I don’t think ignorance by itself is offensive. Self-aware ignorance, like an American on holiday in Scotland asking open-ended questions about local culture in an honest attempt to learn, is usually met with warmth and courtesy. Without that self-awareness however, people of every tribe, tongue and nation are prone to substitute the knowledge they lack with assumptions that they don’t even know they’ve made. That’s how you end up with Americans asking invalid questions in pathetic and unintentionally humorous attempts to show-off their “knowledge”. That’s as far as I’ll go with this analysis, as I’m talking about people who aren’t here. Those who would rather laugh at ignorance than correct it don’t make videos like this. Those who are not aware of their ignorance don’t look for videos that might help them diminish that ignorance. On behalf of all the Americans whose ignorance has been diminished, thanks. Great video. Great channel.
Yea the leftist treasonous lowlanders helped the British kill and run off their own countrymen because they were bigoted towards the rural/small town Highlanders. Then the British have the lowlanders their just fate by destroying their culture and refusing to teach them their own history...
Matt Miller: Matt Miller: I was thinking the same thing. Well, I would have used gentler language, but the sentiment is the same. Hey Shaun, maybe you and/or Moscow can start a series about Scottish history.
George MacDonald wrote a novel in 1886 set back at the Highland Clearances about a clan leader and his love for the land of his ancestors. The public domain book is called What's Mine's Mine and the modern edited version is called The Highlanders Last Song
George MacDonald wrote a novel in 1886 set back at the Highland Clearances about a clan leader and his love for the land of his ancestors. The public domain book is called What's Mine's Mine and the modern edited version is called The Highlanders Last Song...
I'm very proud of my Scottish heritage. My Scottish ancestor fought against the British in the American Revolution. I am also proud that his descendant fought 4 campaigns in the Civil War as an officer. All of the descending men were also war heroes in WWII and to include my father who was wounded twice in Vietnam. We are proud of our heritage, country, and flag here in the US. Planning to visit Scotland next year. I have traced records from Scotland to 1640. More than all of that, I'm looking forward to visiting the beautiful parks and highlands.
Thank your father for his service. Vietnam veterans were not treated well when they returned. Please let your dad know I'm very thankful for all hes done for our country. You have a very long heritage here, enjoy it!
Very interesting content. I was a little sad to hear that many Scottish people don't know their history, but I think that's becoming very much a global thing. I've always had a bit of an old soul and felt we need to know where and who we come from. Celebrate your culture, whatever it is! I would love to have more of this kind of open dialogue.
My ancestors were from the Borders and sent to the Plantation in Ireland. From there they emigrated to America, arriving in Charleston, South Carolina in 1767. My g-g-g-grandfather (Robert Nesbitt) and his brother fought in the Revolutionary War. We are very proud of our Scottish heritage and celebrate the tough and resilient people they were . DNA test revealed that my siblings and I have 90% British Isles DNA - more than the people living there today! Why? Because they settled in small rural enclaves and stayed, marrying other British Isles immigrants and staying put. My relatives still live within 5 miles of where the brothers settled after the Revolution. This tendency gives rise to the meaning of “clannish”.
Few US schools teach any history. Lots of videos of college students who don't know anything about the American Revolution or the War of 1812, not even who fought or why. Some learn and celebrate but most are apathetic.
As a Canadian who grew up wearing a kilt most weekends for dance competitions I find this absolutely fascinating! I never realised, but it makes so much sense. It’s very similar to how the Canadian French culture has evolved compared to France itself. The Quebecois etc are much more traditional, or so says my husband who is from France.
French language researchers look to isolated villages northern New Brunswick to study French from the 1600’s. Just like isolated Appalachian people speak something more similar to Elizabethan English
Great video as always. I have a huge interest in Scottish culture and history. I'm 9th generation American.. my Scottish ancestors came to America in the 1730s just before the second jacobite uprising. I think those people who came here carried a certain passion with them regarding independence and tradition. Combine that with strong feelings about gaining independence and those sentiments grew, while "back home" in Scotland those traditions were being silenced. It doesn't surprise me that those traditions are more widely celebrated in America. I've always felt that a very large part of the American fervor for freedom and independence came from our strong Scottish roots. It's no coincidence America gained independence so soon after the Scottish were fleeing or being sent off as prisoners to the colonies. Congratulations Scotland, your baby is all grown up now. ;) Scotland has always felt like a close family member to America in my heart.
Hi. I’m an American currently living in Dublin studying for my masters degree in film at Trinity; this was a fascinating topic. I learned quite a lot. American culture in my perspective continues to embrace the Scottish “past-history “ as its present because for Americans we were founded on the basic principles that individual freedom-rights, and subsequent independence of that individuals country should be honored. Thus, we tend to not forget the events that shaped other people’s journeys. Thank you for your channel. I subscribed and hope to visit this summer. Lauren
When you talked about the highlanders all leaving and taking their culture with them, I found it really sad. They were a very strong, tough group of people.
Ancient wisdom tells us that a people who forgets its heritage and fails to learn from its past mistakes is doomed to repeat its history until it does. Study your Scottish history and use it as a tool to move forward. Most 'American' Scots were poor farmers who were trying to make ends meet and live their lives peacefully until the Aristocrats decided they needed more land to raise sheep. Thus the Highland Clearances began and the Clans left Scotland for freedom elsewhere...essentially America and Canada. America has forgotten its heritage or has deliberately ignored it and now we are paying the price for it.
Only thing that's gonna be left of Scottish and other European cultures and traditions are gonna be found in Midwest and Southern cities and towns. Here we celebrate our Czech and Scottish roots every year with festivals and Highland games.
@@maggiesatterfield2402 History/heritage ≠ cultural identity. You are the culture and mindset you practise, not a story you tell yourself. Your ancestors are the ones practising a previous version of your culture.
A lot of Southern US is of Scottish descent. I'm part Scottish too. Much of our culture and music comes from Scottish and Irish people that settled here. I don't go crazy about it, but I recognize it as part of my heritage. As an added note, I do think you should be proud of your history and don't be ashamed of it.
That's my thought too. I'm mostly English with some Scots-Irish, but basically I think of my background as "Southern". There is a distinct culture (dialect, music, food, religious outlook, etc...) in the South.
Yea I’ve got half of my family that is from the deep south but all the names are Scottish or Irish and basically what I’ve learned is that for 200 years we started fights from roughly Drogheda in 1650 to the Civil War in 1860 and we got WHOOPED every time. So it’s kinda like a mark of shame but defiant pride. And I can see how modern Scottish who stayed there probably got over all the beatings and reconciled with the English. But for us Southerners beating the British in the revolution and at New Orleans in 1814 that’s the ONLY times we ever win so it’s important to us
This is great. I’m married to a Scotsman, so I tend to cringe too here in America with some of the things folks say to my husband. The way I explained it to him is, time stopped in 1745. A lot of Scots came to America, then, and their stories are the ones we descendants know, which may explain perception. Good video!
cfytcf Okay! The number 1 cringeworthy comment people make to my husband is, “Ooooh, you’re from Scotland! My family came over here from Ireland!” He usually looks at me with the words “That’s a different country,” tattooed across his expression. Or, “Can I see your kilt?” No, he doesn’t have one.
Cynthia Kleppang Cynthia Kleppang That might be because both countries were colonized by the English, so they figure there’s a shared experience there.
Well what he said about that is pretty common in the United Kingdom at large. For instance, in Northern Ireland, Irish history is not taught while the history of England is.
Except American history doesn't teach everything either. They still don't teach the history and genocide of the Indigenous people of this land. They still teach that Columbus discovered this continent for heavens sake.
C Wilhite to Europe Columbus did discover America not to the people that were here. American history is clear about the trail of tears, just not the brightest hour in history.
C Wilhite - Maybe where you went to school they didn't teach you that history but i learned about the more well know Native American tribes throughout the country and the three main tribes in my state.
I visited Scotland 5 years ago, and I am still homesick for it. I am half Scottish. I come from the MacMillan clan. I am exquisitely proud of my Scottish heritage!! I live on the coast of North Carolina in the USA. My time in Scotland was almost surreal. I hope I can return. I placed my Mother's red hair and my Father's ashes on the grave of Agnes Guy on the shores of Loch Lomond. My Mother's name was Agnes and my Father's name was Guy. My Mother's family came from Kilmarnock. My Father's bfamily were English (Willis) and Welsh (Davis).
Gail Cannon, My maiden name is Bell, and my younger Brother, James Bell, wants to believe that we are a Sept of Clan McMillan, but I had to correct him that we were Bells of the Borders. But just for fun, at my High School graduation I sat behind Bruce MacMillan, who had bright red hair and a large young man, it was God awfully hot and humid that night and Bruce pretty much soaked his cap and gown with sweat. I had some tissues with me and tapped him on the back to give him some. LOL! Brother and myself are both members of Clan Bell N.A.
This was awesome Shaun. I think a big part of the American misconception of Scotland comes from the fact that NOTHING about modern Scotland is ever taught in American schools. All we ever hear about now is the British Royal Family. All I ever learned about in school was the much romanticized era of Robert The Bruce, the Clans, Castles and Medieval period Kings, which I later learned thru DNA testing and genealogy, are my ancestors. The stories passed down by those who braved the journey to the New World are the only stories we have about the homeland and they stopped being relevant with the departure of the first one who left. By the time traveling back to Scotland became fast or affordable, the gap between what Scotland was and what it is now had widened significantly. Much like having a favorite character in an old movie and then being shocked that the actor who played that character has greatly aged or died. Things change everywhere but once you leave a place it changes without you. The Scottish people in America now are only distant descendants of those who left long ago. I guess we just want to see and keep hold of what we were taught to treasure, which is the history.
My family came to North America from Scotland in the early 20th century. My grandparents considered themselves to be Americans of Scottish descent (they were the first generation of our family born here), and they taught us cool things about Scotland and shared really interesting family stories they had learned from their parents. Having said that, much like you explained, they were not really into clan history all that much. I am definitely more interested in that than they ever were, and I attend several Highland Festivals each year. It's funny to think my interest in clan history came not from my Scottish family, but from my American friends. This was a really fascinating video . . . I appreciate and enjoy your perspective.
April 6th is Tartan day because it commemorates the Treaty of Arbroath. And let us not forget that the Battle of Culloden Moor was fought on April 16th. I think those two important dates are what determined April being Scottish Heritage Month in the United States, plus you yourself have stated there's more people of Scottish descent here in the states than what there is in all of Scotland. The Treaty of Arbroath was the precursor in many ways to the American Declaration of Independence. I think Thomas Jefferson may have gotten some of his ideas from that particular document. That might be why so many Americans ask you Scots about Scottish independence. I don't know if you could say that all Americans of Scottish descent are conservatives, I think a large portion are. I would say that we are all GDIs 'Gol Darned Independents. I know that my mother personally taught me not to vote on a straight party ticket whether it was Republican or Democrat. She also taught me the motto, " When in doubt, vote them out !" And this is a strategy that I use to this day if I am unsure of a person or what their platform is . That also applies to those who have promised results and not produced. If they have not accomplished their campaign promises and 8 or 12 years then I will vote them out of office in order to keep another individual from becoming a career politician in Washington. And rejecting shortbread is shite. That's just absolutely wrong!
Confirmed, there are plenty of Americans of Scots descent who are not conservatives politically or socially. Hi. It's totally probable that Americans of Scots heritage who are very focused on their Scottish history are conservatives. And just as likely that those are the ones gravitating to Scots vloggers on TH-cam.
Mary Ellen Cook correct. Thomas Jefferson has a scottish tutor and was very influential in his teaching of thomas Jefferson. Those who were immigrants from Scotland suported the constitution and those who were first generation American citizens from parents who came from Scotland also supported the constitution. And the declaration of Arbaroth was very key in our constitution. The scots have contributed much to our country and we still use words today that they brought with them. As well as their cuisine.
