Highlands of Scotland
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
BRIEF DESCRIPTION :
Lumpy and Wet.
LOCATION :
The North West of the United Kingdom, this is about the only place where you can find true descendants of true Scottish Folk - a dying breed - in the world today.
HISTORY :
In common with most Scots, a lot of the Highlanders originated from Ireland. However, most of them can trace their descendants back to the Nordic Races. This is evidenced by many of the place names in the Highlands, such as Laxdale, meaning 'valley of the Salmon' in a Nordic Type language.
One of the major features of the history of the area is known as 'The Highland Clearances'. This was an event in the past which resulted in many highlanders being forcefully exported to other countries (Australia and Canada in particular) in order to free up more space for sheep to graze. Most of the time the sheep belonged to an English Landlord and led - in the past - to great animosity between the two nations, culminating in the battle of culloden (April 14 1746 - a wednesday).
This was the last major land battle fought on UK shores, and is popularly viewed as a battle between English and Scots. This is not strictly true. The battle was fought between 'The Highlanders' and a combination of English and other Scots ('The Lowlanders').
Noted for their extremly friendly disposition, the highlanders are a hardy bunch who DO NOT walk around all day wearing kilts and shouting 'Och Aye'. Instead, most highlanders - while proud of their Scottish Roots, fulfill their day like any other modern nation - going to work, having dinner, going to the local for a few jars, sleeping with their spouse/partner.
One of the main imports to the area are called Tourists. These can be easily spotted as they will be the only people to be found wearing kilts and shouting 'Och Aye' in a dismal attempt at a Scottish Accent. Alternatively, they can be identified as the only people looking round the local scenery with more than common interest.
One of the main exports of the area are called 'Tourists with Midge Bites'. Midge Bites are not a new form of vegetable spread for toast, but rather little red spots congregating in the nether regions.
The Midge (pronounce midgee) is a small fly that hangs around the lochs of the area, feeding of unwary tourists and fishermen.
While the scenery can be quite spectacular - comprising wide open glens (pastures) and many notable viewpoints - usually from the top of a hill, it can also lead to feelings of isolation. The population of London (England) is approximately 5 times that of the population of the highlands, which covers a much larger area.
NEW YEAR :
Especially New Years Eve. Traditionally celebrated by getting legless in many local pubs, or visiting neighbours to drink all their alchohol before moving on. Celebrations can last for weeks at this time of year, with many Ceilidhs (dances) and merriment had by all. As opposed to the English, who celebrate Christmas more at this time of year, New Year is probably the main social time for Highlanders to get together.
Lumpy and Wet.
LOCATION :
The North West of the United Kingdom, this is about the only place where you can find true descendants of true Scottish Folk - a dying breed - in the world today.
HISTORY :
In common with most Scots, a lot of the Highlanders originated from Ireland. However, most of them can trace their descendants back to the Nordic Races. This is evidenced by many of the place names in the Highlands, such as Laxdale, meaning 'valley of the Salmon' in a Nordic Type language.
One of the major features of the history of the area is known as 'The Highland Clearances'. This was an event in the past which resulted in many highlanders being forcefully exported to other countries (Australia and Canada in particular) in order to free up more space for sheep to graze. Most of the time the sheep belonged to an English Landlord and led - in the past - to great animosity between the two nations, culminating in the battle of culloden (April 14 1746 - a wednesday).
This was the last major land battle fought on UK shores, and is popularly viewed as a battle between English and Scots. This is not strictly true. The battle was fought between 'The Highlanders' and a combination of English and other Scots ('The Lowlanders').
Noted for their extremly friendly disposition, the highlanders are a hardy bunch who DO NOT walk around all day wearing kilts and shouting 'Och Aye'. Instead, most highlanders - while proud of their Scottish Roots, fulfill their day like any other modern nation - going to work, having dinner, going to the local for a few jars, sleeping with their spouse/partner.
One of the main imports to the area are called Tourists. These can be easily spotted as they will be the only people to be found wearing kilts and shouting 'Och Aye' in a dismal attempt at a Scottish Accent. Alternatively, they can be identified as the only people looking round the local scenery with more than common interest.
One of the main exports of the area are called 'Tourists with Midge Bites'. Midge Bites are not a new form of vegetable spread for toast, but rather little red spots congregating in the nether regions.
The Midge (pronounce midgee) is a small fly that hangs around the lochs of the area, feeding of unwary tourists and fishermen.
While the scenery can be quite spectacular - comprising wide open glens (pastures) and many notable viewpoints - usually from the top of a hill, it can also lead to feelings of isolation. The population of London (England) is approximately 5 times that of the population of the highlands, which covers a much larger area.
NEW YEAR :
Especially New Years Eve. Traditionally celebrated by getting legless in many local pubs, or visiting neighbours to drink all their alchohol before moving on. Celebrations can last for weeks at this time of year, with many Ceilidhs (dances) and merriment had by all. As opposed to the English, who celebrate Christmas more at this time of year, New Year is probably the main social time for Highlanders to get together.
