Common Misconceptions about Scotland and the United Kingdom

It never ceases to bug me how little people know about Scotland. Of course, I totally understand that people can’t know everything about every country in the world, but admit it – you’d get a bit bothered if people constantly got your history so very, very wrong, right?

So, for what little good it will do, I’m gonna clear up some common misconceptions about Scotland and the United Kingdom here.

The United Kingdom

 

Sometimes, people, particularly in the US, are a bit confused as to exactly what the UK consists of. The UK is Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The rest of Ireland (the lighter green part of the island) is it’s own, independent country. Sometimes people think it’s part of the UK – it’s not, so be careful with that!

Basically, each country in the UK is like an American State (well, except England… it’s complex.) – The UK as a whole is governed by the British Parliament in Westminster, London. However, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own “devolved parliaments”, with certain powers over their countries – somewhat like the Federal and State division in the US. However, England does not have it’s own government, and is represented solely by Westminster.

While I say the situation is somewhat akin to American states, I think it’s worth pointing out that, unlike American states, as they exist today, with the states beyond the original 13 all having been settled by Americans with the intention of the new lands joining America, the Countries that make up the United Kingdom all have long histories as independent states –thus, each have distinct national cultures that are probably far greater than the differences between, say, an inhabitant of California and an inhabitant of Maine, despite the greater physical distance in the latter case. In fact, Scotland, Ireland and Wales all have native, Celtic languages, totally unrelated to the Germanic English language, though, in Scotland, Gaelic is spoken by a small minority.

To make matters even more complicated, there are substantial, though not in the majority, groups in Scotland, Wales, and particularly Northern Ireland (which has suffered greatly over the years over the issue of being in the Union) who advocate seceding from the UK. Thus, while “British” is a catch all term for people living in the UK, you may find that people prefer to be called by their “proper” nationality.

For example, and here’s where I may stir things up politically with any British readers, I support Scottish independence. I bear no ill will to any of the other countries in the UK, I just feel we should be independent, and as such, I object to being called “British” instead of “Scottish.” It doesn’t offend me, I just don’t consider myself to be British, as such. However, calling me “English” does offend me – because I feel that shows a great deal of ignorance about how the UK works.

Scotland

Firstly, and most importantly – Braveheart is not an entirely accurate portrayal of Scottish history. I know, I know, it’s hard to believe – but there’s a lot wrong with it, historically. It’s a fantastic film, however – don’t let inaccuracy spoil it for you.

The most standout one, in a way, is also the least important. You know how they are all wearing blue face paint (woad) and kilts? Well, those are both anachronisms. Woad was utilised by the Picts, who were the original, inhabitants of Scotland. It was most certainly not used in the 13th-14th centuries. And in the other direction, kilts, especially not of the style in the film, were not actually worn by Scots until much later!

Also, perhaps influenced by Braveheart, there are misconceptions about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and how Scotland came to join with England.

William Wallace

 

William Wallace was “Guardian of Scotland” – he was not, at any point, in the running for King of Scotland. Basically, he was a general.

Robert the Bruce

 

The Scottish Monarchy did not end with The Bruce. While the Bruce dynasty was short lived, Scotland continued to have it’s own Kings and Queens from the mid 1300’s, when the wars of Independence finally came to a close, until the 17th Century, when the Scottish Monarch also became the English Monarch.

The Union of Scotland and England

 

I rarely see this, but I do see it often enough for it to make me /facepalm. The Union of Scotland and England was entirely peaceful. There was no war involved. Some people seem to think we were put to the sword and made to join – not quite. As stated above, the two countries started sharing a monarch in the 17th century. In the early 18th Century – 1707 to be exact – the two countries joined together to form Great Britain. While the Union was peaceful, it was also incredibly unpopular in Scotland at the time.

Silly things

 

As much as we like to tease foreigners about it, and Scottish readers will be so cross with me for unveiling our great lie – Haggis is not a real animal. We do not chase it round mountains. It’s just meat in a sheep gut. No, I have never tried it, and I do not intend to.

Similarly, The Loch Ness Monster doesn’t exist. Well, to the best of my knowledge. Who can really say? I mean, it’s a pretty murky Loch, and very deep… If there’s something there though, it’s damn well not a plesiosaur. Seriously people.

We do not wear kilts all the time. I have worn a kilt once in my life, for my high school leavers Ceilidh and the only time I anticipate wearing one again is if I get married.

We most certainly do not all sound like Groundskeeper Willie! See here for an example of how I speak. Nothing alike!

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There we go! The more you know!

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