always longed to go there, I've heard it calls you back? My cousin went and the minute her feet touched the ground she felt like she was home. We will always love Scotland! And I believe our ancestors who came to America were successful in the making of this country because of their Scottish heritage!
@@christinecrapser5033: To be honest, I didn't get that feeling that I was "home" when I visited Scotland (despite being born there, having Scottish grandparents and a majority shareholding of Scottish DNA). I enjoyed my visit, would like to go back and spend a lot more time there, but, for me, "home" is Australia. Maybe it's just a touch of alexithymia.
I'm Dutch but my heart is always for Scotland i wear kilt eat haggis and drink whisky. But i can't never call me scottish. I don't live there . Scotland is not a easy why of life there. I can understand how life there is rhe hard way the politics. If you go about Dna then many are also saxon from the netherlands/germany/frensh
I think that if someone telling you, "You're not Scottish," makes you angry or upset, then you're Scottish. I was born in Inverness, lived in Mull until I was 2, Broughty Ferry until I was 7, Dumfries until I was 17, and Dundee until I was 18. My maternal great-aunt held the Justice of Peace in Argyll in the 60s, my maternal great-great-grandmother was a Maitland, and through her, I'm related to Charles Maitland, 8th Earl of Lauderdale. All of that, and yet my accent is half-n-half unless I get angry, passionate, or inebriated, and my biological parents are both English. Yet, trying to tell me I'm not Scottish puts a patriotic rage in my heart like nothing else will. For the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, the UK government imposed a de facto ruling that if you had UK citizenship and resided in Scotland, you were Scottish enough to vote. This ruled me out because I had the gall to be living, deeply homesick, in Southampton at the time. Anger isn't an emotion that should be celebrated, but it does a good job of letting us know where our boundaries are. My boundary, in this case, is anyone telling me I'm not Scottish, or attempts made to bar me from having a say in Scotland's future. I think that qualifies.
"or attempts made to bar me from having a say in Scotland's future" - But you don't live here. Any Scot who isn't living in Scotland should register as an automatic YES vote, because the fact that you're not living in Scotland (whatever your opinion) states that the status quo (non independence) isn't working well enough for you to want to live here. When talk of independence regained its strength in the 90s, I was living in England. And, because I was living in England, I understood that my opinions meant nothing because I wasn't living in Scotland so I wouldn't have to endure (positive or negative) what an independent Scotland would mean. Both of my parents (and all 4 grandparents) were Scots. So if I understood that I needed to weesht, why are you angry about also needing to weesht?
@@redceltnet I was temporarily in England to study, and then I was NFA because I couldn't afford rent, or the train fare to go home. So, respectfully, weesht.
Born Scottish, live in Scotland, lived in England for a while and was recognised by friends in England as Scottish and when someone plays the bagpipes it stirs the heart.
Hah! I'm a native Nova Scotian and bagpipes have been such a part of our cultural background that every time I hear them playing I want to go fight some Englishmen.
@williamgeorge2580 yes an inate desire to fight the English is a definite sign of Scottishness or being Irish or French possibly. Ahh that's really not a sign everyone hates the English it seems
I was born in England. Mum was Irish, dad was Scottish. Both both sets of grandparents ALL Irish! It seems dad was first generational Scots. No known English heritage in family. So main Identity is...Irish! Ceart! Slainte! 🙋🇮🇪🏴😉👍🙏
I was born and lived my whole life in America. I have no Scottish heritage. In 2017 I came to Scotland for work and knew I’d come home. I worked harder than I ever have on anything to get a sponsor, visa after visa, to stay. I just got my citizenship and Ive never been prouder or happier about anything. When I see the sign coming back on the motorway, when my plane flies over the western isles, my heart swells, I shed a tear and I thank the universe for Scotland. I see my true inner self in all my fellow Weegies. I may not be Scottish, but I feel like nothing but a Scot and I will be forever. ❤
@@KarlKarsnarkahhhhahahah that would be so hilarious and insightful if only nationality and culture were as hard-wired and immutable as DNA structure and species. But nice try.
@@stupa_magoo Ok, go tell that to every "Native American " tribe and all other indigenous peoples of the New World. Go tell the Irish that the British are just as entitled to their Ancestral Homeland as the Irish themselves. Apparently, blood and centuries of continuous occupation clearly mean nothing and every Anglo-European who stole their land is just as "Native" as they are. Got it. Why are you such a proponent of Neo-Colonialist, Globalist-sponsored ethnic cleansing? Funny, now plenty of other groups are encouraged to express their "Native Pride", except Europeans.
American of Scots Descent. wasn't born there, raised, there or lived there. Am I proud of Scottish forbearers? Damn straight I am. Am Interested in what's going on in Scotland? Yes, enough to follow what's going on culturally and politically. A Scot is not just genetic, but also a mind set. And Bruce, you're a Scot.
thank you for the interested in scottish things happening in scotland as you stated so are you american by birth but feel scottish by culture,forebearers just intrested to know bestest from scotland
@@viperscot1 According to my dna..... • England & Northwestern Europe 41% • Scotland 24% • Ireland 15% • Norway 9% • Sweden & Denmark 6% • Wales 4% Growing up in Texas, I wanted to go to school in Edinburgh... ....had no idea why, but yearned to go h•o•m•e. Strahan, Strachan Ramsey
In my mind, I'm a flamingo. Therefore, I am a flamingo. Please, define all the objective criteria one must fulfill to achieve said "mind set". Imagine this deranged logic being applied by Westerners to the rest of the world. It would be called Colonialism.....because it is. More Cultural Marxism and Globalism being used to justify Ethnic Cleansing and the Demographic terrorism in the name of "Tolerance"(tm). Go as the Irish how they liked the British having the "mind set" that they could occupy Ireland....Go ask the Irish how "Modern Immigration"(tm) is working out, as well.
Bruce - I am the genetic stew you describe, Born and live in America- The DNA says Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Norman and Scandinavian. My surname is Carter and my paternal family arrived in the colonies as part of the Ulster Migration in the 1700s. My mother's maiden name is Campbell. Many tell me I'm Scottish because I possess the strength and stubbornness associated there. I just refer to myself as a British Isles Mutt. But, I'll say this.. the bagpipes do stir me deeply and I do love some haggis. Definitely interested in Scottish history and the well being of this great country. Thanks for all you do! You sir, will always be a Scot to me.
A Canadian who is proud of her Scottish Heritage. My great-grandad David Laing was born in the Hudson Valley, NY, to Scottish parents, but when he was a small child the Laings went back to Scotland . He grew near in Glamis, the son of aN estate farm greive. When he was 14 he spent his first winter caring for a flock of sheep near what was then Fort Calgary. Later he was working for road company in Montana, became tired of the trains he was always being stopped by dangerous robbers, and he ended up first in Winnipeg where married mt great- grandmother. They took their children to the new town of Medicine Hat to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. There he met my grandad Robert McMullen (Scots-Irish by birth). Grandad Laing always thought of himself as Scottish, but in the 1930s, when he retired from CP Rail, he tried to apply for Canadian citizenship. Unfortunately when wrote to Somerset House in Britain for a copy of his birth certificate, they told there was none. Luckily some older member of the family (probably his sister Ellen, who was born in the New York too) told him he was American by birth. He finally became Canadian, dying in 1970 at the age of 99. He never forgot his Scottish roots. Scotland was his home country.
I’m a Texan. We don’t have a national “football” team. I have plenty of Celtic DNA, I love Laphroaig…..but, I’m still Texan. But don’t feel like I won’t claim you. I love y’all.
Oh! Texan, you do so have a national football team, in fact, you have two. The USA's men's football team were placed 5th in the 2020 (2021) Olympics, and the USA's women were even better, and came in third.
You also have the USA Eagles rugby team, both a mens and womens team as well as teams who participate in the Rugby 7s too. If you love the NFL, give rugby a try in the off season and im sure you'll love it
I call myself a Scottish American. My family has kept records of our lineage back to 1737 with some lines. My father's side of the family, as well as some of my mother's, are full of Jacobite heritage, men who fought on Culloden field and fled the English afterwards to hide in the hills of Appalachia. Most of my family is either of Scottish decent or Scots Irish descent. As for what I do with this, I drink at a local pub, I am a member of Clan Davidson Society of North America, I wear a kilt every week, and I am learning Gaelic. I listen to bagpipe music and feel a sense of pride, and sometimes even loss of my kin. Though I've never seen Scotland because it's far too expensive for me right now, I still consider my self Scottish, because I live to honor my heritage. That is what makes me Scottish, and no one can take that away from me.
@@ianpilkington2037 Yeah that's why I call myself Scottish American, I said it in the first sentence, I just don't want to type Scottish American every time.
Scottish American would be my description of myself as well. And I sure drank like a Scot, no more. Save every penny you can because you have got to go! Once you get out of the airport, you'll get that I'm home feeling! Good luck!
So, you literally just LARP as what you perceive to be "Scottish" activities to justify appropriating other peoples' culture. Got it. "I listen to bagpipes and feel a sense of pride.....". LOL! I listen to Mariachi music. Therefore, I am Mexican.
By blood im Scottish but it's a small amount. But as im proud to be alaskan native im as proud of all of my blood line. But the losing everything sounds very familiar
Well that's nice for them, but if they're anything like the Caledonian Society in Cincinnati, they wouldn't recognise anything Scottish if they fell over it.
Half of my immediate family are Scottish, I was born in Englandshire. I sound English. I've spent most of my life in Scotland. I will probably die in Scotland. I belong to here. As to what other people say, that's a matter of their wits. I do sometimes wear a kilt and eat square sausage and a tatty scone. I have Burns night supper with a libation appropriate to the occasion. I work, vote and shop in Scotland. I'm here, I don't intend to be elsewhere. I am me.
Wow, I'm now 61 years old and it took me at least 55 years to answer that question. I was born in England, my parents were from coal mining villages of SW Scotland (New Cumnock and Kirconnel). My mother wouldn't marry a miner (too many painful memories of the Knockshinnoch disaster), so my Father moved to England with her (and they remained there for the rest of their lives). My father, being a working class and proud of it guy, took delight in ripping the 'mickey' out of me for being a Sassenach, all my schoolmates took the mickey out of me for my 'Scottish' name (McDowall), whatever I 'wanted' to be someone, important to me, disagreed. I spent my entire youth and most of my early adulthood torn between the two and fitting in nowhere. Then one day one on of my many tours of Scotland I cam across McDowall of Garstan clan and with a bit of research found I had a clan and a tartan, (by this time my parents were both dead), up until then we'd always been told we were a sect of the MacDougals. This just added to my feeling of 'Scottishness'. However, most people, some I classed as friends, both born in Scotland and not born in Scotland, disagreed. In the end, I decided, I made my peace with myself, I'm Scottish, but born in England. You can disagree, that's your right, but I am what I am. Oh and BTW I don't follow football, but support Scotland AND England in Rugby (and all sports) except when they play each other then I sit on the fence and squirm which is painful (morally and literally) as I get splinters in my arse!
