The Royal National Mòd is a celebration of the Gaelic language and culture and is held annually in the west and north of Scotland. Many schools in the west of Scotland either have a Gaelic unit or teach Gaelic as a second language. Although the language is in decline, there are many efforts to keep the Gaelic language and culture alive. Gaelic LanguageĪt the last census of 2011 there were almost 60,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland, mostly confined to the Gaelic Heartland, the Outer Hebrides, and the other Hebridean Islands and the north-west coast. There are annually more than 100 gatherings of the clans, which draw many visitors to the Highlands. Currently there are more than 500 active clans registered all over the world and they all play an important role in maintaining and celebrating the Scottish traditions. The clans aren’t something from the past, they are still here today. The most renowned one is probably the Edinburgh Woollen Mill at the beginning of the Royal Mile.

Visit one of the many Woollen Mills you’ll find all over Scotland for some tartan related products. I have heard that there are currently over 4,500 different tartans and you can even have your own tartan if you like. Nowadays the kilt is no longer a historic dress but a national costume, proudly worn for special occasions such as weddings etc. Each clan had its own colourful pattern for weaving cloth and these patterns are called a tartan. The traditional garment of the Highland clansmen is the kilt (belted plaid), which is suitable for climbing the rough hills. Each clan was ruled by a chief, and the members of a clan claimed descent from a common ancestor. Many years ago the ruggedness of the land led to the separation of the Highlanders into small groups called clans. But let’s start with the typical images some of us have and deal with the other things that make the Scots Scottish later.

It must be said though that this image is up to a certain point valid for the Highland-Gaelic area but doesn’t include the lowlands of Scotland although most people, and specially the tourist agents, want us to belief that. For most outsiders Scotland is about clans, battles, kilts, tartan etc. What is it that makes the Scots Scottish? And if you think of Scotland or its inhabitants what is the first thing that springs to mind? The history and the clans perhaps? The beautiful landscape? The castles? The bagpipes? The Highland Games? Or is it whisky? Fact is that you are likely to find some unique features in Scotland and its people that you won’t find easily, and originally, anywhere else in the world.

Highlander scotland