@@kimholcomb6943 so am I ! I knew of the Scottish descent from my paternal grandmother's side of the family with the Johnson Clan. It wasn't until one of my cousins started to do genealogical research for that side of the family that we found out that our paternal grandfather's side actually came from Edinborough and not from the lowlands and Border area of England ! All this time we thought that the Plumb side of the family had been English and it turned out to be Scottish after all. Combined with my mother's side of the family which is about 25% Scottish, the rest being English French and German, I am probably somewhere between 60 to 75% of Scottish ancestry just going from genealogies done by other family members. I think it would be fairly safe to say that most of America has been settled by people of Scottish origin . No wonder we outnumber the population of Scotland if that is true!
I learned Scottish history in school, I remember a test I took that I had to know about the Jacobite rebellion, it's strange to me that it's not taught for the most part in Scotland. And my grandfather taught me about the clan we descended from, he even gave gave me a book on nothing but Armstrong history and it was quite the page turner. As an American my heritage is a little of this and a little of that but I am proud of all of it, our pasts inspire us now in the present and it kinda keeps our ancestors alive, I think that is... beautiful I guess.
It is taught if you take Scottish history. But things like ww1 and ww2 are much more important to learn than stuff that didn’t affect the whole world. Also your surname means literally nothing in terms of clan membership. Clans were localised groups who shared names for protection they were not actually blood relatives. There are millions of people with the name Campbell but that doesn’t mean they are all related to the clan. The name Armstrong existed before and after the clan Armstrong existed. Etymologically Armstrong was just a Middle English nickname for someone with strong arms. Your a million times more likely to simply be related to someone with the general surname than be related to clan Armstrong. Also the history of Armstrong you read was one of many of Walter Scott’s Victorian era embellishments meant to garner interest in the Victorian public for Scotland. The actual history of the most popular clan Armstrong is incredibly benign and only really lasts from around 1200 to 1600 ad. Alongside that there were multiple clan Armstrong’s across Northumbria and Scotland so to say you were even related to the most famous one is credulous. On top of the fact that there is no record of clan chiefs for the main Armstrong clan past 1700 so there is litterally no way to know you are related to them. Even if you were it would be a relation to someone simply under the leadership of Armstrong who would have a different surname. Only the clan chiefs and their relatives would be Armstrong by blood. American ignorance on this is aggravating to no end considering how many people in these comments actually believe they are Scottish because they have a surname ahha.
@@acksawblackSounds like you are well read on the subject of Scottish clans. Thanks for enlightening us all, but your arrogance and offensive comments probably wont make any difference to the person who takes comfort in her Scottish heritage and those who came before her.
It is shocking that Scottish people aren't taught their own history, you are right, at least basic elements of how the country formed and evolved over time. After all, we're one of the oldest countries in the world. We're taught vague elements of WW1 or 2 with perfunctory big moments that happened therein during school history class, I remember them well. It's a disgrace and it's something that should be changed for future generations to know their own country's history just like every other developed country in the world. But, it is largely deliberate, if all scots were told their history it would go against the political establishment's doctrine of Britishness and Union.
That's a pretty broad topic for a dissertation. There's so much that you'll probably have to focus it down to a particular area. Do you have any ideas? The two biggest areas of Scottish influence that I've found are government and education. Are you going to look exclusively at direct Scottish influence or are you going to also include the influence of the Scots-Irish?
I'm an American who was married to a Scotsman for over 20 years...we lived in Orkney for 16...now back in states, I miss Scotland deeply....so now I watch your channel and it brings me back home...thanks
Only just now seeing this yr-old video for the 1st time. Fantastic presentation of Scottish and American historical perspective. Very informative, too.
Shaun - What you say about the Scottish Highlander heritage of North American people who are Scottish descendants is oh so true! Half of my heritage is that of Scottish Highlanders (Campbells), and my grandparents held firmly to their Highland traditions. Also, in the mountain states in the USA (e.g. - Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, western Carolinas, etc.) the music that became known as “country” music was from the Scottish immigrants who settled there. “Bluegrass” music evolved from Scottish and Irish reels and the instrumentation and form of the music held very closely to the music of the Highlands as well as parts of Ireland.
we in america embrace our different cultures as we are all so diverse We carry on traditions and celebrate who we are both our ancestry and our american heritages !
I think your perception of the situation is pretty accurate. The non conformist left and held to their traditions while Scotland and England became "Europe". Although we are all American in the U.S. we hold traditions dear to our heart.
Shara Goins although it might be because my family more recently migrated over only a few generations ago, I don’t consider myself American. I do in fact consider myself european, mainly Scottish Irish, simply because I have the view that the America’s, mainly Canada and US, are european colonies and therefore have its culture
@@drengr7210 that could be. I know plenty of families that identify with their family origins firstly and America second. A lot of them are only first or second generation here, but as the generations go on the traditions are never lost but American law and tradition becomes more embraced and celebrated. You never loose your identity. That's the beauty of the U.S.
@@drengr7210 It's all about how you're raised. As someone who in an anthropology major and who has reviewed abstracts from sociological studies from ethnicities in the United States, it depends on how mixed a family might be and from where they came from, for example, German-Americans who are either from rural areas or who may not have intermarried with other groups, may not have passed down many traditions in part to the fact that during WW1, all things German were deemed unpatriotic to the extent where many scenes which included KKK anti-German-American activity was seen. But we were forced to lose many of those traditions that today, would now be vestiges of the times from when our families came over. That is, popular then in the original country at the time, but not so much anymore. Even with the way you do things and make decisions can sometimes be an inflection of the ethnicity to which you belong to. (ie. 2 Midwest German-American examples: Going through a side-door or the backdoor instead of the front door. Unspoken yet shared Purpose: To keep the front door clean looking Being a little more closed to strangers when you first meet someone. Unspoken yet shared Purpose: to avoid making yourself a target for judgment. Hanging a pickle on the Christmas Tree Unspoken yet shared Purpose: to retract that bit of lost obvious Germanness even though it was a potentially manufactured tradition marketed to German Americans after WW2 Still speaking the German language or Dialect brought by the family even if over 100 years ago: Unspoken yet shared Purpose: That's just what was/is done Passing on recipes: Unspoken yet shared Purpose: some things shouldn't be forgotten Once again, it all depends on where someone grows up and in which ethnic group their family is a part of. It's all related to ethnic hegemony too. Some regions culture's of the United States can be more influenced by a group than another due to a number of reasons. It's a much greater puzzle than what meets the eye
As an American living in U.K. (5 years in London and 5 in Scotland), I really enjoyed this video. I’m of Scottish descent but I had no real expectation when I came here. This difference between people who have heritage from here and those who live here, is common in all cultures I think. I lived in The Baltic region of Eastern Europe for many years. After the Soviet Union collapsed and people began returning (mostly 2nd and third generation of those who’d fled) the joke of locals was “They’re more Latvian/Estonian than we are!” Those who’d left in the 20's and forward, had kept the old values, language and belief systems alive, while the local cultures had morphed and grown into something new. It was a rude awakening for one and all. I absolutely love Scotland for what it is, today. This is a great video.
Michael Anderson... You’d be surprised how specialized historians can be. My specialties are American Diplomatic and Military History. It’s not uncommon for a college professor who teaches European history to specialize in a specific country like Scotland or France.
I’m decended from Clan Cameron, a Jacobite highlander clan. I’m conservative, but I’m from California. The highland games in Pleasanton, CA is massive. It’s well worth checking out if you get the chance.
Ruthanne D'Antuono I remember hearing the Wicked Tinkers play live at the Scottish Games in Campbell. I know what you mean about the sun burns, it’s always warm and sunny at the Pleasanton games. A couple of times when the forecast predicted it getting over 100 degrees we decided it was just too hot to go.
OMG... damn I live in San Leandro I didnt know there were games just over the hill SWEET!!! thank you... I will see you there next year. Do you have a kilt? Do you wear a kilt? Does everyone wear their family Tartans? lol sorry got a little excited there for a sec. haha
Thank you for sharing the reality of Scotland vs the expectations. I honestly would love to visit Scotland but I'm actually more interested in the nature part of Scotland. I would love to visit the castles but am actually more excited to see the moors and the Isle of Skye. Looking forward to your next video.
You can never go home again. I realized how different Scotland was now opposed to how my family thought of it by just reading and watching the news. I was in England and purposely didn't go up into Scotland because I chose to keep the ideal in my mind. Your explanation of how the Highlander culture was brought over with us is spot on. That's what we remember and are culturally nostalgic for. It's the same with the American Irish, Scandinavians and others. The "Motherland" we left is long gone, but we still "remember".
@@Hrossey yeah that's disgusting. It's happening in America too though, but it's worse here with Indians (from India..not native americans) and of course, descendants of African slaves that reproduce like rabbits
Lol me too Tanya..I love the (burr).. but I did notice in another video his sister didn’t have it as much..it was the American candy video.. but Shaun, yep..put a kilt and plaid on him and call him Jamie...lol 😊
Scottish Girl ohhh I’m pretty sure granny could deliver a finely tuned verbal tirade beat down..lol my husbands paternal grandma had the Irish temper going strong..lots of Irish “R’s” flying..so yeah scots and Irish are pretty good at making you understand clearly, you have screwed up lol!
I think you hit the nail on the head (in a simplified manner) of yes, the highland (Jacobite) way was ultimately “squashed “ where the ones whom had those ways did come here one way or another. So much so that your history is widely not taught in school and yet we, that have that heritage here, still hold onto that thought of what our homeland is and/or should be.
My family, Great Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandparents, Came to Canada in 1861 from Isle of Mull. I am so proud to know I am of a Clan with a great history. I grew up with a very boisterous Grandad. We learned to dance we ate Scottish foods and I absolutely LOVE going to Scotland about every 2 to 5 years. Our Clan has a Family Gathering and it draws MacLeans from every part of the world. Nearly a 1000 of us descend on the Castle Duart. We are.so happy to be part of this channel
According to a Scotsman told me at a Scottish fair, the pipes are a joke that the Irish played on the Scots 500 years ago and the Scots still haven't gotten it.
We've been to Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and a number of small Scottish towns. Everywhere we went, we were treated with kindness and patience. Scotland is a part of my family's heritage and that of my husband, as well. I think that finding out the high unemployment in Glasgow was the biggest shock to us. The people of Glasgow have a wonderful sense of humor and warmth. Scotland deserves much better than it's received, IMHO. My sons were young when we went, and devoted students of history. The greatest revelation for them was seeing how the Scots viewed the Battle of Culloden and how the battle was described at the Tower of London. I think that was the first time they fully appreciated that one historical event could be seen so differently. Keeping such struggles in perspective is complex and ongoing. I hope that American tourism will help in the preservation and dissemination of Scottish culture and history. It certainly has helped for Ireland. Your city of Edinburgh was where I fell in love with your country. The military tattoo, High Street, Luckenbooths, black pudding, haggis and neeps, and so many more magical memories keep Scotland close to my heart.
The honoring of, the the remberence, the passing down of knowledge of the older traditions; how the highland scots lived and the tartans that should still be important. It does not impede progress to know our past, it only teaches lessons on which to better frame our future.
@Sentient Zealot XIII Not specifically but if you google what u are looking for it should bring up many things. You could also go to the library where the reference area could help you find information. I checked out a DVD on Scotland from a library ( can't remember the name of it). Also, there are books on it, as well. Scotland to me is such a magical place. I loved visiting so much! Good luck in finding what you want! :-)
Shawn, it's been over a year and a half since we visited Scotland and we still talk about how the locals treated us like family. That was from Edinburgh thru to Pitlockery and on to Glenlivet. We are counting the days until we get a chance to go back.
Yes. My family did a stopover in Ulster for a generation, and then on to Tennessee. That branch of the family is both Presbyterian and very, very conservative. However, my grandfather married my grandmother, of Prussian Catholic and Irish (Catholic?) descent. Both lines were career military. I am not conservative, nor religious, but extremely independent.
Agree. Religion plays a huge role in why many areas of Scottish or Scot-Irish ancestry in the US would be label conservative vs. modern Scotland. I had a conversation about this with my airBNB host when visiting Scotland a couple of years ago. Today religion plays a much smaller role in Scottish culture, so therefore political affiliations are built upon other values. To me, this makes it hard to compare in today's context.