My story is similar to yours but my mother was Welsh. We also are a rugby family. The 5/6/* Nations was always a difficult time in our house with my mother and brother supporting Wales and my father and I supporting Scotland. The only time there was harmony was when one or other was playing England. I am interested and proud of my Scottish AND Welsh roots although I have to call myself British as this really covers it all. One thing I am certain of though and fiercely proud of is that I am a Celt.
@@stlouisix3 I'm not sure it does. Accession of title is purely a convention. Gaels used the male line while Picts used the female line. Genetically, we are a product of all our ancestors plus the odd random mutation.
Most of my ancestors were Scottish, but the last of them left Scotland over 180 years ago. On trips to Scotland, I’ve felt a magical sense of connection unlike anything I’ve experienced in other places. Scotland felt like a comfortable sort of place that I could see myself living there (if they’d let me in). I like single malt whisky, black pudding, and haggis, I enjoy highland games. I have a tartan tie, and there’s a little plaque with the tartan and clan badge greeting visitors when they come in my front door. I have a book of Burns’ poetry that I pull out every so often. Am I Scottish? No. It would feel like posing to say I was. I consider myself an enthusiast.
Controlling of migration and borders is global apartheid #globalapartheid , complete with passbooks, and can never be done without racist anomalies somewhere. Distant roots are the strongest evidence that only global free movement complies with human rights.
Fàilte gu Canada, Bruce I’m not Scottish, but I am a Celt (and also Jamaican, Nigerian, and a few other things too!) Bha an seanair agam à Alba, agus bha e Gàidhlig aige, ach tha mi à Canada.🇨🇦 (Side note: I’m not going to make it to your show in Victoria on Saturday July 13, but I bought my parents tickets. Be nice to them. My mother will be the Black woman sitting with two white men. The one with hair is my father, and the one with no hair is my step father.)
"The mark of a Scot of all classes [is that] he remembers and cherishes the memory of his forebears, good or bad; and there burns alive in him a sense of identity with the dead even to the twentieth generation." - Robert Louis Stevenson - 👍
Great video. No one simple answer! Because human nationalities are are “mongrels” genetically, I think it would have to do with culture, that’s what historically has always defined a group. I think people can be two things at once: Scottish-American, Ghanaian-Scottish, etc. As for me I consider myself a Nova Scotian Gael or Cape Bretoner with proud Scottish ancestry. Like your son, I found that I felt more Gaelic/Caper/Scottish when I moved away!
I cherish my Scottish heritage. My grand parents were weegies from Glasgow. Emigrated to the USA in the 1930s. Ancestry says I carry 52% of their Scottish dna. I fly a saltire flag with my American flag in front of the house.
I have nothing to do with Scotland. In fact, I'm Portuguese, but I love Scotland and I would love to visit there. Thank you for the video. It enchanted me. I have a fascination with history and everything that has to do with Scotland.I have to visit Scotland one day. My biggest dream.
I am a passionate person and a patriot of my country. I had to leave, not even for monetary reasons. My husband is a truck driver and had an opportunity to work abroad and I simply followed him.Nowadays I would like to return to my country, but things are always as we want. In short, my country could have had the worst problems in the world, but I will always be Portuguese. There is nothing like "home". And Scotland is the second country I have in my heart. Don't ask me why? I don't even know it. The closest I've been is England, but it's not the same. The same feeling...
I've been to the highlands of Scotland and the highlands of northern Portugal. Except perhaps in Cape Breton here in Canada, I don't think I've felt any more like I was in the Scottish highlands than when I was in northern Portugal, especially in early spring when the weather is still cool and damp and the hillsides are lush and green and bursting with flowers. The landscape, the stone walls, the granite homes in the villages ... all very reminiscent of Scotland. I hope you make it to those more northern highlands in Scotland one day!
I was born in Carshalton Surrey, but my family moved up to Scotland when I was a few months old. Having lived virtually my whole 50+ years in Scotland I regard myself more Scottish than English. I support Scotland in sport much to my late dad's bewilderment. Some people say I have an English accent, some don't. I don't hide my english heritage and proud of it which is why I can't be doing with anti-english sentiment some individuals spout. Having said that, vamos Espana tomorrow night.......sorry dad :)
My family is all Scot’s & Irish but my sister is married to an English man she lives in Norfolk, it’s great to get down for a holiday I absolutely love it down there . My son’s heritage came back also a quarter English & he’s delighted as he’s Scot’s Irish Welsh & English as he is a royalist. Also my mums sister married an English man too so I guess a lot of us are mixed on these islands.
As an Australian descended 100% from UK origins, even parts English and Scottish, it's an interesting question. I have Scottish ancestry on both sides of my family. I am about to have my third holiday in Scotland because I simply adore the place. I am learning Gàidhlig. I am not Scottish, but I wish I was!
I was born in New Glasgow Nova Scotia. My dna shows I am exactly 1 quarter from each of the 4 UK countries. I have no idea what that makes me other than me.
I've liked this video for the title alone. I'll bet some of the people that have been commenting on your videos have contributed to the making of this one. Love what you do Bruce. Will keep watching¿liking and learning.
Another thought provoking chat. I’m a Cape Bretoner whose ancestors came from Scotland. I will always be a Caper even though I moved away 54 years ago. It’s where your heart is that counts. Although, I did feel so at home on the Isle of Harris when I visited it.
For me, football-wise? Dad's family English (although Palestinian until the 1900s), Mum's family Scottish from Stranraer on the west coast; I'm English by birth. Maybe the best way I can describe how I feel is this: when England scored a last-moment goal to reach the final, I was pleased for them, but I'd not have been disappointed if they hadn't won. When Scotland were hanging on and hanging on and hanging on against Hungary, battering down the door looking for a way in...well, you can tell by the emotions it brings out as I'm writing. That was life or death. For me, I may have a voice similar to my dad's or my nan's - but I got my heart from my Nana, and for me, the heart is all that really matters.
I am born and bread in scotland, FIFE (things are improving. We only kiss our cozens now), but in hertige terms on my fathers side, I irish imagrated to scotland in 1786. my mother is portirican, but i am a strong, proud scotsman. i would not replace my nationality for the world I have traveled all around the world, and being scottish is really a passport to the world and Everyones harts..... apart from our southern nabours 🏴🇮🇪🇵🇷
I know i'm Scots: I sound it, was born in the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow to two Scots. But, i haven't lived in Scotland since i was 3 or 4. My daughter is half Scots, but she was born in Sydney and speaks like a Sydneysider, though pronounces some odd words the proper way. She calls herself Scots-Australian, and i think that's fair.
I am English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, born in London, live in Australia, and have created two generations of Australians, it's in your genes, they go where you go, along with those who follow.
This man is a walking Scottish encyclopedia, with enough knowledge and dedication to bury all of us! 😆🏴 Heritage comes from the heart, what you believe and accept. It's up to the individual how much of the culture you want to infuse in your life. Here you have Scotophiles and others with a more complex relationship. My maiden name is Gordon, which I received from my Father, my Grandfather, my Great-grandfather (born in Scotland) and so on. I am the only child of my Father. My three daughters, including me, have Scottish in the blood (DNA), also Irish, because my Father's maternal line is from Ireland. The Andrews family. I have other ethnicities, but I will stay on the topic of my Scottish heritage. For me, it's in the name, blood, and heart. It can never be taken away, but given as a gift to my children, to pass down to the next generations. Don't forget about the ancestors! 🏴🇮🇪
Eh no, the man follows an educated, poorly informed Leftie narrative. For example, Bruce never mentioned all the Scots that lived & multiplied in the Indian Sub Continent. Many, many Scots, during the peak of the East India Company, took native wives, yes wives. Some reportedly had up to 80 children by these wives. Are they Scots son??
I was born in The United States. My grandmother was born in Dublin. My grandfather? Just outside Glasgow. My mother is half white/ one-quarter African and one-quarter Native American. Until I was five, I spoke with a VERY thick brogue. (I got tired of everyone saying 'WHAT?' whenever I'd say something. I wore kilts to weddings and funerals until I was 10 (my IRISH grandmother raised me and taught me all about my family name, which she'd married in to). I think it's like anything else in this world, Bruce...if you're passionate about it; if there is a love for it deep within your soul, then, well... that's what you are. Naysayers can't help but naysay, and gatekeepers think they hold the keys to EVERY gate. They don't. I'M SCOTTISH. By heritage. By love. By history and family. I'm Scottish. Love ya, brother! -Vic
I've really enjoyed all these videos in Canada. I live in Ottawa, my mother is Clan Ferguson and she's always upheld those traditions. Learning about how my ancestors may have arrived or where they would have gone has been fascinating. Thank you, you're a legend.
Thought provoking Bruce thank you. Duncan MacKenzie and Malcolm MacDonald playing football for England 🫣. Aren't most people descended from Bruce and the Stewarts but justy haven't found the link yet! I have lived in England for a long time. I have a mix of England and Scotland supporting children and grandchildren. I don't fall into to your traditional Scot as far as drink is concerned I only drink beer occasionally and lemonade slightly more often. If I tell you I grew up between Braco and Comrie and what you ate and drank was what you could carry or by bike most of the time, my dad spent Monday to Friday away from home and died in 1968. Luxury goods like Irn Bru didn't feature much. The Liptons' mobile shop and the Blackford butchers' van didn't carry much either. Things I used to miss like caramel wafers and logs are available here now. Abernethy biscuits not so much. Being Scottish is an attitude of mind too, but I can't really explain that.
G'Day Bruce! I was born in Calgary, that is where I learned about being from a Scottish family because of my last name. There is so much in Calgary that is a reminder of Scotland. I have also been told I'm not Scottish (that hurt), and that my part of the Gunn family deserted Scotland when they emigrated. (That was from a member of Clan Keith though-I think there is still some hurt there--it's only been like 800 years. lol). My mother's family is mostly English from the Stevens family who were emigrants to England when William the Conqueror sailed in. I've always identified as Canadian, but I think of my heritage as Scottish and I have you to thank for teaching me so much about Scotland and the people who left and where they went.
