Scottish Blog

Tartanry is the term coined for the stereotypes of Scottish culture portrayed to the world.

The ideas behind Tartanry have made Scotland a country which is perceived to have a readily identifiable culture throughout the minds of many in the world. Unfortunately, these same ideas are often misinterpreted or even invented facts.

In essence Tartanry refers to the numerous clicked and even “kitsch” elements of Scottish culture which have been emphasized and portrayed to the rest of the world as a means of promoting Scotland or any ideas associated with it. Generally this involves imagery of tartans (thus the term Tartanry), although it is not limited to these, with kilts and bagpipes.

There are arguments both in support and opposition of Tartanry. Those against it take offense at the whole of Scottish culture and history being represented by a pseudo 17th century image of the Scottish Highlands, which while in elements might be accurate it does in no way go far enough to explain all of Scottish culture.

While on the other hand, Tartanry is also said to be a positive element for Scotland as without wholly alienating anyone, the Scottish tourism industry and Hollywood film industry is instantly able to draw recognition from any person in the world. Further it has been argued that certain elements of Tartanry have been responsible for returning many people to their Scottish roots, to appreciate the culture, history and Scottish clan system that they might have otherwise ignored.

Tartanry is the term coined for the stereotypes of Scottish culture portrayed to the world.

The ideas behind Tartanry have made Scotland a country which is perceived to have a readily identifiable culture throughout the minds of many in the world. Unfortunately, these same ideas are often misinterpreted or even invented facts.

In essence Tartanry refers to the numerous clicked and even “kitsch” elements of Scottish culture which have been emphasized and portrayed to the rest of the world as a means of promoting Scotland or any ideas associated with it. Generally this involves imagery of tartans (thus the term Tartanry), although it is not limited to these, with kilts and bagpipes.

There are arguments both in support and opposition of Tartanry. Those against it take offense at the whole of Scottish culture and history being represented by a pseudo 17th century image of the Scottish Highlands, which while in elements might be accurate it does in no way go far enough to explain all of Scottish culture.

While on the other hand, Tartanry is also said to be a positive element for Scotland as without wholly alienating anyone, the Scottish tourism industry and Hollywood film industry is instantly able to draw recognition from any person in the world. Further it has been argued that certain elements of Tartanry have been responsible for returning many people to their Scottish roots, to appreciate the culture, history and clan system that they might have otherwise ignored.

Doune Castle is said to be one of the finest examples of 14th century castle building and modern-day castle preservation.

Doune Castle is located thirteen kilometres north-west of Stirling, in the Stirling region of Scotland. Specifically, Doune Castle is situated on the banks of the River Forth and one of its tributaries. This location made it ideal for defence, as the two waterways stretch in such a way as to cover three sides of the castle.

Doune Castle was constructed at the end of the 14th century, under the command of Robert Stewart. Although there are no records confirming the fact, it is believed that the location was home to previous fortifications. Beyond the ideal location for fortifications, the name Doune is also evidence to such a claim. Doune is a derivation of the Gaelic word “dùn”, which translates to “fort”.

Records show that Doune castle has stayed in possession of the Stewart Clan since its construction. As such it has always enjoyed a certain amount of respect and use amongst Scottish nobles, with even Mary, Queen of the Scots, using it as a retreat. Although during the Jacobite Uprising it took a more sombre tome, as it was being used as a prison by the Jacobites to hold government supporters.

Yet today Doune Castle is run by Historic Scotland, and as such is open to the public.

Celtic Connections is a festival celebrating Celtic culture and music.

Celtic Connections draws much parallels to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, festival, albeit with a modern twist and almost paradoxically an emphasis on more traditional aspects of Scottish life. Like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Celtic connections has grown from its relatively small roots and expanded to become both an integral aspect of its field of art and an important event in terms of its economic benefits.

Celtic Connections began in 1994, in Glasgow, Scotland. Its humble beginning saw only 32,000 people attend the event, which was spread out over one single venue. As a stark contrast, the current incarnation of Celtic Connections saw over 100,000 people attend the 2006 event, which was spread out over ten individual venues. It is also believed that in coming years the event will expand its influence by broadcasting all events, plus extras over the internet.

Celtic Connections can be thought to be divided into two individual aspects. The first is a series of morning concerts aimed at children, with the prime purpose of fostering an acceptance and appreciation of Celtic culture.
The other important aspect of Celtic connections is of course the Celtic music, although in line with the changing times and musical tastes this is more often Celtic inspired, then traditional Celtic fare.

The Edinburgh Military is one of the most recognised military tattoo type performances in the world.

It is believed that the modern Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival is witnessed by as many as 217,000. Of these, it is believed that roughly 70,000 are visitors from outside of the United Kingdom. Accompanied with an estimated 100 million viewers by television, it can be said with great confidence that the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a very popular event.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo was first held in 1950. Compared to today, it must be said that the original eight event line-up is minuscule compared to the current extravagant programmes. In fact, so far the Edinburgh Military Tattoo has seen over thirty different nations represented in the festivities and the largest gathering of military of pipers and drummers in history.