From "Sergeant York" (1941) Mother York: "That there's bottom land soil, ain't it? Queer how the folks on the bottom looks down on the folks on the top. It was always that way. No changin' it!"
My name is Glenn Duncan and I lived in Edinburg, Texas and my Father was Scott/Irish my mother was Cherokee/ French so there are a lot of Scott Americans
I wasn't aware that Highland culture had been essentially wiped out in Scotland (or exported). I find it kind of sad. Also, I would have assumed that most Scottish people all knew all about their clans and tartans.
Jane Boo don’t worry, I live in the highlands and our culture is still very much alive and thriving! We know our clans because they are in our surnames, and tartan is still used during special occasions (Highland games, ceilidhs, Mòds, weddings etc) 🏴😊x
The closeness and culture were list affter the '45 uprising. Following the defeat Culloden in the following year, the Britishg government imposed xeiminly harsh conditions on the Highland. Not onlyj was traditional Highland dress outlawed, so,too, was the Gaelib languages
...Oops! So, too was the Gaelic language.This was the same tactic used later by Napoleon Bonaparte in his suppression of local regions, their patois' and cultures into the creation of modern France. A failure to learn the French language denied you and your family access to to education and other rights enjoyed by those who compmlied. Highland lanords and chieftains were bought and corrupted or bankrupted by the government into abdicatibg their traditionalists loyalties and their people. With their traditional communities destroyed, many chose or were pushed into leaving their homeland to seek a new life in the 'colonies' - particularly in North America.
Alot of us actually do. Shaun is wrong about this. I'm the gray clan, the tartan is pretty cool. So is fact my ancestor sir Andrew Gray who scaled Edinburgh castle and slayed English soldiers who had taken it in 1312.
@@nancybennett4972 ALSO SCOTS TROOPS ENFORCED MANY OF THE GOVERNMENT POLICIES. THE ROYAL SCOTS AN EDINBURGH REGIMENT (one of the oldest until recently in The British Army) THE NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS( Ayrshire and No lovers of Jacobites. Scottish or English) and the Campbell Millitia. Argylles Regiment became the Famously Known The Argylle and Sutherland Highlanders. All these Regiments were at Culloden,NOT Fighting for Prince Charlie.Other Scots regiments fighting on behalf of the government were Colonel Gardiners Drragoons and The Glasgow Millitia. Thats a lot of Scotsmen(about 5000 NOT fighting for The Jacobites. It should also be said that there were ENGLISH JACOBITES fighting for Charlie also.
I truly appreciate this video and the discussion….brought some new info to me in anticipation of visiting Scotland in the near future. My Grandfather came to America in 1907 after serving in the Gordon Highlanders in South Africa. He was from the Stonehaven area.
@@shaunvlog And I had my DNA tested and found out last month. Scottish, Irish. English and Welsh. And a little bit of Norwegian and Swedish too. I'm one of those 10% of Americans you mentioned in your video. I enjoy your content. Keep it coming!
Didn't know that! I've always just assumed it was the sister-city to Edinburgh: "Edinburgh" in Gaelic = "Dùn Èideann" "Dunedin" in Gaelic = "Dùn Èideann"
Interested in the topic and look forward to the next video. I for one appreciate that you are willing to educate and discuss topics that are somewhat uncomfortable.
Hi there, new (American/Californian) follower here. 😊 If you haven’t already, I’d love to see a more in-depth explanation of Scottish politics and current events. My husband and I were fortunate enough to take a week-long road trip through Scotland in 2014, which was such an interesting time to be there politically, but we honestly don’t know the first thing about your political system. I’d like to be able to go back soon and not seem completely ignorant I guess, lol. 😂
You need to make the Central Florida Highland Games near Orlando in January. It's become one of the largest events in the USA, and certainly the best I've been to.
Omg thank you, thank you, thank you for this vlog!!!! It was so interesting and I want to get back with you in a few to just voice my opinion and maybe answer a couple questions that you asked..Got to run for now but had to tell you I found this VERY informative!! You covered so much ground in such a small amount of time!!
Great analysis, Shaun. (US-er here) I think you've got a super point, that people who emigrate, possibly in general, may indeed have their original culture get frozen in stone, and may yearn nostalgically for that particular moment even way into the future. Maybe it's analogous to the way that an immigrant's native language patterns may get stuck in time, while back in the old country the language keeps changing, so the speaking styles diverge. (of course, with the Internet this may be somewhat less cast in stone today).
It sounds like the English were successful in erasing Scottish culture after the Jacobite defeat. But without that sacrifice the US may never have won it’s independents.
yer bum's oot the windae say that to countless Scots divisions who fought through British empire in Canada Australia etc and who maybe burnt US capitol in 1812
I loved this video! I've already left a massive comment on the part two, so I'll try to be brief here. From a first-generation Scottish Australian, here's a basic overview of what the Scottish community here is like through the view of an event that happened last weekend: a Highland Games; a dozen pipe bands having a competition; a stage of little kids doing highland dancing in competition; caber toss and hammer-throw; Highland terriers wearing tartan jackets; a dance floor of middle-aged men and women doing country dancing in sets; bilingual signage with Gaelic written under the English; fiddles and harps; someone reading Burns into a microphone; people singing in Gaelic; a row of "Clan Tents", each decked out in their own tartan and proudly bearing their name; a stall selling jewellery made out of pressed heather roots; a marquee distributing haggis and black pudding in a bap with a side of Irn-Bru; so many people in kilts and the persistent feeling that every passer-by knows who you are just by the colour you're wearing. And yes, at least one small knot of recent Scottish expats standing in the corner finding the whole thing very, very strange.
@@christschool Georgia State History. Charters for the establishment of the Colonies of Georgia, and the Carolinas. Now you have the key words to search. You may even find that the first Declaration of Sovereignty/Constitution was written by a group of Scots living in what is now North Carolina, almost 50 years before our Revolution. John Paul Jones, father of our Navy, was a Scot. Post Revolution the Southern States continued to see an influx of Scots, and Irishmen (Ulstermen as well), and yes I do distinguish between the two when it comes to the Plantation.
James Wells My paternal great-great grandparents came from Scotland and settled in Georgia. I can’t get past that point in my research. My dad often talked of the Frasers and that the surname changed when they came to the States, or before they came? The surname was changed to Fry/ Frie. I so much wish I could break through this brick wall and find where in Scotland they came from.
I did a DNA test and really not surprised. Lol. English, Irish, Scottish, and German. Family came over to USA in early 1700s. Thank you for sharing about what Scottish culture/history is.
Yeah, AncestryDNA for me, too. 80+% England, ~13% Scotland, Ireland and Wales, with some Norway and Germanic western Europe thrown in to round out the score. Only caveat I'd throw in is that the advertising can be a bit misleading, like the ones that tout "my results show I'm related to a blue-eyed, Ginger fisherman from the Hebrides!" Yeah, not so fast, there, Hoss -- you have to have filled out a good portion of your actual family tree for the Ancestry database to toss you potentially relevant data on likely ancestors, as the actual DNA testing won't get you anywhere near that specific, unless your relatives have also taken and submitted AncestryDNA tests. The larger ethnicity results are informative, though, if only from the standpoint of giving you a "deep history" view of your ancestry. :)
Hello Fran...it seems a lot have similar heritage lines. We have the same but with some Russian Pole French thrown in from what i have been told....definately French now as my Mrs is half French/English and her forefather on her dads side was a first fleeter.
Stewart clan here also. My ancestors emigrated to PEI in early to mid 1700's. My great grandfather moved to Boston in 1870 but frankly, should have stayed in PEI as he was less successful here and died young. My Acadian family has been in Canada since 1620 or so. It's cool to think my family has been in North America for 400 years and however many generations that is.
It should not be forgotten that thousands of American and Canadian troops crossed the Atlantic in two World Wars. Many were landed at a place known as Princes Pier in Greenock on the Clyde. It is not generally known that the shortest sea crossing to North America was considered at that time to be from the Clyde. Liners were used to bring these young men and women accross the Ocean. The rivers many paddle steamers being used to disembark them as the liners could not dock at the quay. I am in my sixties so have met pensioners on the former railway who remembered the Troop Trains going through. The railway though now closed is a fascinating piece of Victorian architecture,comprising of many tunnels,cuttings and a steep gradient from the pier through the towns of Greenock and Port Glasgow to Kilmacolm. It once connected to the National Network in two places so these trains could then access anywhere in Scotland or England and Wales on the Nations once prodigious railway system. Apparently,the trains slowed to walking pace in places,so local children would gather under bridges and on station platforms,the young soldiers would throw sweets and other goodies to the kids as the trains passed. Many years later whilst cycling the other side of the river back in the mid ninetys. I met a family on holiday from the states who had the grandad (a veteran of World War 11) who had been on one of these very trains. The old boys delight at being shown where he and his pals had landed all those years before was quite moving. Especially to someone like myself,born within ten years of WorldWar 11.
Another Great Video!!! HILLBILLIES: definition. INFORMAL•DEROGATORY 1. an unsophisticated country person, associated originally with the remote regions of the Appalachians. Hillbillies are the Highlanders that left Scotland and came to America. When you visit North Carolina, they can tell you all about Hillbillies. They will enjoy telling you about them. It’s a very Rich and interesting culture. Enjoy your time in North Carolina.
Actually, the people of Appalachia in the Southern US are mostly of Scots-Irish descent (Ulster Scots). Highlanders were a very small part of Scottish immigration to the US.
@@georgemartin4963 Yes! My mother's people were Scotch-Irish from Kentucky. Scotch is an old form of Scots. Scotch-Irish is a name they gave themselves. Outside of the US they are called Ulster Scots. I get tired of people correcting people who say "Scotch-Irish." As I said, it's a name we (on my mother's side) called ourselves. One can say Scots-Irish if they want, but don't correct those who call themselves Scotch-Irish.
My people were Ulster Scots from south west Scotland. Presbyterians. They came to Pennsylvania and then followed the Great wagon Road down into the Appalachian Mountains and eventually stayed in North West North Carolina. They were also on the American side in the war of independence.
I was absolutely gutted when Scotland did not vote for Independence. My grandfather came from Dunfermline and I was hoping to get Scottish citizenship if you went Indy. I’ve been to Scotland a number of times and love it so much!!!! Happily I’ve made lovely friends in Scotland and never felt the least rejected!
Do not be gutted,alot of Scots were over the moon,it saved the horrible thought of NOT HAVING A PENSION IN OLD AGE ! And it comes about sooner than one might think laddie' I remember going to see Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac,The Floyd,Purple and Taste as if it was yesterday. That was fifty years ago.
Hi clan Donald in New Hampshire in September we have the the World Championship Highland Games at at Loon Mtn. and gathering of the clans. It's a hell of a good time, keep up the good job love your stuff!
Well put Shaun, I agree, in the US we do have that 18th century Scottish connection all over the east coast and in Canada as well. Every state has those Scottish enclaves where the place-names are still recognized as Scottish.
I had Scottish relatives that moved to Guelph, Ontario Canada and the United States. I’m also learning Gaelic. I know most people don’t speak it, but my grandmother could speak it so I just wanted to know it. I know my family tree and all my family tartans. I think it’s wonderful to be Scottish. It’s such a beautiful country. I’m related to the Shaw, Stewart, McClan and McGregor Clans. I would never want to offend anyone from Scotland. I just love everything about Scotland and would love to visit one day. So glad I found your channel. Maybe I can learn more about how Scotland is today!
The lack of education about our respective country’s history is true in the US, too. We have the most amazing founding documents in the Constitution and many college students don’t know what rights are protected or what the Amendments mean. Tragic. I think that most people in the US, Liberal or Conservative, admire the underdog-rebel, generally. We like the guy fighting the establishment. Both parties have government control at points so both parties can be seen as establishment or under-dog. Liberal and Conservative parties run old white guys for the top position. We admire the Highland independent basically. I didn’t know they were all history. I’ve attended many Highland Game festivals in the US and look forward to hearing your impressions and maybe even criticisms.