I’m from the McFarland clan on my mom side. I visited Scotland for the first time 2023 and when I heard the bagpipes live for the first time, I cried. I didn’t want to leave when I had to go to back home. I stood on my clan land Loch Lomond - all I could think was I was standing where my ancestors stood 😊
My mother was Scottish, my father English, born in Stevenage. Moved to Scotland at the age of one and lived there until I was 24. I now have a Dutch passport but I still consider myself Scottish.
We're Scots born and bred but we accidentally had our children in England. We moved back when one was two years and two weeks old and the other just four weeks old. They're both Scottish, except on their birth certificates and passports. I'll never stop regretting that
A strangely poignant episode, Bruce. It definitely made me think. I love being an American. I'm proud of it. I also love that my ancestors came from Scotland. They came a long time ago, and their Scottish values shaped the way my country is to this day. Quite literally, in some cases. My great-great-great-great grandfather fought at the Battle of King's Mountain, and is thus partially responsible for this country not being part of Britain any more. His father was born in Scotland, and they had moved to the mountains of North Carolina because poor people could get land here, if they were willing to risk the danger. I'm proud of having ancestors like that, and there are many other tales of both the men and women in my family whom you would definitely point to and say "Yep! Scottish!". I love them and am proud of being their descendant. And yet if someone held a gun to my head, I'd say "I am an American." Of course, a DNA test established that I also am more Neanderthal than most people... And also that I have a goodly amount of Finnish in my Scottish background. Those filthy pirates... Thanks for making me think, Bruce.
I have had deep fried Mars at a friends BBQ . Great video footage . I don't think of myself as Scottish , thou I love the Clansmen I grew up respecting . I was named Steward to the McDonald woodlands , and serve to this day , 3 generations . Cameron Hefler Cremona , born on Canadian soil , I do not call myself a Canadian as I do not display the social norms . The best I can say is I am an Earthling .
What makes you Scottish? It's in a surname and the tingle you get deep inside when you hear the pipes or see and smell the heather, or have great grands who have a painting of red beasts with horns in their grand parlor from generations long ago. Then again, there is a sense of fierce independence and self-sufficiency. Red hair helps
@@KrisHughes That's the thing about "Stereo Types" they are based some what in reality, most of us get that other's are some how offended by it like yourself
My Scottishness although partially coming from my parents and grandparents and so on is fundamentally an emotional attachment you will understand when I say the “Road Sign on the 74. Simply ask yourself would you die for your country many many did. It’s a gut thing it’s that feeling you get when you hear Flower of Scotland, or for that matter anything on the bagpipes, it’s that inherent dislike of “Westminster and the scum that rule” it’s that knowledge that we will be a nation again.
Absolutely love your videos. I'll not claim to be a Scot. U.S. citizen raised in the Pacific NW. Family name is Norwegian and my DNA test has me as Norwegian, Finnish and Scottish in that order. Never the less, I love a good dram and would happily live in Scotland if you gave me the chance! Was privileged to visit last year and loved every minute of it!
I’m a Scot born in Scotland too a Scottish mum & Irish dad & I took my heritage my results were: 83% Irish Scottish Welsh . 11.4 Greek & South Italian 5.6 Baltic. I’m of Clan Douglas.
I recently discovered my mother's line traces back to clan Douglas. There was a Malcolm Douglas who was a great X X granddad to me. But I wasn't born there. But choose to live there.
I recently discovered my mother's line traces back to clan Douglas. There was a Malcolm Douglas who was a great X X granddad to me. But I wasn't born there. But choose to live there.
As far as I’m concerned anyone can be Scottish if they want to be. My lot go back to the Norman conquest but am I French? No. I’m Scottish first and British second but I am not a separatist. I love the world and have seen quite a lot of it. It is amazing what Scots have done and where they have ended up. If you have never heard the Thomas Glover story well look it up. I spent 6 months in Nagasaki where Glover ended up. Good video Bruce.😊
I am Scottish, born and bred, roots back to NI/Scots king Mac Ruaidhrí. And i guess I got lucky and was born in the greatest damn country on earth!! But I feel Scottish through my pride and my desire to see this once great nation stand alone again and be seen for what it is, a pillar holding up the UK.
Ps I think we should go from the 9th century but if you're from the Picts/Scots then feel free to brag 😂 I also think it's as simple as, do you live here? Has it been more than say 5 years? Ok you're now Scottish, let's get a drink to celebrate 🥂
@@Lowlandlord if I move to America I'm still Scottish mate, in not making it geographical. But by virtue of being born here, you know.. geographically, it makes me Scottish. So to argue that geography has nothing to do with it is... Arbitrary
I was born in Scotland to Scottish parents and brought up in England. One Grandfather was English and the rest were all Scots. As a child I was very proud of my Scottish heritage but if you were to ask my daughter she would probably say she was English or British. My son whose a romantic would say that he was Scottish. I have a sadness that the Mother tongue was knocked out of me in an English school. I learnt to be an excellent mimic to "fit in" with my piers. One of the joys of returning to Perth is to sit on a bus and listen to the scottish voices all around me. Last time I went up I was surprised to find the bus sounded more like the league of nations. Food for me makes me feel at home...My Grandmother's Scots Broth, Scottish baps, a fish supper with black and white pudding, the pies and of course haggis and proper porridge not like the peely wally stuff you get that tastes like cardboard soaked in milk. Real porridge should slither down the throat! Thanks Bruce for your common sense approach to what makes us Scottish. I think its just the pride in your heritage and the country itself. Keep making us laugh and teaching us the history of Scotland which isn't taught in English schools.
Born in Hamilton, Scots father, Norwegian mother, live in England, hopefully will manage the visa application process… but definitely not the’Still Game’…kerplunk!
It was great to meet you and your son last night in Vancouver. Perhaps attending a comedy event only 3 weeks post op probably wasn't the wisest thing. Had to hold my gut a few times, but it was worth it. Definitely a measure of your comedic success! What makes a person Scottish? Well, all of those things, and something I discovered doing family research. Oddly for me, rage. I have a resistance to some aspects of Scottish history, and can only look at it in small doses. My unexpectedly intense reaction to the clearances, for instance. Maybe one element of Scottishness is the sense of fair play and disdain for the ruling class. But generally the answer to the question is summed up in a single word I might have invented: "Scottitude."
My family left Scotland from Campbeltown Scotland in the early 1800s (no time to look up the date, at the moment) most of them ended up in Northern Ontario, around Arnprior. About 100 years ago many of them moved out to all parts BC, Canada. When my wife, and I went to Scotland 18 years ago, I bought a kilt with the royal Stewart tartan. I've worn it to the local highland games (2011,2012 light weight champion, in the heavy events) and last weekend I wore it to my niece's wedding. When it comes to sporting events I do cheer for Canada, but if Scotland is involved, I'm backing them to. Am I Scottish? I feel it
I am proud of my Scottish heritage. My Scottish great grandparents emigrated from New Zealand to US. From Scotland to New Zealand and Scotland to Ireland through Jamaica to New Zealand. One relation was one of the first Mayors of Melbourne, Australia. Another was a famous judge who advocated for the Māori in NZ. What fascinating lives full of courage and curiosity. Crossing the oceans in wooden sailing ships and risking everything to start a new life. This is something to be proud of.
I was born and lived in Scotland until I was 19. England travelled a bit then moved to Australia while I have been for 30 years.. love Australia grateful to be here but still feel Scottish. If Australia and Scotland were in World Cup final which is very unlikely as we all know I would want Scotland to win but if Australia did, I wouldn't be too disappointed especially as half their team is Scottish thank you and good night.
Several great grandparents came from Scotland, learned to play pipes at a young age, have been to many a highland game and cèilidh, eaten haggis and had consumed glasses of whisky galore. I grew up and joined a highland regiment, all while being a Canadian, born and living in Canada. I have a great affinity for Scotland, its history and traditions, but I am not a Scot. Maybe if I move there and eventually apply for citizenship, but until then I’m just happy enjoying the culture from other side of the Atlantic. (And I’m well aware that Scottish citizens don’t wear kilts, eat haggis or listen to bagpipes on a daily basis and haven’t done so for centuries.)
20 years ago, I was in a large room above a bar in Halifax. There was a stage on one side and a long table on the other. On one side there was 20 or 25 people who were wearing kilts and the whole Scottish formal dress, their wives decked out as well with long dresses, all tartans. On the other side of the room where the stage was, there were 20-25 Gaelic speakers, dressed in casual clothes you would see at any shopping center. The stage had a performer singing Gaelic songs dressed like the rest of the Gaelic speakers. The first group didnt speak Gaelic. The second didn't wear kilts,.... or sit at the long table. The first group drank scotch, the second local beer. The singer traveled between the two groups but there wasn't much interaction. There was a festive but awkward mood to the situation but no animosity at all. There was just nothing in common. A few of us met every week for a few years on Wed afternoon to speak Gaelic with each other. Only a couple had ever been to Scotland.( I never have). None of my forefathers have been there since Finley (The piper) MacDonald left in 1804. My grandfather wore a kilt in WW1 with the 85 (Highlanders) of NovaScotia but never made it to Scotland. The paternal line of my family all had names like Alex,Duncan, Graham,Finley...... My grandmother was a Beaton who spoke Gaelic from CapeBreton. Am I Scottish? If someone says that Im not, I reply in Gaelic that I have never been there,.... so OK. I might also keep going until they say, " I dont speak Gaelic". If someone says that I AM Scottish, I say well, " I have never been there, I have never worn a kilt, I dont drink scotch......so, I dont feel Scottish". I guess my status depends on whos in front of me.
I’m an American with 20% DNA Scots (we won’t mention how much is from South of the border). I’ve always loved all things Scotland and I never knew why. Doesn’t it make you wonder if it just is in your very bones and you just cannot help it? Gives you hope for future generations to protect the homeland.
Born in England during a brief period when my mother moved to England due to my fathers work before moving back to the far north. Birth certificate says England but raise in Scotland from near birth. I’m Scottish, a teuchter no less. My local heritage in the far north, How I grew up, the culture is inherent to my identity. In truth I feel more tied to the far north than I do Scotland as a nation, much like many islanders.