The immense changes found in the varying line-up of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is reflected in the current incarnation of the military tattoo tradition and its original roots. Military tattoo was created for a distinct purpose within the military. In the late 1800’s when the British military was engaged outside of the United Kingdom, drummers would be sent out into town at 9:30Pm to advise local barmen to turn of their taps and stop pouring beer for the British troops. This tradition was called Doe den tap toe. This eventually grew into a form of entertainment for locals, which eventually led to soldiers creating more extravagant and intricate performances. This then grew into military tattoo as it is today, from which the Edinburgh Military Tattoo was born.

1694-1760

Lord George Murray was a Scottish general, most remembered for his role in the Jacobite Uprising of 1745.

Lord George Murray was born in Huntingtower, near Perth, Scotland on the 4th of October, 1694. He began his military career at the age of eighteen and within three years had joined the Jacobite Uprising. It is said that Lord George Murray, along with his brothers joined the uprising forces, against very strong wishes of his father, current chief of Clan Murray (http://www.scottish-heirloom.com/murray_clan/index.html ), John Murray.

Following a defeat and collapse of the 1715 Jacobite Uprising, Lord George Murray was captured, although managed to escape to France. Reliable sources of information in regards to his activities in France were not kept, and therefore it is hard to trace his exact steps. Although, it is know that by 1719, Lord George Murray was back in the Western Highlands fighting for the Jacobite cause.

Lord George Murray continued to fight for the cause of the Jacobite Uprising in the time leading to the second Jacobite Uprising. In that time he also got married and had five children, three sons and two daughters.

Records suggest that Lord George Murray was already having doubts about the leadership and skill of the Bonnie Prince Charlie and his ability to lead to the Jacobite Uprising. These feelings seemed to surface throughout the campaign.

Following the defeat of the second Jacobite Uprising, Lord George Murray escaped to continental Europe and travelled until his death on the 11th of October, 1760, at the age of 66.

Meal Monday was a holiday unique to Scottish universities.

Meal Monday was a tradition observed the four ancient universities of Scotland (University of St. Andrews, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh). As university culture has changed greatly since the inception of such institutions, it is difficult to understand how different the lifestyle of a student would have been. The concept of the Meal Monday is an indicator of such differences.

Meal Monday came about because of the student’s need for sustenance and fire fuel. Those stuffing at any of the ancient universities were expected to provide for themselves entirely, which included all food and anything else needed to survive. Predominantly it can be said that those studying did not originally come from the towns in which they were studying, as such, a journey to “restock” in their originally home towns would normally take at least a day. Meal Monday was facilitated so that on that day students were able to travel for more stocks and not have any lectures which they would miss.

The Meal Monday tradition has been in place at the University of Edinburgh as recently as 1895, with Meal Monday occurring on the first Monday of every month. In the present day (and since 1896) the tradition has been celebrated on the second Monday of every February.

The Battle of Falkirk is one of the last instances of the second Jacobite Uprising which the Jacobites could have claimed as a success.

The 17th of January, 1746, saw the Battle of Falkirk take place in Falkirk, Scotland. The two forces facing were the English, led by Henry Hawley, and the Jacobites, led by the Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) and Lord George Murray. The English had approximately seven thousand men at their disposal, compared the Scottish five thousand.

According to all records, the Battle of Falkirk was wrought with mistakes in judgment, which were not at all assisted by the torrential rain and heavy winds during the battle itself. On the 17th of January, the Jacobite army approached the English forces at Falkirik. Although the English were warned by a messenger and lookout that the Jacobites were approaching, Henry Hawley chose not to believe the message and gave no order to prepare. By the time the second messenger came, with news that the Jacobites were about to attack, it was too late to set the artillery to fire, as it had been bogged down in the rain conditions.

The Battle of Falkirk continued in disarray, as orders were given to retaliate against the Jacobites, orders to fire were not given until the forces were ten paces apart. Although the first volley saw almost eighty Jacobites fall, it still led to the retreat of the three dragoon regiments which had fired the shots. The retreat in turn saw a number of formations being disrupted. The fighting escalated, while the storm grew in intensity.
Eventually, the Battle of Falkirk was in such confusion that neither commander was sure of the outcome at the end of the fighting. Although, historic records now show that it was the Jacobites who came out as the winners, losing only fifty men with eighty being injured, while the English suffered a total of three hundred deaths and three hundred captured men.

Mogwai world renowned and genre leading Scottish post-rock band.

Mogwai holds its roots in the chance meeting of two of its key members, Stuart Braithwaite and Dominic Aitchison, at a concert in 1991. Fours years later and the inclusion of a mutual friend, Martin Bulloch, saw the formation of Mogwai. Although, within a space of a few shows the lineup was extended to include John Cummings as a guitarist and Brendan O'Hare as a drummer. After the release of their first album they also included Barry Burns as a flautists and piano player. Since then, the lineup for Mogwai has not changed in their thirteen year history.

By many, Mogwai is regarded as a great influence and force in the genre of post-rock. While not only holding great sway over their genre, Mogwai has also been likened to a modern day Pink Floyd, due to their vision and skill. This has also been accompanied by a large number of their songs being used in numerous movies, TV shows and videogames, including recording the entire soundtrack for Douglas Gordon’s “Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait” and “The Fountain”. They are even mentioned in an Inspector Rebus book by Ian Rankin.