SGlitz - you make an excellent point. I think that there’s a trend toward homogenization of the world’s politics and governance that might one day make us all less individual.
Rob...I agree that the US is always for the underdog. I know I am! I think a lot of it is how our country was founded and gained our freedom... The revolution etc. And yes, the individual fighting oppression of any kind to gain and keep personal freedom. That's where I feel the Highland culture and the beginnings of America are so much the same.
@@SGlitz If I understood you correctly I agree...Our high-schools and colleges are not teaching accurate American history anymore. They have altered it to fit a leftist agenda believe it or not. Former governor, Mike Huckabee, has a DVD series out for young people ( or anyone) on the facts of our history. Very good. About the electoral college: The founding father's in their brilliance got it right. If the electoral college were to be abolished (bad idea!) Only the coasts and its big cities would vote in our President and other govt officials! All the huge area in between... I.e. the Heartland.. would not matter due to population etc. KEEP the electoral college. It is fair and the right thing to do. Also...our constitution...its worked..the old saying in general...if it's not broken don't fix it. I support our Constitution as is.
Shaun, thanks for the education. The wife and I are visiting Scotland in March, and trying to prepare myself, and your videos help. The situation is difficult to see such a wide difference in our Scottish American Culture. My Grandma’s Grandad came to the USA in the 1880’s, so I was raised on stories passed down. Most of my family left after the 45, and we have a rich heritage., but will be mindful of the difference when I visit.
Doctor Who had a companion who was a Scottish Highlander, Jaime McCrimmon. He is referenced by Outlander because the author was a fan if Doctor Who. ;)
it is Scottish heritage month here in the States, in fact this coming weekend I will be going to our annual San Antonio Scottish Society Highland Games and Celtic Festival yep this Saturday and Sunday April 6 and 7
I am seeing this video obviously very late, but I would love to still be part of this discussion. It makes a lot more sense to me now after seeing your perspective and your history
Scotland also Changed because of the industrial Revelation and this happen all around the world. When a nation goes industrial most people leave the farms for the cities because factories need plenty of workers and the same happen in Scotland as did other parts of the UK and the world.
Uncle Sam (initials U.S.) is a common national personification of the American government or the United States in general that, according to legend, came into use during the War of 1812 and was supposedly named for Samuel Wilson. The actual origin is by a legend. Since the early 19th century, Uncle Sam has been a popular symbol of the US government in American culture and a manifestation of patriotic emotion.[While the figure of Uncle Sam represents specifically the government, represents the United States as a nation.
I've often heard that the great folk players from Scotland will travel to Nova Scotia to learn traditional Scottish music because that's where it remained unchanged for 100+ years. It's really unfortunate, but seems that repressing history happens everywhere, Scotland is not alone, we've done it here in the states as well.
It is also true that performers from these communities (e g. Nova Scotia, Cape Breton etc.} regularly come these days to perform at the many, thriving traditional, music. festivals throughout the length and breadth of Scotland.
I dont think Scottish Music has ever been " Repressed. " Esp by the English. In fact it became all the rage after Georges visit in 1822, and has been very popular ever since.
Wait, what?!? I won’t see kilt wearing bag pipe playing dudes during our upcoming visit to Scotland? 🥴 Seriously though, I didn’t know about the politics of Scotland. I appreciate and enjoy your videos.
I went to Scotland in 1998, and saw quite a few bag pipers in kilts. One particular place was at the castle on Loch Ness (can’t spell it, but it sounds like Urchahart). A bag piper in full regalia was walking back and forth on the wall playing a bag pipe. I saw a couple of guys in kilts on the street in Edinburgh too. Not sure what was going on but there was a few. Maybe for tourism lol.
Come to the highlands as islands! You’ll still see a ton of kilt playing, Gaelic Speaking people here! We’re very proud of our culture on the West Coast, it’s more the lowlands, east and central belt that do not identify with this culture (and arguably never did) X 🏴😊
Shawn if you take this suggestion, I could help. I live in Martinez, CA, USA where John Muir's home is. I could give you some pictures and / or video of the site.
The issue of Scotland forgetting their heritage and history is not isolated to Scotland itself, but to the whole of the UK. As an outsider looking in, I see the signs clearly: overwhelming immigration, value - destroying liberalism, and a general loss of identity. This breaks my heart to no end. Yes, as you can probably tell, I am conservative (smile), and of a Scottish heritage. Our family was thrown out of Scotland for being trouble makers back in the 18th century but we never forgot where we came from. If a man doesn't know where he came from, nor who his family is, how can he really know who he is and where he is going? Great video. Keep it up.
Yes, I would love to know as well. Emma Taylor, what part of North Carolina? Right now we are in Roxboro, but my family still lives in Snow Camp and Burlington.
I've been thinking about your talking points. The biggest thing about the US is that we're a Young Country we haven't reached 250 years yet and so we know our history back to before we came here. Yes those of us with Scottish and Irish Heritage tend to have been the rebels who were forced out of their Homelands. This gives us a bit of a sour taste for England as we through them out. I'm seeing our draw to Scotland as a search for out family trees roots. As to the Scots not knowing or caring much about tartans and clan names. I see this as an extension of the British crackdown in the 17th and 18th Centuries. where the people were forbidden from wearing tartans. The kilts and plaids came back in the late 18th century. At that time the kilt became the short or small kilt with or without a Plaid Shoulder piece. and began being worn Regimental (nothing is worn under the kilt, it's all in perfect working order). I ramble because I love my history. Long before Gabaldon, I was a fan of the Scottish trails Not really that different from the trail of tears of our own Native populations. Driven from their lands to farther and farther places. I could probably teach a class in it.
Pj Moseley. Indirectly the British government was responsible for the clearances, The harshness and cruelty imposed by them on the Highlands following Culloden destroyed the 'family' nature of the relationship between the chieftain and his kin. With no support and being treated like traitors in their own land, a leaderless people had few options. Their defeated demoralised and impoverished laird's were reduced to effectively selling their birthright by encouraging (often cruelly enforcing) the removal of the human population in favour of the more lucrative sheep or as grouse moors where the wealthy could enjoying shooting and killing game..
@@nancybennett4972 The kin-like relationship died in the middle ages, centuries before the clearances. The Anglo-Scots (who have been here since the 7th century and are no less Scottish than the Gaels, who invaded the land and Gaelicised it) introduced a feudal system and the clans went along with it. Also pre-clearances the Scottish aristocracy and mercantile class sold the independence of Scotland to recoup their losses in the Darien scheme.
just found your channel very good video. when you said NC Highland games i hope u got to go the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games a lot of celtic pride in the South. A lot of the early South in the USA were Scotch-Irish (or Ulster-Scots). It still influences our music, traditions, sense of family.
🇺🇸GIVING AWAY some Scottish / American T Shirts, all you have to do to enter is join my new mailing list here: eepurl.com/gmUya5
Hey Shaun I hope you are having a great evening
My Scottish Heritage is women who married German men in the hills of West Virginia
Jay VanDevender sounds good to me Yee haw
Subscribes to the list!
I don’t think ignorance by itself is offensive. Self-aware ignorance, like an American on holiday in Scotland asking open-ended questions about local culture in an honest attempt to learn, is usually met with warmth and courtesy. Without that self-awareness however, people of every tribe, tongue and nation are prone to substitute the knowledge they lack with assumptions that they don’t even know they’ve made. That’s how you end up with Americans asking invalid questions in pathetic and unintentionally humorous attempts to show-off their “knowledge”.
That’s as far as I’ll go with this analysis, as I’m talking about people who aren’t here. Those who would rather laugh at ignorance than correct it don’t make videos like this. Those who are not aware of their ignorance don’t look for videos that might help them diminish that ignorance.
On behalf of all the Americans whose ignorance has been diminished, thanks. Great video. Great channel.
I actually didn't know April was Scottish American heritage month. Thanks for informing me, now I have that and Earth day. Right On!
There is a whole Tartan week in New York every April too. It's really impressive with a big parade!
NY, not exactly a hotbed of conservatism either.
SitatheNightGoddess wave to me, I'm marching in it playing my pipes!
@@scottishgirl8259 Sweet!!
@@alisgray What does that have to do with what everybody else is talking about?
I did not know that the highland culture essentially left Scotland altogether. This was a very interesting vlog. Thx
Yea the leftist treasonous lowlanders helped the British kill and run off their own countrymen because they were bigoted towards the rural/small town Highlanders. Then the British have the lowlanders their just fate by destroying their culture and refusing to teach them their own history...
Matt Miller: Matt Miller: I was thinking the same thing. Well, I would have used gentler language, but the sentiment is the same.
Hey Shaun, maybe you and/or Moscow can start a series about Scottish history.
George MacDonald wrote a novel in 1886 set back at the Highland Clearances about a clan leader and his love for the land of his ancestors. The public domain book is called What's Mine's Mine and the modern edited version is called The Highlanders Last Song
George MacDonald wrote a novel in 1886 set back at the Highland Clearances about a clan leader and his love for the land of his ancestors. The public domain book is called What's Mine's Mine and the modern edited version is called The Highlanders Last Song...
I have sadly not been able to visit, but I have clan in the Highlands that are still very proud of their heritage.
I'm very proud of my Scottish heritage. My Scottish ancestor fought against the British in the American Revolution. I am also proud that his descendant fought 4 campaigns in the Civil War as an officer. All of the descending men were also war heroes in WWII and to include my father who was wounded twice in Vietnam. We are proud of our heritage, country, and flag here in the US.
Planning to visit Scotland next year. I have traced records from Scotland to 1640. More than all of that, I'm looking forward to visiting the beautiful parks and highlands.
Union or Confederate?
Thank your father for his service. Vietnam veterans were not treated well when they returned. Please let your dad know I'm very thankful for all hes done for our country. You have a very long heritage here, enjoy it!
Your ancestor fought against fellow Scots in the British Empire....
@@foreverandever5548 bein the Brigish Empire... they were no longer scotts.. they were just red coats
thecapturban That’s a load of complete nonsense. Scotland was apart of the British Empire.
Very interesting content. I was a little sad to hear that many Scottish people don't know their history, but I think that's becoming very much a global thing. I've always had a bit of an old soul and felt we need to know where and who we come from. Celebrate your culture, whatever it is! I would love to have more of this kind of open dialogue.
My ancestors were from the Borders and sent to the Plantation in Ireland. From there they emigrated to America, arriving in Charleston, South Carolina in 1767. My g-g-g-grandfather (Robert Nesbitt) and his brother fought in the Revolutionary War. We are very proud of our Scottish heritage and celebrate the tough and resilient people they were . DNA test revealed that my siblings and I have 90% British Isles DNA - more than the people living there today! Why? Because they settled in small rural enclaves and stayed, marrying other British Isles immigrants and staying put. My relatives still live within 5 miles of where the brothers settled after the Revolution. This tendency gives rise to the meaning of “clannish”.
American history is a big thing in America because well you’ve got to know your past to dream about your future
If that was true america would not be trying so hard to backtrack or deny, rewrite and erase it's history.
@@Demetri450 you think that's normal for American citizens i don't
Few US schools teach any history. Lots of videos of college students who don't know anything about the American Revolution or the War of 1812, not even who fought or why. Some learn and celebrate but most are apathetic.
As a Canadian who grew up wearing a kilt most weekends for dance competitions I find this absolutely fascinating! I never realised, but it makes so much sense. It’s very similar to how the Canadian French culture has evolved compared to France itself. The Quebecois etc are much more traditional, or so says my husband who is from France.
thanks for the comment and i totally understand the similarities with the French communities. Makes sense.
French language researchers look to isolated villages northern New Brunswick to study French from the 1600’s. Just like isolated Appalachian people speak something more similar to Elizabethan English
Great video as always. I have a huge interest in Scottish culture and history. I'm 9th generation American.. my Scottish ancestors came to America in the 1730s just before the second jacobite uprising. I think those people who came here carried a certain passion with them regarding independence and tradition. Combine that with strong feelings about gaining independence and those sentiments grew, while "back home" in Scotland those traditions were being silenced. It doesn't surprise me that those traditions are more widely celebrated in America. I've always felt that a very large part of the American fervor for freedom and independence came from our strong Scottish roots. It's no coincidence America gained independence so soon after the Scottish were fleeing or being sent off as prisoners to the colonies. Congratulations Scotland, your baby is all grown up now. ;) Scotland has always felt like a close family member to America in my heart.