I was born in Endland and lived in England until 2020 then moved to Scotland. Before moving to Scotland I drank Whiskey and also do my family tree and found out that one of my ancestes is Scottish from the Mcdowall. Since moving to Scotland I still drink Whiskey and started wearing kilts. I wouldn't call myself Scottish but will say I have Scottish hertiage going back to 1844
G'mornin Bruce, another great video, I can only say that I think what makes a Scot is, someone, no matter how many generations away from Scotland (2 for me) when you hear the pipes you can feel em calling you home! 😢 Down in your soul you feel a certain pride in your heritage that doesn't seem to be there in other nationalities who are in another land. As an American who lived in Jersey for more than ½ my life I grew up with many other ethnic ppl & the only other ones who seemed to always be so proud of their original heritage were Italians. Most others didn't seem to care much & when I moved down south to TN, nobody seemed to even know their roots, they were just Southern... I always thought it was funny...
I am Canadian, Nova Scotian to be precise. I have some Scottish, but I am predominantly Germanic( my father side), Irish and some Mediterranean as well. I do not consider myself Scottish, but of particular, Scottish and a Heinz 57 mutt. I am proud of my backgrounds. I think you are of where you were born live. I am a proud Nova Scotian, even if the province is a bit garbage right now. Be who you are, that’s the real important.
Born in Arbroath family emigrated to New Zealand in 1961was 8yrs old? Aye I'm 70 still get called thistle am I a Scot!!? Loved your take on Scottishnis ha lang mae yer lum reek 👌👌👌🤣😏
Ahh Cape Bretoner here with a middle name Iona ❤ maternal grandparents Nicholsons from Scotland and Appletons from England.. Paternal grandparents Burkes from Ireland and Macdonald either Scotland or Ireland. Love your channel ❤️
My wife and I really enjoyed your show. Educational and entertaining. I will spread the word in Victoria about you. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us and take pic. 3:39
I consider myself Scottish. I was born in Dunedin New Zealand so I'm also a Kiwi. I grew up going to Scottish Society gatherings with my family. My Grandfather wanted a piper in the family. I learned to play the pipes. My Mother's family line are from Wick and of Clan Gunn, my father's family are from Westray. My DNA is strongly Norse and United Kingdom. I do wear a kilt. I have returned to Orkney and been recognised by my Family there which was a wonderful happening I hadn't expected.
To my knowledge I don't have a drop of Scottish blood in me. I've never visited Scotland nor have I been to any establishment that considers itself Scottish. Yet, for as long as I can remember, I'm 67 years old, I have had this intense Anguish inside of me whenever I encounter something pertaining to Scotland or Scottish people; be it a movie, an actor/actress, Scotsmen in a parade, a police funeral, bagpipes, or any other memorial type service, etc. It wasn't until this year that I connected all the coincidences of extreme emotions that I experience in these situations. I have no explanation as to why all of a sudden while watching a movie and a Scottish actor appears I break out with red welts on my neck and chest and feel a deep sense of longing, desire, emptiness, and loss. Sometimes it brings me to unexpected tears. I have discussed this with my therapist of 17 years who knows me very well and neither of us can understand why I have such extreme emotion and why I find myself unexplainably drawn to people whom I later find out are of Scottish descent. Does this make me Scottish? I don't think so but it has always been my hearts desire to go to Scotland and I have no understanding as to why. I know all of this sounds foolish and maybe a woman's hysteria, but there's no logical explanation for this consistent occurrence from the time I was a child. I keep asking the Lord to reveal it to me , but since I know that He has a sense of humor, I may not find out until I meet The Lord in person. 😊
The book clanlands suggests that it is the Gaelic description "Duthchas" of belonging to the land that makes you feel like you are a person from that place and as a half Scots Northumbrian living in Lancashire I can agree with that, it's where your heart longs for and where you feel the deepest connection to lands and peoples that is what makes you Scottish
I'm an American of Scottish descent. My father moved out of North Carolina in the 1930's. Our family had been there since the time of the Covenanters. Virtue and Work!
If you live in Scotland and love Scotland, you are Scottish. Don't really care what anyone else says, we are all from somewhere but only one place you truely want to be from, so I don't blame anyone 😉
I am a wee bit Scottish. My maternal grandfather's family are Adams and are from Scotland; and my paternal grandmother are McRae's and of course we of Scottish descent. The other side in both families were Orange Irish....which in theory could be argued are Scottish in a sense as well since they migrated over to Ulster and Ireland. That all said, I am first off Canadian. Three or four generations after coming over I am Irish or Scottish likely in equal measure genetically. In reality. You are in how you are raised. I was raised as a Canadian. I played hockey and drank coca cola as a kid, not football and IrnBru.. Just the same, I take great pride on my Scot and Irish background. You are what you think are you to a degree....
I'm Scottish, I was born in Glasgow, have ancestry going WAY back. My family moved to England when I was 9, and have lived here ever since (I'm 73) I speak with an English accent but, Scotland is still my home!
My dad's grandfather immigrated from the Balmoral Castle area near Aberdeen, to Quebec. My grandfather immigrated from Quebec to southwestern Virginia.
George Orwell opined “a patriot loves his country a nationalist hates other countries “ Scottishness is a state of mind -we are aw jock tamsons bairns cut us we bleed red -😊
Iam not Scottish, I just really enjoy your knowledge and humor. Of course Iam very drawn to many Scottish things but the history and connecting those dots has been a fascinating learning journey for me. Your content got me here, your delivery and authenticity keep me here.
Lots of people from around the world, of Scottish descent, call themselves Scottish. Both sides of my family are from Ireland and depending on which branch of the tree you take, I'm either 2nd or 3rd generation Scottish. But I think and call myself Scottish. And the only way I can answer what makes me Scottish is that I'm comfortable being Scottish. It feels right. I don't think there is a formula. As always, a great video. Thanks.
Bruce, I've been watching your channel for a couple of years now. It's one of the very few channels I frequently go to. Thank you very much, because I've learned a lot; but if you'd like to know what makes me Scottish, it's because I say so. I could give you a lot of reasons, I could say heritage, culture, bloodline etc., but when it comes right down to it, I know what I am and don't care what anyone thinks. I'm going to wear my kilt on the right occasions, I'm a proud Scottish American and I don't spend a lot of time trying to prove it. I'm proud to be Scottish and no one can take it from me unless I let those with issues influence me. I will never let that happen. Now it's time for a dram from one Scot to another, Slainte Mhath!
I used to say "I'm Scottish; I'm just not a Scot" Now I say "I'm American built on a Scottish Foundation!" When filling out forms i put down Scottish-American.
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Bruce, have you visited Canadian Native peoples to hear old Scottish songs and fiddle playing?
Can ye say “purple burglar alarm”?
If ye can, yer probably not Scottish.
For clarification, this isn’t entirely a joke. There are certain words and phrases that are difficult to say in certain accents because that pattern of sounds doesn’t exist or some such thing.
My mother was an Anderson born in the US. I don't know what that makes me, so can I list myself as culturally interested?
@@thankmelater1254Maybe next trip
I've always said your blood line is where you from but the loyalty of your heart is where you belong.
Nice one Bruce. I'm an expat Scot (Australia) and have an Aussie wife that lived in Scotland for many years, and when I hear her speak of Scotland and the Scots, I see a Scot. She loves and defends both Scotland and the Scots people, more aggressively than I might and shows her Scots husband off whenever she can. She's an historian and has a great store of the history of Scotland, has travelled much of it and has left a trail of friends behind her.
When we left to come to Oz, our friend group organised a huge farewell for her and I saw a love for her, an acceptance of this foreign lass as one of their ane. This defender of the Scots, lover of the land is seen as a Scot and is proud of that fact. She isn't blind to our shortcomings, knows full well the paradoxical nature of the Scots character, but loves us as her own. I can't be told that she isn't a Scot. Decades ago, atop a Scottish mountain, she said to me "I don't know why, but I've never felt so at home as I do here", I looked at her, and believed her.
During her time there, she gave herself as a volunteer to help ensure the safety of and the future of Scots kids that might otherwise have dropped off the map and ended up in misery. I wear a kilt when I walk each morning, I go to a butcher that has "square sausage and tottie sones", but I suspect that she's the Scot in the hoose
Walking along Princess Street on Sunday with the bells sounding through the morning haar and feeling that you are home..
Is Princess Street near Princes Street in Edinburgh?
I was born in America with a bucketload of Scottish DNA of several clans. I have visited Scotland and felt a deep kinship there, as if a deep part of me was coming home. I love the Scots and their fierce independence, which is where some of us Americans got ours. So, guess I'm an American with a part of my heart being Scottish. Maybe being Scottish is having it in your heart too.
I felt the same way when I visited Scotland last year. I came home. I must get back there, so much more to explore!
I'm an American mutt, but I have Scottish DNA and many many ancestors from Scotland, I've always longed to go there, I've heard it calls you back? My cousin went and the minute her feet touched the ground she felt like she was home. We will always love Scotland! And I believe our ancestors who came to America were successful in the making of this country because of their Scottish heritage!
@@christinecrapser5033: To be honest, I didn't get that feeling that I was "home" when I visited Scotland (despite being born there, having Scottish grandparents and a majority shareholding of Scottish DNA). I enjoyed my visit, would like to go back and spend a lot more time there, but, for me, "home" is Australia. Maybe it's just a touch of alexithymia.
I'm Dutch but my heart is always for Scotland i wear kilt eat haggis and drink whisky. But i can't never call me scottish. I don't live there . Scotland is not a easy why of life there. I can understand how life there is rhe hard way the politics. If you go about Dna then many are also saxon from the netherlands/germany/frensh
You're more Scottish than the person who made this video and more Scottish than Humza Yousaf.
I think that if someone telling you, "You're not Scottish," makes you angry or upset, then you're Scottish.
I was born in Inverness, lived in Mull until I was 2, Broughty Ferry until I was 7, Dumfries until I was 17, and Dundee until I was 18. My maternal great-aunt held the Justice of Peace in Argyll in the 60s, my maternal great-great-grandmother was a Maitland, and through her, I'm related to Charles Maitland, 8th Earl of Lauderdale.
All of that, and yet my accent is half-n-half unless I get angry, passionate, or inebriated, and my biological parents are both English.
Yet, trying to tell me I'm not Scottish puts a patriotic rage in my heart like nothing else will.
For the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, the UK government imposed a de facto ruling that if you had UK citizenship and resided in Scotland, you were Scottish enough to vote. This ruled me out because I had the gall to be living, deeply homesick, in Southampton at the time.
