A Very Special Relationship - American And Scotland

America has a strong Scottish Diaspora; many among these America Scots are those with familial ties dating back several generations. Nonetheless their connection with Scotland and their Scottish roots plays a key part in their identity. Evidence suggests that this sense of Scottishness is growing. In 2005 around 300 Highland Games were held in North America, there were 150 clan societies and there were around 1,900 pipe bands. Highland dancing too has increased in popularity today there are over 200 Scottish dancing groups in the US. Pipe bands and highland dancers come together to celebrate their roots and provide entertainment at Highland games. The size of such games dwarfs similar events in Scotland. With the largest US games attracting more than 30,000 attendees.

Is in the Southern states of America that Scottish heritage is most celebrated with such events, which is an interesting dynamic as migrants from Scotland mostly settled in the Northern states. While many in the South have Scottish sounding surnames historically the connection is with Celtic names from Ireland. The South attracted many settlers from Ireland in the 1800's.

While tartan, highland games and Scottish dancing can all be found in Scotland, Scottish Americans have introduced a number of customs of their own such as the Kirkin o' the Tartan whereby tartans are blessed in a church

The military use of tartan and the idea of the highland warrior are all very much a part of Scots American's sense of identity. This is particularly in evidence at Highland games and the large array of dirks, broadswords claymores and targes on display. Another integral part of Americans Scottish identity is the idea that Scottish ancestors were driven out by force after the Jacobite uprising which led to the Highland clearances by the British.

Given the resonance of the highland warrior it is not surprising that American visitors looking to connect with their roots make a trip to the Highlands. Figures from Visit Scotland, show that the majority Americans visit the Highlands and Grampians, whether there ancestors were from that area of Scotland or not. Visitors are generally interested in seeing the important battlefield in the Jacobite struggle such as the Field of Culloden, as well as taking in highland events in Scotland. Visitors also have a chance to buy traditional items that are made in Scotland such as the iconic Harris Tweed and made to measure kilts in the family tartans.

Highlandism first developed in Scotland, in the 18th century when emigrants took the Scottish symbols such as tartan, highland games and clan membership with them. In Scotland too such symbols are key to a sense of heritage, with most Scots proudly displaying their family tartan at weddings, graduations and other formal events, as well as identifying with a particular clan. Clan crested items such as sporrans, plaid brooches and sgain dubhs are also popular in Scotland and America.

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