Trumps mum was Scottish. My Great Grandmother knew Mary very well.
😀✝️
Hi. I’m an American currently living in Dublin studying for my masters degree in film at Trinity; this was a fascinating topic. I learned quite a lot. American culture in my perspective continues to embrace the Scottish “past-history “ as its present because for Americans we were founded on the basic principles that individual freedom-rights, and subsequent independence of that individuals country should be honored. Thus, we tend to not forget the events that shaped other people’s journeys. Thank you for your channel. I subscribed and hope to visit this summer. Lauren
When you talked about the highlanders all leaving and taking their culture with them, I found it really sad. They were a very strong, tough group of people.
Ancient wisdom tells us that a people who forgets its heritage and fails to learn from its past mistakes is doomed to repeat its history until it does. Study your Scottish history and use it as a tool to move forward. Most 'American' Scots were poor farmers who were trying to make ends meet and live their lives peacefully until the Aristocrats decided they needed more land to raise sheep. Thus the Highland Clearances began and the Clans left Scotland for freedom elsewhere...essentially America and Canada. America has forgotten its heritage or has deliberately ignored it and now we are paying the price for it.
Only thing that's gonna be left of Scottish and other European cultures and traditions are gonna be found in Midwest and Southern cities and towns. Here we celebrate our Czech and Scottish roots every year with festivals and Highland games.
@@maggiesatterfield2402 History/heritage ≠ cultural identity. You are the culture and mindset you practise, not a story you tell yourself. Your ancestors are the ones practising a previous version of your culture.
@@gs7828Traditions, attitudes, genetics etc. are passed through generations. It has to have some effect on how you are as a person.
They are the country people here now. They are anti government as it was passed down through generations.
A lot of Southern US is of Scottish descent. I'm part Scottish too. Much of our culture and music comes from Scottish and Irish people that settled here. I don't go crazy about it, but I recognize it as part of my heritage. As an added note, I do think you should be proud of your history and don't be ashamed of it.
That's my thought too. I'm mostly English with some Scots-Irish, but basically I think of my background as "Southern". There is a distinct culture (dialect, music, food, religious outlook, etc...) in the South.
We Scots are proud people we invented the modern world and are proud of it.
@@robertgibson9619 But not so prideful that you learn your own history.
@@christschool elaborate?
Yea I’ve got half of my family that is from the deep south but all the names are Scottish or Irish and basically what I’ve learned is that for 200 years we started fights from roughly Drogheda in 1650 to the Civil War in 1860 and we got WHOOPED every time. So it’s kinda like a mark of shame but defiant pride. And I can see how modern Scottish who stayed there probably got over all the beatings and reconciled with the English. But for us Southerners beating the British in the revolution and at New Orleans in 1814 that’s the ONLY times we ever win so it’s important to us
This is great. I’m married to a Scotsman, so I tend to cringe too here in America with some of the things folks say to my husband. The way I explained it to him is, time stopped in 1745. A lot of Scots came to America, then, and their stories are the ones we descendants know, which may explain perception. Good video!
"... so I tend to cringe too here in America with some of the things folks say to my husband." - Oh, details please!
cfytcf Okay! The number 1 cringeworthy comment people make to my husband is, “Ooooh, you’re from Scotland! My family came over here from Ireland!” He usually looks at me with the words “That’s a different country,” tattooed across his expression. Or, “Can I see your kilt?” No, he doesn’t have one.
@@DavCynLondon Ha! I think a lot of people hear Scots-Irish and mistakenly think it means "Scottish OR Irish", and conflate us together.
Cynthia Kleppang Cynthia Kleppang That might be because both countries were colonized by the English, so they figure there’s a shared experience there.
Tell us more.
That's so sad they don't teach Scottish history! I love American history, favorite class in high school :)
Well what he said about that is pretty common in the United Kingdom at large. For instance, in Northern Ireland, Irish history is not taught while the history of England is.
Except American history doesn't teach everything either. They still don't teach the history and genocide of the Indigenous people of this land. They still teach that Columbus discovered this continent for heavens sake.
C Wilhite to Europe Columbus did discover America not to the people that were here. American history is clear about the trail of tears, just not the brightest hour in history.
On a side note our state has changed Columbus day to Indeginous Peoples Day.
C Wilhite - Maybe where you went to school they didn't teach you that history but i learned about the more well know Native American tribes throughout the country and the three main tribes in my state.
I visited Scotland 5 years ago, and I am still homesick for it. I am half Scottish. I come from the MacMillan clan. I am exquisitely proud of my Scottish heritage!! I live on the coast of North Carolina in the USA. My time in Scotland was almost surreal. I hope I can return. I placed my Mother's red hair and my Father's ashes on the grave of Agnes Guy on the shores of Loch Lomond. My Mother's name was Agnes and my Father's name was Guy. My Mother's family came from Kilmarnock. My Father's bfamily were English (Willis) and Welsh (Davis).
Gail Cannon, My maiden name is Bell, and my younger Brother, James Bell, wants to believe that we are a Sept of Clan McMillan, but I had to correct him that we were Bells of the Borders. But just for fun, at my High School graduation I sat behind Bruce MacMillan, who had bright red hair and a large young man, it was God awfully hot and humid that night and Bruce pretty much soaked his cap and gown with sweat. I had some tissues with me and tapped him on the back to give him some. LOL!
Brother and myself are both members of Clan Bell N.A.
I have Boyd family from Kilmarnock. Few generations back.
Nice to meet you,I’m from a wee village called Hurlford,right next door to Kilmarnock 👍🏼🏴
Have you visited Old Brunswick Town on Hwy 133, and the chimney from the first Royal Governor’s mansion?
Very illuminating! Proud of my Scottish bloodline through my dear maternal granny❣️
This was awesome Shaun. I think a big part of the American misconception of Scotland comes from the fact that NOTHING about modern Scotland is ever taught in American schools. All we ever hear about now is the British Royal Family. All I ever learned about in school was the much romanticized era of Robert The Bruce, the Clans, Castles and Medieval period Kings, which I later learned thru DNA testing and genealogy, are my ancestors. The stories passed down by those who braved the journey to the New World are the only stories we have about the homeland and they stopped being relevant with the departure of the first one who left. By the time traveling back to Scotland became fast or affordable, the gap between what Scotland was and what it is now had widened significantly. Much like having a favorite character in an old movie and then being shocked that the actor who played that character has greatly aged or died. Things change everywhere but once you leave a place it changes without you. The Scottish people in America now are only distant descendants of those who left long ago. I guess we just want to see and keep hold of what we were taught to treasure, which is the history.
I am a Ferguson! I know my tartan. My Scottish Mum raised me right and proud!
Hi cousin ! Ferguson is in my heritage too !
My mom's maiden name is Ferguson, but when we did the Ancestry DNA test, we found out Mom is mostly of Norman descent!
@@Grimmalkin61 ours too .. I think that may be quite common amongst us "fergusons" ??
hello distant cousin, Ferguson was my grandma's maiden name
I am a Gibson from a subset of the Clan Buchanan. I know my tartan.
My family came to North America from Scotland in the early 20th century. My grandparents considered themselves to be Americans of Scottish descent (they were the first generation of our family born here), and they taught us cool things about Scotland and shared really interesting family stories they had learned from their parents. Having said that, much like you explained, they were not really into clan history all that much. I am definitely more interested in that than they ever were, and I attend several Highland Festivals each year. It's funny to think my interest in clan history came not from my Scottish family, but from my American friends. This was a really fascinating video . . . I appreciate and enjoy your perspective.
April 6th is Tartan day because it commemorates the Treaty of Arbroath. And let us not forget that the Battle of Culloden Moor was fought on April 16th. I think those two important dates are what determined April being Scottish Heritage Month in the United States, plus you yourself have stated there's more people of Scottish descent here in the states than what there is in all of Scotland.
The Treaty of Arbroath was the precursor in many ways to the American Declaration of Independence. I think Thomas Jefferson may have gotten some of his ideas from that particular document. That might be why so many Americans ask you Scots about Scottish independence.
I don't know if you could say that all Americans of Scottish descent are conservatives, I think a large portion are. I would say that we are all GDIs 'Gol Darned Independents. I know that my mother personally taught me not to vote on a straight party ticket whether it was Republican or Democrat. She also taught me the motto, " When in doubt, vote them out !" And this is a strategy that I use to this day if I am unsure of a person or what their platform is . That also applies to those who have promised results and not produced. If they have not accomplished their campaign promises and 8 or 12 years then I will vote them out of office in order to keep another individual from becoming a career politician in Washington.
And rejecting shortbread is shite. That's just absolutely wrong!
Confirmed, there are plenty of Americans of Scots descent who are not conservatives politically or socially. Hi. It's totally probable that Americans of Scots heritage who are very focused on their Scottish history are conservatives. And just as likely that those are the ones gravitating to Scots vloggers on TH-cam.
Mary Ellen Cook yes it is and you are right. I'm proud to be of Scottish descent.
Mary Ellen Cook correct. Thomas Jefferson has a scottish tutor and was very influential in his teaching of thomas Jefferson. Those who were immigrants from Scotland suported the constitution and those who were first generation American citizens from parents who came from Scotland also supported the constitution. And the declaration of Arbaroth was very key in our constitution. The scots have contributed much to our country and we still use words today that they brought with them. As well as their cuisine.
@Sc0ttishGamer88 that is beautiful!!!
@@kimholcomb6943 so am I ! I knew of the Scottish descent from my paternal grandmother's side of the family with the Johnson Clan. It wasn't until one of my cousins started to do genealogical research for that side of the family that we found out that our paternal grandfather's side actually came from Edinborough and not from the lowlands and Border area of England ! All this time we thought that the Plumb side of the family had been English and it turned out to be Scottish after all. Combined with my mother's side of the family which is about 25% Scottish, the rest being English French and German, I am probably somewhere between 60 to 75% of Scottish ancestry just going from genealogies done by other family members. I think it would be fairly safe to say that most of America has been settled by people of Scottish origin . No wonder we outnumber the population of Scotland if that is true!
Got to visit Glasgow once and was treated very well. They were fascinated by my southern accent lol
I learned Scottish history in school, I remember a test I took that I had to know about the Jacobite rebellion, it's strange to me that it's not taught for the most part in Scotland. And my grandfather taught me about the clan we descended from, he even gave gave me a book on nothing but Armstrong history and it was quite the page turner. As an American my heritage is a little of this and a little of that but I am proud of all of it, our pasts inspire us now in the present and it kinda keeps our ancestors alive, I think that is... beautiful I guess.
It is taught if you take Scottish history. But things like ww1 and ww2 are much more important to learn than stuff that didn’t affect the whole world. Also your surname means literally nothing in terms of clan membership. Clans were localised groups who shared names for protection they were not actually blood relatives. There are millions of people with the name Campbell but that doesn’t mean they are all related to the clan. The name Armstrong existed before and after the clan Armstrong existed. Etymologically Armstrong was just a Middle English nickname for someone with strong arms. Your a million times more likely to simply be related to someone with the general surname than be related to clan Armstrong.
Also the history of Armstrong you read was one of many of Walter Scott’s Victorian era embellishments meant to garner interest in the Victorian public for Scotland. The actual history of the most popular clan Armstrong is incredibly benign and only really lasts from around 1200 to 1600 ad. Alongside that there were multiple clan Armstrong’s across Northumbria and Scotland so to say you were even related to the most famous one is credulous. On top of the fact that there is no record of clan chiefs for the main Armstrong clan past 1700 so there is litterally no way to know you are related to them. Even if you were it would be a relation to someone simply under the leadership of Armstrong who would have a different surname. Only the clan chiefs and their relatives would be Armstrong by blood.