Anger isn't an emotion that should be celebrated, but it does a good job of letting us know where our boundaries are. My boundary, in this case, is anyone telling me I'm not Scottish, or attempts made to bar me from having a say in Scotland's future. I think that qualifies.
"or attempts made to bar me from having a say in Scotland's future" - But you don't live here. Any Scot who isn't living in Scotland should register as an automatic YES vote, because the fact that you're not living in Scotland (whatever your opinion) states that the status quo (non independence) isn't working well enough for you to want to live here.
When talk of independence regained its strength in the 90s, I was living in England. And, because I was living in England, I understood that my opinions meant nothing because I wasn't living in Scotland so I wouldn't have to endure (positive or negative) what an independent Scotland would mean. Both of my parents (and all 4 grandparents) were Scots. So if I understood that I needed to weesht, why are you angry about also needing to weesht?
@@redceltnet I was temporarily in England to study, and then I was NFA because I couldn't afford rent, or the train fare to go home. So, respectfully, weesht.
You're Scottish if your parents are Scottish. If your DNA is Scottish. It's not a 'feeling'. You are English.
@@redceltnet that makes zero sense whatsoever commie
Born Scottish, live in Scotland, lived in England for a while and was recognised by friends in England as Scottish and when someone plays the bagpipes it stirs the heart.
That's probably the true sign does a tear come to your eye when you hear Scotland the Brave played by a lone piper
Hah! I'm a native Nova Scotian and bagpipes have been such a part of our cultural background that every time I hear them playing I want to go fight some Englishmen.
@williamgeorge2580 yes an inate desire to fight the English is a definite sign of Scottishness or being Irish or French possibly. Ahh that's really not a sign everyone hates the English it seems
🤭😁😂🙋🏴🇮🇪😉@@HowWeGotHere
I was born in England. Mum was Irish, dad was Scottish. Both both sets of grandparents ALL Irish! It seems dad was first generational Scots. No known English heritage in family. So main Identity is...Irish! Ceart! Slainte! 🙋🇮🇪🏴😉👍🙏
Bruce, you're a national treasure... Nae, an international treasure.
Need to bury this treasure!
I was born and lived my whole life in America. I have no Scottish heritage. In 2017 I came to Scotland for work and knew I’d come home. I worked harder than I ever have on anything to get a sponsor, visa after visa, to stay. I just got my citizenship and Ive never been prouder or happier about anything. When I see the sign coming back on the motorway, when my plane flies over the western isles, my heart swells, I shed a tear and I thank the universe for Scotland. I see my true inner self in all my fellow Weegies.
I may not be Scottish, but I feel like nothing but a Scot and I will be forever. ❤
I "feel like" a turnip. Therefore, I am a turnip.
@@KarlKarsnarkahhhhahahah that would be so hilarious and insightful if only nationality and culture were as hard-wired and immutable as DNA structure and species. But nice try.
@@stupa_magoo Ok, go tell that to every "Native American " tribe and all other indigenous peoples of the New World. Go tell the Irish that the British are just as entitled to their Ancestral Homeland as the Irish themselves. Apparently, blood and centuries of continuous occupation clearly mean nothing and every Anglo-European who stole their land is just as "Native" as they are. Got it. Why are you such a proponent of Neo-Colonialist, Globalist-sponsored ethnic cleansing? Funny, now plenty of other groups are encouraged to express their "Native Pride", except Europeans.
American of Scots Descent. wasn't born there, raised, there or lived there.
Am I proud of Scottish forbearers? Damn straight I am.
Am Interested in what's going on in Scotland? Yes, enough to follow what's going on culturally and politically.
A Scot is not just genetic, but also a mind set.
And Bruce, you're a Scot.
thank you for the interested in scottish things happening in scotland as you stated
so are you american by birth but feel scottish by culture,forebearers just intrested to know bestest from scotland
aye
@@viperscot1
According to my dna.....
• England & Northwestern Europe 41%
• Scotland 24%
• Ireland 15%
• Norway 9%
• Sweden & Denmark 6%
• Wales 4%
Growing up in Texas, I wanted to go to school in Edinburgh... ....had no idea why, but yearned to go h•o•m•e.
Strahan, Strachan
Ramsey
In my mind, I'm a flamingo. Therefore, I am a flamingo. Please, define all the objective criteria one must fulfill to achieve said "mind set". Imagine this deranged logic being applied by Westerners to the rest of the world. It would be called Colonialism.....because it is. More Cultural Marxism and Globalism being used to justify Ethnic Cleansing and the Demographic terrorism in the name of "Tolerance"(tm). Go as the Irish how they liked the British having the "mind set" that they could occupy Ireland....Go ask the Irish how "Modern Immigration"(tm) is working out, as well.
Killing a hangover with a roll and square sausage, tattie scone and fried egg - washed down with a glass bottle of Irn Bru - that's pretty Scottish
Bruce - I am the genetic stew you describe, Born and live in America- The DNA says Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Norman and Scandinavian. My surname is Carter and my paternal family arrived in the colonies as part of the Ulster Migration in the 1700s. My mother's maiden name is Campbell. Many tell me I'm Scottish because I possess the strength and stubbornness associated there. I just refer to myself as a British Isles Mutt. But, I'll say this.. the bagpipes do stir me deeply and I do love some haggis. Definitely interested in Scottish history and the well being of this great country. Thanks for all you do! You sir, will always be a Scot to me.
A Canadian who is proud of her Scottish Heritage. My great-grandad David Laing was born in the Hudson Valley, NY, to Scottish parents, but when he was a small child the Laings went back to Scotland . He grew near in Glamis, the son of aN estate farm greive. When he was 14 he spent his first winter caring for a flock of sheep near what was then Fort Calgary. Later he was working for road company in Montana, became tired of the trains he was always being stopped by dangerous robbers, and he ended up first in Winnipeg where married mt great- grandmother. They took their children to the new town of Medicine Hat to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. There he met my grandad Robert McMullen (Scots-Irish by birth). Grandad Laing always thought of himself as Scottish, but in the 1930s, when he retired from CP Rail, he tried to apply for Canadian citizenship. Unfortunately when wrote to Somerset House in Britain for a copy of his birth certificate, they told there was none. Luckily some older member of the family (probably his sister Ellen, who was born in the New York too) told him he was American by birth. He finally became Canadian, dying in 1970 at the age of 99. He never forgot his Scottish roots. Scotland was his home country.
I’m a Texan. We don’t have a national “football” team. I have plenty of Celtic DNA, I love Laphroaig…..but, I’m still Texan. But don’t feel like I won’t claim you. I love y’all.
Oh! Texan, you do so have a national football team, in fact, you have two. The USA's men's football team were placed 5th in the 2020 (2021) Olympics, and the USA's women were even better, and came in third.
You also have the USA Eagles rugby team, both a mens and womens team as well as teams who participate in the Rugby 7s too. If you love the NFL, give rugby a try in the off season and im sure you'll love it
I call myself a Scottish American. My family has kept records of our lineage back to 1737 with some lines. My father's side of the family, as well as some of my mother's, are full of Jacobite heritage, men who fought on Culloden field and fled the English afterwards to hide in the hills of Appalachia. Most of my family is either of Scottish decent or Scots Irish descent. As for what I do with this, I drink at a local pub, I am a member of Clan Davidson Society of North America, I wear a kilt every week, and I am learning Gaelic. I listen to bagpipe music and feel a sense of pride, and sometimes even loss of my kin. Though I've never seen Scotland because it's far too expensive for me right now, I still consider my self Scottish, because I live to honor my heritage. That is what makes me Scottish, and no one can take that away from me.
You can't claim to be Scottish yet never set foot in the place come on now. You're American
@@ianpilkington2037 Yeah that's why I call myself Scottish American, I said it in the first sentence, I just don't want to type Scottish American every time.
Scottish American would be my description of myself as well. And I sure drank like a Scot, no more. Save every penny you can because you have got to go! Once you get out of the airport, you'll get that I'm home feeling! Good luck!
@@user-us3sw6iz3k thanks! Yeah I hope I can get a chance as soon as I can save up, but your lad is most certainly a broke college kid😂
So, you literally just LARP as what you perceive to be "Scottish" activities to justify appropriating other peoples' culture. Got it. "I listen to bagpipes and feel a sense of pride.....". LOL! I listen to Mariachi music. Therefore, I am Mexican.
Having an out of date tin of Creamola Foam at the back of the cupboard is a sure sign. ( Greetings from the Children of the mist )
I got a tin in my cupboard, ha ha.
That takes me back to my childhood growing up in the 70/80s
Anyone still got Spangles or a lucky bag.?
By blood im Scottish but it's a small amount. But as im proud to be alaskan native im as proud of all of my blood line. But the losing everything sounds very familiar
This weekend it's Spain that makes me Scottish.🏴🇪🇸
Spain has it's own little Scotland in form of Galicia 😁
@@McHobotheBobo
True
😂😂
@@sweatymrkim4578 sláinte amigo. 🤣🏴🇪🇸
Bruce - a fantastically enjoyable 24 minutes on the perception of culture and what/who we are, that was brilliant! Thank you so much! 😀😀
Nice to see that you're enjoying Canada.
The Saint Andrews Society of Chicago has a saying, "Scottish by birth, by blood, by inclination". I believe it is in their mission statement.
Well that's nice for them, but if they're anything like the Caledonian Society in Cincinnati, they wouldn't recognise anything Scottish if they fell over it.
What a wonderful saying. Thank you for sharing.
@@madmark1957 Umm, the Director at the time IS Scottish.
@@jackschlaeger5024 That's nice for him. The director of what?
@@madmark1957 The Saint Andrews Society of Chicago?
Half of my immediate family are Scottish, I was born in Englandshire. I sound English. I've spent most of my life in Scotland. I will probably die in Scotland. I belong to here. As to what other people say, that's a matter of their wits. I do sometimes wear a kilt and eat square sausage and a tatty scone. I have Burns night supper with a libation appropriate to the occasion. I work, vote and shop in Scotland. I'm here, I don't intend to be elsewhere. I am me.
Me too
Wow, I'm now 61 years old and it took me at least 55 years to answer that question.
I was born in England, my parents were from coal mining villages of SW Scotland (New Cumnock and Kirconnel). My mother wouldn't marry a miner (too many painful memories of the Knockshinnoch disaster), so my Father moved to England with her (and they remained there for the rest of their lives).
