About Scotland

Heritage

Pipes, Kilts and Tartan

At one time these quintessential Scottish icons were associated only with the Highlands, but in the modern age they have become symbols of Scotland the nation… from Gretna Green to Shetland today young men get married in kilts, the fans of the national football team is called the Tartan Army and the skirl of the war pipes sends a shiver down your spine no matter your ethnic origin - true Scottish soul music.

Ironically, following the Jacobite uprising of the 18th century, all of the above were proscribed by a British government over zealous to quell a clan system which was regarded as a threat to the state. It was when the same government realised it could channel the martial spirit of the clans into the Highland regiments of the British Army that the symbols of rebellion and treason, became attractive icons of a quaint corner of the Empire, ideal for a splash of colour and drama. When Sir Walter Scott convinced George 1V to don Highland garb for the pageant of his visit in 1822, royal approval was sealed and the kilt and tartan became fashionable. It has been so ever since, despite the concerns of many Scots that it is an image which distorts the reality of the modern nation. Those who promote the country abroad, however, realise it is an attractive marketing tool which is instantly recognisable anywhere in the world.

During the Summer there are Highland Games every weekend somewhere in Scotland, many such as Braemar e.g. are of great antiquity, indeed the Games held at Ceres in Fife are reckoned to descend from the celebrations following the Scottish victory over the English at Bannockburn in 1314.