American ignorance on this is aggravating to no end considering how many people in these comments actually believe they are Scottish because they have a surname ahha.
Lol ours for the Malcom/Malcom in my line came from my the Jacobite rebellion and got caught and then banished to Virginia colony in America...
@@acksawblackSounds like you are well read on the subject of Scottish clans. Thanks for enlightening us all, but your arrogance and offensive comments probably wont make any difference to the person who takes comfort in her Scottish heritage and those who came before her.
It is shocking that Scottish people aren't taught their own history, you are right, at least basic elements of how the country formed and evolved over time. After all, we're one of the oldest countries in the world. We're taught vague elements of WW1 or 2 with perfunctory big moments that happened therein during school history class, I remember them well. It's a disgrace and it's something that should be changed for future generations to know their own country's history just like every other developed country in the world. But, it is largely deliberate, if all scots were told their history it would go against the political establishment's doctrine of Britishness and Union.
Were you taught Scottish history in high school? What part of the U.S.? Fascinating.
I plan to look at Scottish influence on America for my Ph.D dissertation
great topic, would love to know how you get on with it
I would.love to read your dissertation some day.
Nate Wallace I would love to be able to read your paper!!!
I'd love to read your paper too. There's so much to the topic!
That's a pretty broad topic for a dissertation. There's so much that you'll probably have to focus it down to a particular area. Do you have any ideas? The two biggest areas of Scottish influence that I've found are government and education. Are you going to look exclusively at direct Scottish influence or are you going to also include the influence of the Scots-Irish?
Very informative vlog...I think you nailed it, Shaun.. great perspective! Keep it up.
I'm an American who was married to a Scotsman for over 20 years...we lived in Orkney for 16...now back in states, I miss Scotland deeply....so now I watch your channel and it brings me back home...thanks
Only just now seeing this yr-old video for the 1st time. Fantastic presentation of Scottish and American historical perspective. Very informative, too.
Shaun - What you say about the Scottish Highlander heritage of North American people who are Scottish descendants is oh so true! Half of my heritage is that of Scottish Highlanders (Campbells), and my grandparents held firmly to their Highland traditions. Also, in the mountain states in the USA (e.g. - Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, western Carolinas, etc.) the music that became known as “country” music was from the Scottish immigrants who settled there. “Bluegrass” music evolved from Scottish and Irish reels and the instrumentation and form of the music held very closely to the music of the Highlands as well as parts of Ireland.
we in america embrace our different cultures as we are all so diverse We carry on traditions
and celebrate who we are both our ancestry and our american heritages !
I think your perception of the situation is pretty accurate. The non conformist left and held to their traditions while Scotland and England became "Europe". Although we are all American in the U.S. we hold traditions dear to our heart.
Shara Goins although it might be because my family more recently migrated over only a few generations ago, I don’t consider myself American. I do in fact consider myself european, mainly Scottish Irish, simply because I have the view that the America’s, mainly Canada and US, are european colonies and therefore have its culture
@@drengr7210 that could be. I know plenty of families that identify with their family origins firstly and America second. A lot of them are only first or second generation here, but as the generations go on the traditions are never lost but American law and tradition becomes more embraced and celebrated. You never loose your identity. That's the beauty of the U.S.
Yes we do. I'm an American of deep Scottish roots.
@@drengr7210 It's all about how you're raised.
As someone who in an anthropology major and who has reviewed abstracts from sociological studies from ethnicities in the United States, it depends on how mixed a family might be and from where they came from, for example, German-Americans who are either from rural areas or who may not have intermarried with other groups, may not have passed down many traditions in part to the fact that during WW1, all things German were deemed unpatriotic to the extent where many scenes which included KKK anti-German-American activity was seen. But we were forced to lose many of those traditions that today, would now be vestiges of the times from when our families came over. That is, popular then in the original country at the time, but not so much anymore. Even with the way you do things and make decisions can sometimes be an inflection of the ethnicity to which you belong to. (ie.
2 Midwest German-American examples:
Going through a side-door or the backdoor instead of the front door.
Unspoken yet shared Purpose: To keep the front door clean looking
Being a little more closed to strangers when you first meet someone.
Unspoken yet shared Purpose: to avoid making yourself a target for judgment.
Hanging a pickle on the Christmas Tree
Unspoken yet shared Purpose: to retract that bit of lost obvious Germanness even though it was a potentially manufactured tradition marketed to German Americans after WW2
Still speaking the German language or Dialect brought by the family even if over 100 years ago:
Unspoken yet shared Purpose: That's just what was/is done
Passing on recipes:
Unspoken yet shared Purpose: some things shouldn't be forgotten
Once again, it all depends on where someone grows up and in which ethnic group their family is a part of.
It's all related to ethnic hegemony too. Some regions culture's of the United States can be more influenced by a group than another due to a number of reasons.
It's a much greater puzzle than what meets the eye
As an American living in U.K. (5 years in London and 5 in Scotland), I really enjoyed this video. I’m of Scottish descent but I had no real expectation when I came here. This difference between people who have heritage from here and those who live here, is common in all cultures I think. I lived in The Baltic region of Eastern Europe for many years. After the Soviet Union collapsed and people began returning (mostly 2nd and third generation of those who’d fled) the joke of locals was “They’re more Latvian/Estonian than we are!” Those who’d left in the 20's and forward, had kept the old values, language and belief systems alive, while the local cultures had morphed and grown into something new. It was a rude awakening for one and all. I absolutely love Scotland for what it is, today. This is a great video.
thanks Holly, i'm really glad you're here and hope you feel at home 😀
Thank you! My perception of your beautiful country has drastically changed. I'll be mindful on my vacation 🍻
I just found out last night my great, great grandfather was born in Scotland. Now, to find his records! Thanks for doing these videos!
Scottish History is a popular classes in many American universities.
I wish I had such a course while in University.
Michael Anderson... You’d be surprised how specialized historians can be. My specialties are American Diplomatic and Military History. It’s not uncommon for a college professor who teaches European history to specialize in a specific country like Scotland or France.
I’m decended from Clan Cameron, a Jacobite highlander clan.
I’m conservative, but I’m from California. The highland games in Pleasanton, CA is massive. It’s well worth checking out if you get the chance.
I used to live by the fairgrounds In Pleasanton and yes, that festival is huge. The sound of bagpipes would ring in my head for weeks afterwards.
Ruthanne D'Antuono I remember hearing the Wicked Tinkers play live at the Scottish Games in Campbell.
I know what you mean about the sun burns, it’s always warm and sunny at the Pleasanton games. A couple of times when the forecast predicted it getting over 100 degrees we decided it was just too hot to go.
Ruthanne D'Antuono I have one of their cds, so that would make me a casual fan I guess. What’s the story?
Going to assume you're Northern Ca.
OMG... damn I live in San Leandro I didnt know there were games just over the hill SWEET!!! thank you... I will see you there next year. Do you have a kilt? Do you wear a kilt? Does everyone wear their family Tartans? lol sorry got a little excited there for a sec. haha
Thank you for sharing the reality of Scotland vs the expectations. I honestly would love to visit Scotland but I'm actually more interested in the nature part of Scotland. I would love to visit the castles but am actually more excited to see the moors and the Isle of Skye. Looking forward to your next video.
You can never go home again.
I realized how different Scotland was now opposed to how my family thought of it by just reading and watching the news. I was in England and purposely didn't go up into Scotland because I chose to keep the ideal in my mind.
Your explanation of how the Highlander culture was brought over with us is spot on. That's what we remember and are culturally nostalgic for. It's the same with the American Irish, Scandinavians and others. The "Motherland" we left is long gone, but we still "remember".
Scroll up. The Western Coast Highlands still have the old culture intact.
Same here for England. England is not the England I grew up reading about and seeing in the movies.
@@catherinelw9365you’ll need to speak Arabic to make it around England today like.
Whoops!
@@Hrossey yeah that's disgusting. It's happening in America too though, but it's worse here with Indians (from India..not native americans) and of course, descendants of African slaves that reproduce like rabbits
I am of Scottish heritage. And I m enjoying learning about Scotland from you
Sorry not Scottish. But Im American and I can listen to that accent all day. 💖💖💖
Tanya Jackson hehe glad to hear it 😊🇺🇸🏴
I personally find it annoying but eh it's okay.
Lol me too Tanya..I love the (burr).. but I did notice in another video his sister didn’t have it as much..it was the American candy video.. but Shaun, yep..put a kilt and plaid on him and call him Jamie...lol 😊
Tanya Jackson till ya hear it from yer angry scottish granny....
Scottish Girl ohhh I’m pretty sure granny could deliver a finely tuned verbal tirade beat down..lol my husbands paternal grandma had the Irish temper going strong..lots of Irish “R’s” flying..so yeah scots and Irish are pretty good at making you understand clearly, you have screwed up lol!
I think you hit the nail on the head (in a simplified manner) of yes, the highland (Jacobite) way was ultimately “squashed “ where the ones whom had those ways did come here one way or another. So much so that your history is widely not taught in school and yet we, that have that heritage here, still hold onto that thought of what our homeland is and/or should be.
My family, Great Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandparents, Came to Canada in 1861 from Isle of Mull. I am so proud to know I am of a Clan with a great history. I grew up with a very boisterous Grandad. We learned to dance we ate Scottish foods and I absolutely LOVE going to Scotland about every 2 to 5 years. Our Clan has a Family Gathering and it draws MacLeans from every part of the world. Nearly a 1000 of us descend on the Castle Duart. We are.so happy to be part of this channel
Scott's are indeed everywhere in the US. Even here in the middle of the desert southwest there is a Drum and Pipe Corps that play at every parade.
According to a Scotsman told me at a Scottish fair, the pipes are a joke that the Irish played on the Scots 500 years ago and the Scots still haven't gotten it.
Mandy it's scots or scottish ❤❤❤
We've been to Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and a number of small Scottish towns. Everywhere we went, we were treated with kindness and patience. Scotland is a part of my family's heritage and that of my husband, as well. I think that finding out the high unemployment in Glasgow was the biggest shock to us. The people of Glasgow have a wonderful sense of humor and warmth. Scotland deserves much better than it's received, IMHO. My sons were young when we went, and devoted students of history. The greatest revelation for them was seeing how the Scots viewed the Battle of Culloden and how the battle was described at the Tower of London. I think that was the first time they fully appreciated that one historical event could be seen so differently. Keeping such struggles in perspective is complex and ongoing. I hope that American tourism will help in the preservation and dissemination of Scottish culture and history. It certainly has helped for Ireland. Your city of Edinburgh was where I fell in love with your country. The military tattoo, High Street, Luckenbooths, black pudding, haggis and neeps, and so many more magical memories keep Scotland close to my heart.
The honoring of, the the remberence, the passing down of knowledge of the older traditions; how the highland scots lived and the tartans that should still be important. It does not impede progress to know our past, it only teaches lessons on which to better frame our future.
My relatives came to America because 2 clans helped us escape the Glencoe Massacre because they were Jacobites.
That's really interesting.
Linda....Wow. I have learned about the Jacobite history and so amazing to hear your story. Culloden is heartbreaking
Clan Donald!
@Sentient Zealot XIII Not specifically but if you google what u are looking for it should bring up many things. You could also go to the library where the reference area could help you find information. I checked out a DVD on Scotland from a library ( can't remember the name of it). Also, there are books on it, as well. Scotland to me is such a magical place. I loved visiting so much! Good luck in finding what you want! :-)
Lou Ann Schafer yes, how did you know?
Shawn, it's been over a year and a half since we visited Scotland and we still talk about how the locals treated us like family. That was from Edinburgh thru to Pitlockery and on to Glenlivet. We are counting the days until we get a chance to go back.
A lot of people of Scottish descent came to the colonies/states through Ulster. They are very fundamentalist protestant and are very conservative.
My Wright forebears were Scots Irish, and my grandparents were quite conservative. So that bit survived so far as their thinking is concerned.
Yes. My family did a stopover in Ulster for a generation, and then on to Tennessee. That branch of the family is both Presbyterian and very, very conservative. However, my grandfather married my grandmother, of Prussian Catholic and Irish (Catholic?) descent. Both lines were career military.