My father, being a working class and proud of it guy, took delight in ripping the 'mickey' out of me for being a Sassenach, all my schoolmates took the mickey out of me for my 'Scottish' name (McDowall), whatever I 'wanted' to be someone, important to me, disagreed. I spent my entire youth and most of my early adulthood torn between the two and fitting in nowhere.
Then one day one on of my many tours of Scotland I cam across McDowall of Garstan clan and with a bit of research found I had a clan and a tartan, (by this time my parents were both dead), up until then we'd always been told we were a sect of the MacDougals. This just added to my feeling of 'Scottishness'. However, most people, some I classed as friends, both born in Scotland and not born in Scotland, disagreed.
In the end, I decided, I made my peace with myself, I'm Scottish, but born in England. You can disagree, that's your right, but I am what I am.
Oh and BTW I don't follow football, but support Scotland AND England in Rugby (and all sports) except when they play each other then I sit on the fence and squirm which is painful (morally and literally) as I get splinters in my arse!
My story is similar to yours but my mother was Welsh. We also are a rugby family. The 5/6/* Nations was always a difficult time in our house with my mother and brother supporting Wales and my father and I supporting Scotland. The only time there was harmony was when one or other was playing England. I am interested and proud of my Scottish AND Welsh roots although I have to call myself British as this really covers it all. One thing I am certain of though and fiercely proud of is that I am a Celt.
@@professor1972, are ye a loon or a quine?
@@professor1972, tha' helps determine yer ancestry!
@@stlouisix3 Well, my name's Andrew so you can make of that what you will 😀
@@stlouisix3 I'm not sure it does. Accession of title is purely a convention. Gaels used the male line while Picts used the female line. Genetically, we are a product of all our ancestors plus the odd random mutation.
Most of my ancestors were Scottish, but the last of them left Scotland over 180 years ago. On trips to Scotland, I’ve felt a magical sense of connection unlike anything I’ve experienced in other places. Scotland felt like a comfortable sort of place that I could see myself living there (if they’d let me in). I like single malt whisky, black pudding, and haggis, I enjoy highland games. I have a tartan tie, and there’s a little plaque with the tartan and clan badge greeting visitors when they come in my front door. I have a book of Burns’ poetry that I pull out every so often.
Am I Scottish? No. It would feel like posing to say I was. I consider myself an enthusiast.
Controlling of migration and borders is global apartheid #globalapartheid , complete with passbooks, and can never be done without racist anomalies somewhere. Distant roots are the strongest evidence that only global free movement complies with human rights.
Fàilte gu Canada, Bruce
I’m not Scottish, but I am a Celt (and also Jamaican, Nigerian, and a few other things too!)
Bha an seanair agam à Alba, agus bha e Gàidhlig aige, ach tha mi à Canada.🇨🇦
(Side note: I’m not going to make it to your show in Victoria on Saturday July 13, but I bought my parents tickets. Be nice to them. My mother will be the Black woman sitting with two white men. The one with hair is my father, and the one with no hair is my step father.)
"The mark of a Scot of all classes [is that] he remembers and cherishes the memory of his forebears, good or bad; and there burns alive in him a sense of identity with the dead even to the twentieth generation."
- Robert Louis Stevenson - 👍
Great video. No one simple answer! Because human nationalities are are “mongrels” genetically, I think it would have to do with culture, that’s what historically has always defined a group. I think people can be two things at once: Scottish-American, Ghanaian-Scottish, etc.
As for me I consider myself a Nova Scotian Gael or Cape Bretoner with proud Scottish ancestry.
Like your son, I found that I felt more Gaelic/Caper/Scottish when I moved away!
I cherish my Scottish heritage. My grand parents were weegies from Glasgow. Emigrated to the USA in the 1930s. Ancestry says I carry 52% of their Scottish dna. I fly a saltire flag with my American flag in front of the house.
I have nothing to do with Scotland. In fact, I'm Portuguese, but I love Scotland and I would love to visit there. Thank you for the video. It enchanted me. I have a fascination with history and everything that has to do with Scotland.I have to visit Scotland one day. My biggest dream.
I am a passionate person and a patriot of my country. I had to leave, not even for monetary reasons. My husband is a truck driver and had an opportunity to work abroad and I simply followed him.Nowadays I would like to return to my country, but things are always as we want. In short, my country could have had the worst problems in the world, but I will always be Portuguese. There is nothing like "home". And Scotland is the second country I have in my heart. Don't ask me why? I don't even know it. The closest I've been is England, but it's not the same. The same feeling...
Lovely
I've been to the highlands of Scotland and the highlands of northern Portugal. Except perhaps in Cape Breton here in Canada, I don't think I've felt any more like I was in the Scottish highlands than when I was in northern Portugal, especially in early spring when the weather is still cool and damp and the hillsides are lush and green and bursting with flowers. The landscape, the stone walls, the granite homes in the villages ... all very reminiscent of Scotland. I hope you make it to those more northern highlands in Scotland one day!
I was born in Carshalton Surrey, but my family moved up to Scotland when I was a few months old. Having lived virtually my whole 50+ years in Scotland I regard myself more Scottish than English. I support Scotland in sport much to my late dad's bewilderment. Some people say I have an English accent, some don't. I don't hide my english heritage and proud of it which is why I can't be doing with anti-english sentiment some individuals spout.
Having said that, vamos Espana tomorrow night.......sorry dad :)
My family is all Scot’s & Irish but my sister is married to an English man she lives in Norfolk, it’s great to get down for a holiday I absolutely love it down there . My son’s heritage came back also a quarter English & he’s delighted as he’s Scot’s Irish Welsh & English as he is a royalist. Also my mums sister married an English man too so I guess a lot of us are mixed on these islands.
My mum lived in Carshalton but born in shoreditch
¡Tuviste suerte!
It's a small world, I was born in St Helier and both my parents are from Glasgow.
Heritage and your attitude helps you decide if you’re Scottish ❤
As an Australian descended 100% from UK origins, even parts English and Scottish, it's an interesting question. I have Scottish ancestry on both sides of my family. I am about to have my third holiday in Scotland because I simply adore the place. I am learning Gàidhlig. I am not Scottish, but I wish I was!
Brilliant
I was born in New Glasgow Nova Scotia. My dna shows I am exactly 1 quarter from each of the 4 UK countries. I have no idea what that makes me other than me.
I love how you start every video. Feels so Scottish! "Let me tell you a story." And I am eager as a child to hear it!
Makes me smile when says it... :)
I've liked this video for the title alone. I'll bet some of the people that have been commenting on your videos have contributed to the making of this one.
Love what you do Bruce. Will keep watching¿liking and learning.
I was born in Lanark , I'm a Lanarkshire lad and proudly Scottish. Hate filling forms out where the only option is British. Anyone can be British 😅
Another thought provoking chat. I’m a Cape Bretoner whose ancestors came from Scotland. I will always be a Caper even though I moved away 54 years ago. It’s where your heart is that counts. Although, I did feel so at home on the Isle of Harris when I visited it.
I generally go with 'anyone who wants to be' to answer the 'who's a Scot' issue.
For me, football-wise? Dad's family English (although Palestinian until the 1900s), Mum's family Scottish from Stranraer on the west coast; I'm English by birth. Maybe the best way I can describe how I feel is this: when England scored a last-moment goal to reach the final, I was pleased for them, but I'd not have been disappointed if they hadn't won. When Scotland were hanging on and hanging on and hanging on against Hungary, battering down the door looking for a way in...well, you can tell by the emotions it brings out as I'm writing. That was life or death. For me, I may have a voice similar to my dad's or my nan's - but I got my heart from my Nana, and for me, the heart is all that really matters.
I am born and bread in scotland, FIFE (things are improving. We only kiss our cozens now), but in hertige terms on my fathers side, I irish imagrated to scotland in 1786. my mother is portirican, but i am a strong, proud scotsman. i would not replace my nationality for the world
I have traveled all around the world, and being scottish is really a passport to the world and Everyones harts..... apart from our southern nabours 🏴🇮🇪🇵🇷
I know i'm Scots: I sound it, was born in the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow to two Scots. But, i haven't lived in Scotland since i was 3 or 4. My daughter is half Scots, but she was born in Sydney and speaks like a Sydneysider, though pronounces some odd words the proper way. She calls herself Scots-Australian, and i think that's fair.
I am English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, born in London, live in Australia, and have created two generations of Australians, it's in your genes, they go where you go, along with those who follow.
Very thought provoking and entertaining (as usual).
Born in Scotland, proud to be and love my nation. Also love learning about history and it's a privilege to learn with yourself. Thank you
This man is a walking Scottish encyclopedia, with enough knowledge and dedication to bury all of us! 😆🏴 Heritage comes from the heart, what you believe and accept. It's up to the individual how much of the culture you want to infuse in your life. Here you have Scotophiles and others with a more complex relationship. My maiden name is Gordon, which I received from my Father, my Grandfather, my Great-grandfather (born in Scotland) and so on. I am the only child of my Father. My three daughters, including me, have Scottish in the blood (DNA), also Irish, because my Father's maternal line is from Ireland. The Andrews family. I have other ethnicities, but I will stay on the topic of my Scottish heritage. For me, it's in the name, blood, and heart. It can never be taken away, but given as a gift to my children, to pass down to the next generations. Don't forget about the ancestors! 🏴🇮🇪
Eh no, the man follows an educated, poorly informed Leftie narrative.
For example, Bruce never mentioned all the Scots that lived & multiplied in the Indian Sub Continent. Many, many Scots, during the peak of the East India Company, took native wives, yes wives. Some reportedly had up to 80 children by these wives. Are they Scots son??
So true. We must never forget the ancestors...
I was born in The United States. My grandmother was born in Dublin. My grandfather? Just outside Glasgow. My mother is half white/ one-quarter African and one-quarter Native American. Until I was five, I spoke with a VERY thick brogue. (I got tired of everyone saying 'WHAT?' whenever I'd say something. I wore kilts to weddings and funerals until I was 10 (my IRISH grandmother raised me and taught me all about my family name, which she'd married in to). I think it's like anything else in this world, Bruce...if you're passionate about it; if there is a love for it deep within your soul, then, well... that's what you are. Naysayers can't help but naysay, and gatekeepers think they hold the keys to EVERY gate. They don't. I'M SCOTTISH. By heritage. By love. By history and family. I'm Scottish. Love ya, brother! -Vic
I've really enjoyed all these videos in Canada. I live in Ottawa, my mother is Clan Ferguson and she's always upheld those traditions. Learning about how my ancestors may have arrived or where they would have gone has been fascinating. Thank you, you're a legend.
