Of Scottish Pride...

Scot? Scottish? Scotch? I checked out the use of these..but more on that later....

Had heard about Scottish pride and their passionate nationalism. The LSE had primed us for this through a series of seminars on devolution of political power, and the aspirations for nationalism. But still was not quite prepared for what we encountered…..the England is a country, Britain = Eng + Wales + Scotland, UK= Britain + Northern Ireland notwithstanding, Scotland is a unique experience.

The visible manifestations are obvious – the kilts, the tartan covers and bagpipes. But underlying all of this, is a strong feel of we-are –a –separate- nation feel. The technicalities include: The Queen is the queen of Scots, not Queen of Scotland, Elizabeth the II is the Elizabeth I for Scotland ( Rationale: Scotland was not a part of England/ UK when Elizabeth 1 was on the throne. This happened after the 1707 treaty ) – and so on! Interestingly, Scotland prints it’s own Pound notes ( which do not have the Queen on the note) issued by it’s local banks. Scottish law in most matters remains different- both civil and criminal. Little subtleties here and there- but leaves you with a feel that it is a little more evolved than the English one. Now, any Scotsman talking to us would rub this in!!

Learnt also that Edinburgh is also a major financial centre – and the banks here are very strong and powerful. Why? Have not quite fathomed it.

Now, at about 5 million ( a pop of say, Pune) - the whole of Scotland is not really very densely populated. Indeed, it is under 10% of the UK pop, so not really a major force in the electoral arithmetic. However, they do seem to have the right people in power - the current PM included! With a natural divide of the Highlanders and the "low landers" - the former divided into a number of proud clans themselves, there is a lot to divide Scotland.

We met a cross section of people- a former First Minister ( now internally called Prime Minister), the EU Commission and the European Parliament offices, a think tank on governance ( who was lost lost in his passion fr Scotland, behind his mighty, mighty beard) as well the normal junta - our bus driver included. The themes remained the same.

Will be careful now not to say English if I mean British, and certainly not club England and Scotland together.

Interestingly, noticed what Howard had pointed out - major buildings all fly atleast three flags- Scotland, UK and EU. The EU link is a big one. And flags do look nice and handsome fluttering in the strong winds. Very peppy.The picture here has the hotel flag not the EU one though!

have not bought a kilt, but must say I gave it a good thought! But had Haggis for breakfas - look it up!