I am not conservative, nor religious, but extremely independent.
Agree. Religion plays a huge role in why many areas of Scottish or Scot-Irish ancestry in the US would be label conservative vs. modern Scotland. I had a conversation about this with my airBNB host when visiting Scotland a couple of years ago. Today religion plays a much smaller role in Scottish culture, so therefore political affiliations are built upon other values. To me, this makes it hard to compare in today's context.
From "Sergeant York" (1941)
Mother York: "That there's bottom land soil, ain't it? Queer how the folks on the bottom looks down on the folks on the top. It was always that way. No changin' it!"
My name is Glenn Duncan and I lived in Edinburg, Texas and my Father was Scott/Irish my mother was Cherokee/ French so there are a lot of Scott Americans
Great explanation about the Scottish liberals and conservatives, now I understand their thinking on Brexit more clearly. Thanks
I wasn't aware that Highland culture had been essentially wiped out in Scotland (or exported). I find it kind of sad. Also, I would have assumed that most Scottish people all knew all about their clans and tartans.
Jane Boo don’t worry, I live in the highlands and our culture is still very much alive and thriving! We know our clans because they are in our surnames, and tartan is still used during special occasions (Highland games, ceilidhs, Mòds, weddings etc) 🏴😊x
The closeness and culture were list affter the '45 uprising. Following the defeat Culloden in the following year, the Britishg government imposed xeiminly harsh conditions on the Highland. Not onlyj was traditional Highland dress outlawed, so,too, was the Gaelib languages
...Oops! So, too was the Gaelic language.This was the same tactic used later by Napoleon Bonaparte in his suppression of local regions, their patois' and cultures into the creation of modern France. A failure to learn the French language denied you and your family access to to education and other rights enjoyed by those who compmlied.
Highland lanords and chieftains were bought and corrupted or bankrupted by the government into abdicatibg their traditionalists loyalties and their people.
With their traditional communities destroyed, many chose or were pushed into leaving their homeland to seek a new life in the 'colonies' - particularly in North
America.
Alot of us actually do. Shaun is wrong about this. I'm the gray clan, the tartan is pretty cool. So is fact my ancestor sir Andrew Gray who scaled Edinburgh castle and slayed English soldiers who had taken it in 1312.
@@nancybennett4972 ALSO SCOTS TROOPS ENFORCED MANY OF THE GOVERNMENT POLICIES. THE ROYAL SCOTS AN EDINBURGH REGIMENT (one of the oldest until recently in The British Army) THE NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS( Ayrshire and No lovers of Jacobites. Scottish or English) and the Campbell Millitia. Argylles Regiment became the Famously Known The Argylle and Sutherland Highlanders. All these Regiments were at Culloden,NOT Fighting for Prince Charlie.Other Scots regiments fighting on behalf of the government were Colonel Gardiners Drragoons and The Glasgow Millitia. Thats a lot of Scotsmen(about 5000 NOT fighting for The Jacobites. It should also be said that there were ENGLISH JACOBITES fighting for Charlie also.
Thank you for talking about important issues that matter between our two groups. All the best to you and yours across the sea, cousin.
I truly appreciate this video and the discussion….brought some new info to me in anticipation of visiting Scotland in the near future. My Grandfather came to America in 1907 after serving in the Gordon Highlanders in South Africa. He was from the Stonehaven area.
Great video, we fell in love with the Scotland we discovered while visiting, lots going for you there we loved it
Thanks for the information. This video should be played on every flight going to Scotland from America.
John Thomas That’s actually a great idea!
I'm going to Highland Games in Dunedin, FL this Saturday. Dunedin is a sister city to Stirling.
Marilyn Madison that’s awesome, and the word Dunedin is also quite significant here to this day
@@shaunvlog And I had my DNA tested and found out last month. Scottish, Irish. English and Welsh. And a little bit of Norwegian and Swedish too. I'm one of those 10% of Americans you mentioned in your video. I enjoy your content. Keep it coming!
Didn't know that! I've always just assumed it was the sister-city to Edinburgh:
"Edinburgh" in Gaelic = "Dùn Èideann"
"Dunedin" in Gaelic = "Dùn Èideann"
Marylin, come visit the one in Orlando (Winter Springs), FL Jan 2020. It's HUGE!
Interested in the topic and look forward to the next video. I for one appreciate that you are willing to educate and discuss topics that are somewhat uncomfortable.
Hi there, new (American/Californian) follower here. 😊 If you haven’t already, I’d love to see a more in-depth explanation of Scottish politics and current events. My husband and I were fortunate enough to take a week-long road trip through Scotland in 2014, which was such an interesting time to be there politically, but we honestly don’t know the first thing about your political system. I’d like to be able to go back soon and not seem completely ignorant I guess, lol. 😂
You need to make the Central Florida Highland Games near Orlando in January. It's become one of the largest events in the USA, and certainly the best I've been to.
Omg thank you, thank you, thank you for this vlog!!!! It was so interesting and I want to get back with you in a few to just voice my opinion and maybe answer a couple questions that you asked..Got to run for now but had to tell you I found this VERY informative!! You covered so much ground in such a small amount of time!!
Great analysis, Shaun. (US-er here) I think you've got a super point, that people who emigrate, possibly in general, may indeed have their original culture get frozen in stone, and may yearn nostalgically for that particular moment even way into the future. Maybe it's analogous to the way that an immigrant's native language patterns may get stuck in time, while back in the old country the language keeps changing, so the speaking styles diverge. (of course, with the Internet this may be somewhat less cast in stone today).
It sounds like the English were successful in erasing Scottish culture after the Jacobite defeat. But without that sacrifice the US may never have won it’s independents.
Servo Exactly!
Servo... *its independence (not apostrophe in "its" and not "independents."
Wrong.
Scottish culture of Lowlanders like me still exists. I live here.
yer bum's oot the windae say that to countless Scots divisions who fought through British empire in Canada Australia etc and who maybe burnt US capitol in 1812
I loved this video! I've already left a massive comment on the part two, so I'll try to be brief here.
From a first-generation Scottish Australian, here's a basic overview of what the Scottish community here is like through the view of an event that happened last weekend: a Highland Games; a dozen pipe bands having a competition; a stage of little kids doing highland dancing in competition; caber toss and hammer-throw; Highland terriers wearing tartan jackets; a dance floor of middle-aged men and women doing country dancing in sets; bilingual signage with Gaelic written under the English; fiddles and harps; someone reading Burns into a microphone; people singing in Gaelic; a row of "Clan Tents", each decked out in their own tartan and proudly bearing their name; a stall selling jewellery made out of pressed heather roots; a marquee distributing haggis and black pudding in a bap with a side of Irn-Bru; so many people in kilts and the persistent feeling that every passer-by knows who you are just by the colour you're wearing.
And yes, at least one small knot of recent Scottish expats standing in the corner finding the whole thing very, very strange.
Thank you for explaining some of your culture /history. I would love to see more historical videos from you.
Yeah, Georgia was a Penal colony the Brits filled with Irish and Scots. The Carolinas were heavily settled by them as well.
Link please.
@@christschool Georgia State History. Charters for the establishment of the Colonies of Georgia, and the Carolinas. Now you have the key words to search. You may even find that the first Declaration of Sovereignty/Constitution was written by a group of Scots living in what is now North Carolina, almost 50 years before our Revolution. John Paul Jones, father of our Navy, was a Scot. Post Revolution the Southern States continued to see an influx of Scots, and Irishmen (Ulstermen as well), and yes I do distinguish between the two when it comes to the Plantation.
Scots/Irish (and couple others) here from georgia
A descendent of the Elliott border reiver clan here in South Carolina.
James Wells My paternal great-great grandparents came from Scotland and settled in Georgia. I can’t get past that point in my research. My dad often talked of the Frasers and that the surname changed when they came to the States, or before they came? The surname was changed to Fry/ Frie. I so much wish I could break through this brick wall and find where in Scotland they came from.
My (obsession) love of Scotland stems from the accent. I hear it and it’s like my soul is filled with sunshine. ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Same!
Which scottish accent?
I did a DNA test and really not surprised. Lol. English, Irish, Scottish, and German. Family came over to USA in early 1700s. Thank you for sharing about what Scottish culture/history is.
Fran Boscow great to hear it Fran 😊
I have all those also,but add 7% Norway and 4% France to it. I was born and raised in East Tennessee .
Yeah, AncestryDNA for me, too. 80+% England, ~13% Scotland, Ireland and Wales, with some Norway and Germanic western Europe thrown in to round out the score.
Only caveat I'd throw in is that the advertising can be a bit misleading, like the ones that tout "my results show I'm related to a blue-eyed, Ginger fisherman from the Hebrides!" Yeah, not so fast, there, Hoss -- you have to have filled out a good portion of your actual family tree for the Ancestry database to toss you potentially relevant data on likely ancestors, as the actual DNA testing won't get you anywhere near that specific, unless your relatives have also taken and submitted AncestryDNA tests.
The larger ethnicity results are informative, though, if only from the standpoint of giving you a "deep history" view of your ancestry. :)
Hello Fran...it seems a lot have similar heritage lines.
We have the same but with some Russian Pole French thrown in from what i have been told....definately French now as my Mrs is half French/English and her forefather on her dads side was a first fleeter.
STEWART CLAN MEMBER. Born in New Brunswick Canada!!! Peace brother!!!! My Family has been in NB Canada since the late 1700s coming from Scotland.
Stewart clan here also. My ancestors emigrated to PEI in early to mid 1700's. My great grandfather moved to Boston in 1870 but frankly, should have stayed in PEI as he was less successful here and died young. My Acadian family has been in Canada since 1620 or so. It's cool to think my family has been in North America for 400 years and however many generations that is.
Im part Scottish and live in NYC, I love my people, both the Scottish and the Americans. So proud to be both.
It should not be forgotten that thousands of American and Canadian troops crossed the Atlantic in two World Wars. Many were landed at a place known as Princes Pier in Greenock on the Clyde. It is not generally known that the shortest sea crossing to North America was considered at that time to be from the Clyde. Liners were used to bring these young men and women accross the Ocean. The rivers many paddle steamers being used to disembark them as the liners could not dock at the quay. I am in my sixties so have met pensioners on the former railway who remembered the Troop Trains going through. The railway though now closed is a fascinating piece of Victorian architecture,comprising of many tunnels,cuttings and a steep gradient from the pier through the towns of Greenock and Port Glasgow to Kilmacolm. It once connected to the National Network in two places so these trains could then access anywhere in Scotland or England and Wales on the Nations once prodigious railway system. Apparently,the trains slowed to walking pace in places,so local children would gather under bridges and on station platforms,the young soldiers would throw sweets and other goodies to the kids as the trains passed. Many years later whilst cycling the other side of the river back in the mid ninetys. I met a family on holiday from the states who had the grandad (a veteran of World War 11) who had been on one of these very trains. The old boys delight at being shown where he and his pals had landed all those years before was quite moving. Especially to someone like myself,born within ten years of WorldWar 11.
It's easy to spot if there above 5,9 and have freckles
Another Great Video!!! HILLBILLIES: definition. INFORMAL•DEROGATORY
1. an unsophisticated country person, associated originally with the remote regions of the Appalachians.
Hillbillies are the Highlanders that left Scotland and came to America. When you visit North Carolina, they can tell you all about Hillbillies. They will enjoy telling you about them.
It’s a very Rich and interesting culture. Enjoy your time in North Carolina.
Actually, the people of Appalachia in the Southern US are mostly of Scots-Irish descent (Ulster Scots). Highlanders were a very small part of Scottish immigration to the US.
"Scotch Irish" if you please.
@@georgemartin4963 Yes! My mother's people were Scotch-Irish from Kentucky. Scotch is an old form of Scots. Scotch-Irish is a name they gave themselves. Outside of the US they are called Ulster Scots. I get tired of people correcting people who say "Scotch-Irish." As I said, it's a name we (on my mother's side) called ourselves. One can say Scots-Irish if they want, but don't correct those who call themselves Scotch-Irish.