Thought provoking Bruce thank you.
Duncan MacKenzie and Malcolm MacDonald playing football for England 🫣. Aren't most people descended from Bruce and the Stewarts but justy haven't found the link yet!
I have lived in England for a long time. I have a mix of England and Scotland supporting children and grandchildren. I don't fall into to your traditional Scot as far as drink is concerned I only drink beer occasionally and lemonade slightly more often. If I tell you I grew up between Braco and Comrie and what you ate and drank was what you could carry or by bike most of the time, my dad spent Monday to Friday away from home and died in 1968. Luxury goods like Irn Bru didn't feature much. The Liptons' mobile shop and the Blackford butchers' van didn't carry much either. Things I used to miss like caramel wafers and logs are available here now. Abernethy biscuits not so much.
Being Scottish is an attitude of mind too, but I can't really explain that.
G'Day Bruce! I was born in Calgary, that is where I learned about being from a Scottish family because of my last name. There is so much in Calgary that is a reminder of Scotland. I have also been told I'm not Scottish (that hurt), and that my part of the Gunn family deserted Scotland when they emigrated. (That was from a member of Clan Keith though-I think there is still some hurt there--it's only been like 800 years. lol). My mother's family is mostly English from the Stevens family who were emigrants to England when William the Conqueror sailed in. I've always identified as Canadian, but I think of my heritage as Scottish and I have you to thank for teaching me so much about Scotland and the people who left and where they went.
I’m from the McFarland clan on my mom side. I visited Scotland for the first time 2023 and when I heard the bagpipes live for the first time, I cried. I didn’t want to leave when I had to go to back home. I stood on my clan land Loch Lomond - all I could think was I was standing where my ancestors stood 😊
You know you're Scottish when you hear something like the phrase "That sun's f'in bright" 🤣
My mother was Scottish, my father English, born in Stevenage. Moved to Scotland at the age of one and lived there until I was 24. I now have a Dutch passport but I still consider myself Scottish.
We're Scots born and bred but we accidentally had our children in England. We moved back when one was two years and two weeks old and the other just four weeks old. They're both Scottish, except on their birth certificates and passports. I'll never stop regretting that
SCOTTISH! case closed!
This was very well said! This can be applied to a lot of other diasporas as well, thank you!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
A strangely poignant episode, Bruce. It definitely made me think. I love being an American. I'm proud of it. I also love that my ancestors came from Scotland. They came a long time ago, and their Scottish values shaped the way my country is to this day. Quite literally, in some cases. My great-great-great-great grandfather fought at the Battle of King's Mountain, and is thus partially responsible for this country not being part of Britain any more. His father was born in Scotland, and they had moved to the mountains of North Carolina because poor people could get land here, if they were willing to risk the danger. I'm proud of having ancestors like that, and there are many other tales of both the men and women in my family whom you would definitely point to and say "Yep! Scottish!". I love them and am proud of being their descendant. And yet if someone held a gun to my head, I'd say "I am an American."
Of course, a DNA test established that I also am more Neanderthal than most people... And also that I have a goodly amount of Finnish in my Scottish background. Those filthy pirates...
Thanks for making me think, Bruce.
I have had deep fried Mars at a friends BBQ . Great video footage . I don't think of myself as Scottish , thou I love the Clansmen I grew up respecting . I was named Steward to the McDonald woodlands , and serve to this day , 3 generations . Cameron Hefler Cremona , born on Canadian soil , I do not call myself a Canadian as I do not display the social norms . The best I can say is I am an Earthling .
What makes you Scottish? It's in a surname and the tingle you get deep inside when you hear the pipes or see and smell the heather, or have great grands who have a painting of red beasts with horns in their grand parlor from generations long ago. Then again, there is a sense of fierce independence and self-sufficiency. Red hair helps
So many stereotypes.
@@KrisHughes WELL THAT WAS SNARKY--HAVE A GOOD DAY
@@KrisHughes That's the thing about "Stereo Types" they are based some what in reality, most of us get that other's are some how offended by it like yourself
My Scottishness although partially coming from my parents and grandparents and so on is fundamentally an emotional attachment you will understand when I say the “Road Sign on the 74. Simply ask yourself would you die for your country many many did. It’s a gut thing it’s that feeling you get when you hear Flower of Scotland, or for that matter anything on the bagpipes, it’s that inherent dislike of “Westminster and the scum that rule” it’s that knowledge that we will be a nation again.
Yes, with different scum ruling us.
Absolutely love your videos. I'll not claim to be a Scot. U.S. citizen raised in the Pacific NW. Family name is Norwegian and my DNA test has me as Norwegian, Finnish and Scottish in that order. Never the less, I love a good dram and would happily live in Scotland if you gave me the chance! Was privileged to visit last year and loved every minute of it!
I’m a Scot born in Scotland too a Scottish mum & Irish dad & I took my heritage my results were: 83% Irish Scottish Welsh .
11.4 Greek & South Italian
5.6 Baltic.
I’m of Clan Douglas.
I recently discovered my mother's line traces back to clan Douglas. There was a Malcolm Douglas who was a great X X granddad to me. But I wasn't born there. But choose to live there.
I recently discovered my mother's line traces back to clan Douglas. There was a Malcolm Douglas who was a great X X granddad to me. But I wasn't born there. But choose to live there.
Did yir mither hae ah Dug?.
As far as I’m concerned anyone can be Scottish if they want to be. My lot go back to the Norman conquest but am I French? No. I’m Scottish first and British second but I am not a separatist. I love the world and have seen quite a lot of it. It is amazing what Scots have done and where they have ended up. If you have never heard the Thomas Glover story well look it up. I spent 6 months in Nagasaki where Glover ended up.
Good video Bruce.😊
I am Scottish, born and bred, roots back to NI/Scots king Mac Ruaidhrí. And i guess I got lucky and was born in the greatest damn country on earth!! But I feel Scottish through my pride and my desire to see this once great nation stand alone again and be seen for what it is, a pillar holding up the UK.
Ps I think we should go from the 9th century but if you're from the Picts/Scots then feel free to brag 😂 I also think it's as simple as, do you live here? Has it been more than say 5 years? Ok you're now Scottish, let's get a drink to celebrate 🥂
I second that 👍🏼
@@obiwanjabroniX Deciding based only on geography and time seems both arbitrary and exclusionary to me.
Aye, aye!!!!
@@Lowlandlord if I move to America I'm still Scottish mate, in not making it geographical. But by virtue of being born here, you know.. geographically, it makes me Scottish. So to argue that geography has nothing to do with it is... Arbitrary
I was born in Scotland to Scottish parents and brought up in England. One Grandfather was English and the rest were all Scots. As a child I was very proud of my Scottish heritage but if you were to ask my daughter she would probably say she was English or British. My son whose a romantic would say that he was Scottish. I have a sadness that the Mother tongue was knocked out of me in an English school. I learnt to be an excellent mimic to "fit in" with my piers. One of the joys of returning to Perth is to sit on a bus and listen to the scottish voices all around me. Last time I went up I was surprised to find the bus sounded more like the league of nations. Food for me makes me feel at home...My Grandmother's Scots Broth, Scottish baps, a fish supper with black and white pudding, the pies and of course haggis and proper porridge not like the peely wally stuff you get that tastes like cardboard soaked in milk. Real porridge should slither down the throat! Thanks Bruce for your common sense approach to what makes us Scottish. I think its just the pride in your heritage and the country itself. Keep making us laugh and teaching us the history of Scotland which isn't taught in English schools.
Born in Hamilton, Scots father, Norwegian mother, live in England, hopefully will manage the visa application process… but definitely not the’Still Game’…kerplunk!
It was great to meet you and your son last night in Vancouver. Perhaps attending a comedy event only 3 weeks post op probably wasn't the wisest thing. Had to hold my gut a few times, but it was worth it. Definitely a measure of your comedic success!
What makes a person Scottish? Well, all of those things, and something I discovered doing family research. Oddly for me, rage. I have a resistance to some aspects of Scottish history, and can only look at it in small doses. My unexpectedly intense reaction to the clearances, for instance. Maybe one element of Scottishness is the sense of fair play and disdain for the ruling class.
But generally the answer to the question is summed up in a single word I might have invented: "Scottitude."
My family left Scotland from Campbeltown Scotland in the early 1800s (no time to look up the date, at the moment) most of them ended up in Northern Ontario, around Arnprior. About 100 years ago many of them moved out to all parts BC, Canada.
When my wife, and I went to Scotland 18 years ago, I bought a kilt with the royal Stewart tartan. I've worn it to the local highland games (2011,2012 light weight champion, in the heavy events) and last weekend I wore it to my niece's wedding.
When it comes to sporting events I do cheer for Canada, but if Scotland is involved, I'm backing them to.
Am I Scottish? I feel it
I am proud of my Scottish heritage. My Scottish great grandparents emigrated from New Zealand to US. From Scotland to New Zealand and Scotland to Ireland through Jamaica to New Zealand. One relation was one of the first Mayors of Melbourne, Australia. Another was a famous judge who advocated for the Māori in NZ. What fascinating lives full of courage and curiosity. Crossing the oceans in wooden sailing ships and risking everything to start a new life. This is something to be proud of.
An' nou ye hae a Dutch surname, Janet Winkelman!!!
I was born and lived in Scotland until I was 19. England travelled a bit then moved to Australia while I have been for 30 years.. love Australia grateful to be here but still feel Scottish. If Australia and Scotland were in World Cup final which is very unlikely as we all know I would want Scotland to win but if Australia did, I wouldn't be too disappointed especially as half their team is Scottish thank you and good night.
Several great grandparents came from Scotland, learned to play pipes at a young age, have been to many a highland game and cèilidh, eaten haggis and had consumed glasses of whisky galore. I grew up and joined a highland regiment, all while being a Canadian, born and living in Canada.
I have a great affinity for Scotland, its history and traditions, but I am not a Scot. Maybe if I move there and eventually apply for citizenship, but until then I’m just happy enjoying the culture from other side of the Atlantic. (And I’m well aware that Scottish citizens don’t wear kilts, eat haggis or listen to bagpipes on a daily basis and haven’t done so for centuries.)
20 years ago, I was in a large room above a bar in Halifax. There was a stage on one side and a long table on the other.
On one side there was 20 or 25 people who were wearing kilts and the whole Scottish formal dress, their wives decked out as well with long dresses, all tartans.
On the other side of the room where the stage was, there were 20-25 Gaelic speakers, dressed in casual clothes you would see at any shopping center. The stage had a performer singing Gaelic songs dressed like the rest of the Gaelic speakers.
The first group didnt speak Gaelic. The second didn't wear kilts,.... or sit at the long table. The first group drank scotch, the second local beer.
The singer traveled between the two groups but there wasn't much interaction. There was a festive but awkward mood to the situation but no animosity at all. There was just nothing in common.
A few of us met every week for a few years on Wed afternoon to speak Gaelic with each other. Only a couple had ever been to Scotland.( I never have). None of my forefathers have been there since Finley (The piper) MacDonald left in 1804. My grandfather wore a kilt in WW1 with the 85 (Highlanders) of NovaScotia but never made it to Scotland. The paternal line of my family all had names like Alex,Duncan, Graham,Finley...... My grandmother was a Beaton who spoke Gaelic from CapeBreton.
Am I Scottish?
If someone says that Im not, I reply in Gaelic that I have never been there,.... so OK. I might also keep going until they say, " I dont speak Gaelic".
If someone says that I AM Scottish, I say well, " I have never been there, I have never worn a kilt, I dont drink scotch......so, I dont feel Scottish".
I guess my status depends on whos in front of me.
Visited Scotland in 2006 from SW USA. Never felt more at home. Never forget is my clan motto.
I’m an American with 20% DNA Scots (we won’t mention how much is from South of the border). I’ve always loved all things Scotland and I never knew why. Doesn’t it make you wonder if it just is in your very bones and you just cannot help it? Gives you hope for future generations to protect the homeland.
Born in England during a brief period when my mother moved to England due to my fathers work before moving back to the far north. Birth certificate says England but raise in Scotland from near birth. I’m Scottish, a teuchter no less. My local heritage in the far north, How I grew up, the culture is inherent to my identity. In truth I feel more tied to the far north than I do Scotland as a nation, much like many islanders.
I was born in Endland and lived in England until 2020 then moved to Scotland. Before moving to Scotland I drank Whiskey and also do my family tree and found out that one of my ancestes is Scottish from the Mcdowall. Since moving to Scotland I still drink Whiskey and started wearing kilts. I wouldn't call myself Scottish but will say I have Scottish hertiage going back to 1844
Whisky from Scotland doesn't have the letter e in it.
@waynekerrgoodstyle I struggle with spelling so sometimes I'll add letter's or remove letter's but yes I drink whisky single malt
@@woody230uk Good on you, unfortunately I had a heart attack last year and the medication I'm on doesn't allow me to drink, So hae a dram fer me 🙂
@@waynekerrgoodstyle I'll pour a glass for you
@@woody230uk Glad I could give you an excuse to have another drink ;-)
I feel like Scotland is my home. Even though I’m Canadian.
Just got my British passport! I was born in US, But my dad is a paisley man. I root for Scotland in Futbol
The terms of British Nationality Act 1981 would define you as Scottish, then. :)
Nicely done Bruce, which national sporting side you support is probably the safest bet. Deep fried battered mars bars are the national dish of hell.
Tripe is my food Hell!!!!!
G'mornin Bruce, another great video, I can only say that I think what makes a Scot is, someone, no matter how many generations away from Scotland (2 for me) when you hear the pipes you can feel em calling you home! 😢 Down in your soul you feel a certain pride in your heritage that doesn't seem to be there in other nationalities who are in another land. As an American who lived in Jersey for more than ½ my life I grew up with many other ethnic ppl & the only other ones who seemed to always be so proud of their original heritage were Italians. Most others didn't seem to care much & when I moved down south to TN, nobody seemed to even know their roots, they were just Southern... I always thought it was funny...
Perhaps if you aren't my nephews who grew up listening to school pipe bands rehearsing. They have Scottish heritage but can't stand bagpipes now.
I am Canadian, Nova Scotian to be precise. I have some Scottish, but I am predominantly Germanic( my father side), Irish and some Mediterranean as well. I do not consider myself Scottish, but of particular, Scottish and a Heinz 57 mutt. I am proud of my backgrounds.
I think you are of where you were born live. I am a proud Nova Scotian, even if the province is a bit garbage right now.
Be who you are, that’s the real important.
Great video Bruce!
Born in Arbroath family emigrated to New Zealand in 1961was 8yrs old? Aye I'm 70 still get called thistle am I a Scot!!? Loved your take on Scottishnis ha lang mae yer lum reek 👌👌👌🤣😏
Ahh Cape Bretoner here with a middle name Iona ❤ maternal grandparents Nicholsons from Scotland and Appletons from England.. Paternal grandparents Burkes from Ireland and Macdonald either Scotland or Ireland. Love your channel ❤️
My wife and I really enjoyed your show.
Educational and entertaining.
I will spread the word in Victoria about you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us and take pic.
3:39
Brilliant
I consider myself Scottish. I was born in Dunedin New Zealand so I'm also a Kiwi.
I grew up going to Scottish Society gatherings with my family. My Grandfather wanted a piper in the family. I learned to play the pipes.
My Mother's family line are from Wick and of Clan Gunn, my father's family are from Westray. My DNA is strongly Norse and United Kingdom. I do wear a kilt. I have returned to Orkney and been recognised by my Family there which was a wonderful happening I hadn't expected.
Always a great video. Greetings from The Ohio River Valley.
7:58 I don't know to identify someone who is scottish, but I can tell your age and the continent you come from if you remember the song Pop Muzik
To my knowledge I don't have a drop of Scottish blood in me. I've never visited Scotland nor have I been to any establishment that considers itself Scottish. Yet, for as long as I can remember, I'm 67 years old, I have had this intense Anguish inside of me whenever I encounter something pertaining to Scotland or Scottish people; be it a movie, an actor/actress, Scotsmen in a parade, a police funeral, bagpipes, or any other memorial type service, etc. It wasn't until this year that I connected all the coincidences of extreme emotions that I experience in these situations. I have no explanation as to why all of a sudden while watching a movie and a Scottish actor appears I break out with red welts on my neck and chest and feel a deep sense of longing, desire, emptiness, and loss. Sometimes it brings me to unexpected tears. I have discussed this with my therapist of 17 years who knows me very well and neither of us can understand why I have such extreme emotion and why I find myself unexplainably drawn to people whom I later find out are of Scottish descent. Does this make me Scottish? I don't think so but it has always been my hearts desire to go to Scotland and I have no understanding as to why. I know all of this sounds foolish and maybe a woman's hysteria, but there's no logical explanation for this consistent occurrence from the time I was a child. I keep asking the Lord to reveal it to me , but since I know that He has a sense of humor, I may not find out until I meet The Lord in person. 😊
Have you ever been in Love?. You have all the symptoms of a grieving widow. Visit Scotland and slay your dragon.
The book clanlands suggests that it is the Gaelic description "Duthchas" of belonging to the land that makes you feel like you are a person from that place and as a half Scots Northumbrian living in Lancashire I can agree with that, it's where your heart longs for and where you feel the deepest connection to lands and peoples that is what makes you Scottish
I'm an American of Scottish descent. My father moved out of North Carolina in the 1930's. Our family had been there since the time of the Covenanters. Virtue and Work!
This one of your best presentations, Bruce
England born, Glaswegian mum English dad, lived with my Scots family all my life, it's in my blood.
If you live in Scotland and love Scotland, you are Scottish. Don't really care what anyone else says, we are all from somewhere but only one place you truely want to be from, so I don't blame anyone 😉
BTW, I am totally in live with you and your humor. You are the bright spot in my day
Yay😘
I am a wee bit Scottish. My maternal grandfather's family are Adams and are from Scotland; and my paternal grandmother are McRae's and of course we of Scottish descent. The other side in both families were Orange Irish....which in theory could be argued are Scottish in a sense as well since they migrated over to Ulster and Ireland. That all said, I am first off Canadian. Three or four generations after coming over I am Irish or Scottish likely in equal measure genetically. In reality. You are in how you are raised. I was raised as a Canadian. I played hockey and drank coca cola as a kid, not football and IrnBru.. Just the same, I take great pride on my Scot and Irish background.
You are what you think are you to a degree....
Love the idea of making Scottish visa applications like KerPlunk live on telly.
And the national anthem should be Shang-a-lang 🎶
But you gave me Scotland freely with full heart and you start with let me tell ya a story!! I couldn't ask more of ya!!
I'm Scottish, I was born in Glasgow, have ancestry going WAY back. My family moved to England when I was 9, and have lived here ever since (I'm 73) I speak with an English accent but, Scotland is still my home!
My dad's grandfather immigrated from the Balmoral Castle area near Aberdeen, to Quebec. My grandfather immigrated from Quebec to southwestern Virginia.
George Orwell opined “a patriot loves his country a nationalist hates other countries “ Scottishness is a state of mind -we are aw jock tamsons bairns cut us we bleed red -😊
Iam not Scottish, I just really enjoy your knowledge and humor. Of course Iam very drawn to many Scottish things but the history and connecting those dots has been a fascinating learning journey for me. Your content got me here, your delivery and authenticity keep me here.
Lots of people from around the world, of Scottish descent, call themselves Scottish. Both sides of my family are from Ireland and depending on which branch of the tree you take, I'm either 2nd or 3rd generation Scottish. But I think and call myself Scottish. And the only way I can answer what makes me Scottish is that I'm comfortable being Scottish. It feels right. I don't think there is a formula.
As always, a great video. Thanks.
Bruce,
I've been watching your channel for a couple of years now. It's one of the very few channels I frequently go to. Thank you very much, because I've learned a lot; but if you'd like to know what makes me Scottish, it's because I say so. I could give you a lot of reasons, I could say heritage, culture, bloodline etc., but when it comes right down to it, I know what I am and don't care what anyone thinks. I'm going to wear my kilt on the right occasions, I'm a proud Scottish American and I don't spend a lot of time trying to prove it. I'm proud to be Scottish and no one can take it from me unless I let those with issues influence me. I will never let that happen. Now it's time for a dram from one Scot to another, Slainte Mhath!
I used to say "I'm Scottish; I'm just not a Scot" Now I say "I'm American built on a Scottish Foundation!" When filling out forms i put down Scottish-American.
Were you born in Scotland?
So, you're LARPing and appropriating other people's culture. Got it.
You are Scottish and I'm an American ... no matter where you're at,,, there you are ... it's all in the thinking