Well said.
My people were Ulster Scots from south west Scotland. Presbyterians. They came to Pennsylvania and then followed the Great wagon Road down into the Appalachian Mountains and eventually stayed in North West North Carolina. They were also on the American side in the war of independence.
You need to read the book: BORN FIGHTING: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America by James Webb.
That’s a very good book. It needs to be taught. But it won’t.
I was absolutely gutted when Scotland did not vote for Independence. My grandfather came from Dunfermline and I was hoping to get Scottish citizenship if you went Indy. I’ve been to Scotland a number of times and love it so much!!!! Happily I’ve made lovely friends in Scotland and never felt the least rejected!
Do not be gutted,alot of Scots were over the moon,it saved the horrible thought of NOT HAVING A PENSION IN OLD AGE ! And it comes about sooner than one might think laddie' I remember going to see Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac,The Floyd,Purple and Taste as if it was yesterday. That was fifty years ago.
Will never happen, Scotland is British
Hi clan Donald in New Hampshire in September we have the the World Championship Highland Games at at Loon Mtn. and gathering of the clans. It's a hell of a good time, keep up the good job love your stuff!
This was one of the most enlightening videos I ever heard regarding Scottish history. I guess it’s like visiting Dublin vs Belfast?
This is a really fascinating subject for a series, Shaun! Can't wait for the rest of the series. :)
Wow! I seriously learned so much from this vlog..... and I'm only 9 minutes into it.... Might have to edit the comment by the end to add more.
Well put Shaun, I agree, in the US we do have that 18th century Scottish connection all over the east coast and in Canada as well. Every state has those Scottish enclaves where the place-names are still recognized as Scottish.
I had Scottish relatives that moved to Guelph, Ontario Canada and the United States. I’m also learning Gaelic. I know most people don’t speak it, but my grandmother could speak it so I just wanted to know it. I know my family tree and all my family tartans. I think it’s wonderful to be Scottish. It’s such a beautiful country. I’m related to the Shaw, Stewart, McClan and McGregor Clans. I would never want to offend anyone from Scotland. I just love everything about Scotland and would love to visit one day. So glad I found your channel. Maybe I can learn more about how Scotland is today!
Very fascinating conversation. Enjoyed it. Thank you.
Just found you today and Ive been on a bing with your videos. Glad I turned the bell on. And can’t wait for you to come visit us in North Carolina.
awesome to hear and i'm really glad to have you here 😀👍
My family came from Ayrshire then to Ulster Ireland and finally to Virginia in the very late 1690s to early 1700s
The lack of education about our respective country’s history is true in the US, too. We have the most amazing founding documents in the Constitution and many college students don’t know what rights are protected or what the Amendments mean. Tragic. I think that most people in the US, Liberal or Conservative, admire the underdog-rebel, generally. We like the guy fighting the establishment. Both parties have government control at points so both parties can be seen as establishment or under-dog. Liberal and Conservative parties run old white guys for the top position. We admire the Highland independent basically. I didn’t know they were all history.
I’ve attended many Highland Game festivals in the US and look forward to hearing your impressions and maybe even criticisms.
Worse than that. Many are being taught that they are bad. :( The Electoral College for example...
SGlitz - you make an excellent point. I think that there’s a trend toward homogenization of the world’s politics and governance that might one day make us all less individual.
@@robcog1451 oh that is where it is going. It's called, "Diversity and Inclusion " funnily enough.
Rob...I agree that the US is always for the underdog. I know I am! I think a lot of it is how our country was founded and gained our freedom... The revolution etc. And yes, the individual fighting oppression of any kind to gain and keep personal freedom. That's where I feel the Highland culture and the beginnings of America are so much the same.
@@SGlitz If I understood you correctly I agree...Our high-schools and colleges are not teaching accurate American history anymore. They have altered it to fit a leftist agenda believe it or not. Former governor, Mike Huckabee, has a DVD series out for young people ( or anyone) on the facts of our history. Very good. About the electoral college: The founding father's in their brilliance got it right. If the electoral college were to be abolished (bad idea!) Only the coasts and its big cities would vote in our President and other govt officials! All the huge area in between... I.e. the Heartland.. would not matter due to population etc. KEEP the electoral college. It is fair and the right thing to do. Also...our constitution...its worked..the old saying in general...if it's not broken don't fix it. I support our Constitution as is.
Just subscribed at the suggestion of my cousin. Enjoyed your most recent vlog very much! Looking forward to following your talks.
Shaun, thanks for the education. The wife and I are visiting Scotland in March, and trying to prepare myself, and your videos help. The situation is difficult to see such a wide difference in our Scottish American Culture. My Grandma’s Grandad came to the USA in the 1880’s, so I was raised on stories passed down. Most of my family left after the 45, and we have a rich heritage., but will be mindful of the difference when I visit.
I can see that. P.S you’ve have taught me something, thank you Shaun
Doctor Who had a companion who was a Scottish Highlander, Jaime McCrimmon. He is referenced by Outlander because the author was a fan if Doctor Who. ;)
it is Scottish heritage month here in the States, in fact this coming weekend I will be going to our annual San Antonio Scottish Society Highland Games and Celtic Festival yep this Saturday and Sunday April 6 and 7
I am seeing this video obviously very late, but I would love to still be part of this discussion. It makes a lot more sense to me now after seeing your perspective and your history
Thanks Shaun, for that very informative political explanation.
Scotland also Changed because of the industrial Revelation and this happen all around the world. When a nation goes industrial most people leave the farms for the cities because factories need plenty of workers and the same happen in Scotland as did other parts of the UK and the world.
Uncle Sam (initials U.S.) is a common national personification of the American government or the United States in general that, according to legend, came into use during the War of 1812 and was supposedly named for Samuel Wilson. The actual origin is by a legend. Since the early 19th century, Uncle Sam has been a popular symbol of the US government in American culture and a manifestation of patriotic emotion.[While the figure of Uncle Sam represents specifically the government, represents the United States as a nation.
I had no idea! Thank you for explaining the origin!
@@cynthiarose7833 i had to look it up...lol
Way to go!!!
I've often heard that the great folk players from Scotland will travel to Nova Scotia to learn traditional Scottish music because that's where it remained unchanged for 100+ years. It's really unfortunate, but seems that repressing history happens everywhere, Scotland is not alone, we've done it here in the states as well.
It is also true that performers from these communities (e g. Nova Scotia, Cape Breton etc.} regularly come these days to perform at the many, thriving traditional, music. festivals throughout the length and breadth of Scotland.
Yeah, the Cape Breton fiddling tradition has some of the oldest roots in the world, right up there with the Shetland fiddling tradition
I dont think Scottish Music has ever been " Repressed. " Esp by the English. In fact it became all the rage after Georges visit in 1822, and has been very popular ever since.
Love it Shaun and subscribed too.
My great grandfather came to the US from Scotland, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Wait, what?!? I won’t see kilt wearing bag pipe playing dudes during our upcoming visit to Scotland? 🥴
Seriously though, I didn’t know about the politics of Scotland. I appreciate and enjoy your videos.
Patty Barone yeahhhhhyawill😉
I went to Scotland in 1998, and saw quite a few bag pipers in kilts. One particular place was at the castle on Loch Ness (can’t spell it, but it sounds like Urchahart). A bag piper in full regalia was walking back and forth on the wall playing a bag pipe. I saw a couple of guys in kilts on the street in Edinburgh too. Not sure what was going on but there was a few. Maybe for tourism lol.
Come to the highlands as islands! You’ll still see a ton of kilt playing, Gaelic Speaking people here! We’re very proud of our culture on the West Coast, it’s more the lowlands, east and central belt that do not identify with this culture (and arguably never did) X 🏴😊
Christiana HRC Thanks! I surely will put that on my itinerary. Thanks for the tip. I welcome all tips. 😊
Tricia Barone no problem, happy to help. I hope you enjoy your time here!
DO A VIDEO ON JOHN MUIR. GREATEST EXAMPLE OF A SCOTISH AMERICAN WHO STARTED THE IDEA OF NATIONALLY PROTECTED PARKS
Shawn if you take this suggestion, I could help. I live in Martinez, CA, USA where John Muir's home is. I could give you some pictures and / or video of the site.
Our national parks: America's best idea. I totally agree!
fleischer236 great idea I’d love to learn more about him, plus we have a John muir park near my home in Edinburgh too. A global legend
Muir was one of the first to hike thru the Everglades and predict mans destruction of them if not protected.
The issue of Scotland forgetting their heritage and history is not isolated to Scotland itself, but to the whole of the UK. As an outsider looking in, I see the signs clearly: overwhelming immigration, value - destroying liberalism, and a general loss of identity. This breaks my heart to no end.
Yes, as you can probably tell, I am conservative (smile), and of a Scottish heritage. Our family was thrown out of Scotland for being trouble makers back in the 18th century but we never forgot where we came from.
If a man doesn't know where he came from, nor who his family is, how can he really know who he is and where he is going?
Great video. Keep it up.
John Calvin Hall Well said!!
We are having the same issue here in the US
I absolutely love your blog. You are opening my eyes to your country and its really interesting to hear your views on it. Keep'm coming!!!
This is fascinating and a great conversation starter.
So exciting! I'm a North Carolinian! When are you coming to my great state and where are you going too? I would love to meet you.
Yes, me too!!
Yes, I would love to know as well. Emma Taylor, what part of North Carolina? Right now we are in Roxboro, but my family still lives in Snow Camp and Burlington.
Just outside Charlotte. In Gastonia
I've been thinking about your talking points. The biggest thing about the US is that we're a Young Country we haven't reached 250 years yet and so we know our history back to before we came here. Yes those of us with Scottish and Irish Heritage tend to have been the rebels who were forced out of their Homelands. This gives us a bit of a sour taste for England as we through them out. I'm seeing our draw to Scotland as a search for out family trees roots.
As to the Scots not knowing or caring much about tartans and clan names. I see this as an extension of the British crackdown in the 17th and 18th Centuries. where the people were forbidden from wearing tartans. The kilts and plaids came back in the late 18th century. At that time the kilt became the short or small kilt with or without a Plaid Shoulder piece. and began being worn Regimental (nothing is worn under the kilt, it's all in perfect working order).
I ramble because I love my history. Long before Gabaldon, I was a fan of the Scottish trails Not really that different from the trail of tears of our own Native populations. Driven from their lands to farther and farther places. I could probably teach a class in it.
your knowledge of your history is flawed if you blame the English for the highland clearances!
Pj Moseley. Indirectly the British government was responsible for the clearances, The harshness and cruelty imposed by them on the Highlands following Culloden destroyed the 'family' nature of the relationship between the chieftain and his kin. With no support and being treated like traitors in their own land,
a leaderless people had few options. Their defeated demoralised and impoverished laird's were reduced to effectively selling their birthright by encouraging (often cruelly enforcing) the removal of the human population in favour of the more lucrative sheep or as grouse moors where the wealthy could enjoying shooting and killing game..
@@nancybennett4972 what are grouse moors?
@@nancybennett4972 The kin-like relationship died in the middle ages, centuries before the clearances. The Anglo-Scots (who have been here since the 7th century and are no less Scottish than the Gaels, who invaded the land and Gaelicised it) introduced a feudal system and the clans went along with it. Also pre-clearances the Scottish aristocracy and mercantile class sold the independence of Scotland to recoup their losses in the Darien scheme.
Wow... the British actually “killed off” the Scottish traditions... that’s such a shame!!
Yes!
The English outlawed our language,, our traditions, our clothes, even our music.
@@albagubrath9073 Uhhh you forgot to mention that lowlanders were the ones most enthusiastic about eliminating your culture even more than us.
@SirSnufflelots I am Scoottish, born and bred and proud to state that fact. I have never said I was British and I never will.
Saor Alba 🏴
@@simpsonbandit65 same
just found your channel very good video. when you said NC Highland games i hope u got to go the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games a lot of celtic pride in the South. A lot of the early South in the USA were Scotch-Irish (or Ulster-Scots). It still influences our music, traditions, sense of family.