The Paradox of Scottish Identity: How Many Non-Scots Call Scotland Home?

It is a common misconception that there is a clear distinction between a Scot and a non-Scot, or that there is a fixed number of individuals living in Scotland who do not identify as Scottish. The concept of 'Scottishness' goes beyond nationality and is often more nuanced, making it challenging to quantify such a diverse identity.

Defining Scottishness: More Than Nationality

The term 'Scottish' does not equate to a nationality; there is no "Scottish" passport. Instead, Scottish identity is more about cultural, historical, and social affiliations. People can consider themselves Scottish if they have lived in Scotland for a significant period, speak the language, engage with Scottish traditions, and participate in the Scottish community.

The Demographics of Scottish Identity

The proportion of individuals in Scotland whose ancestors were not born in the country has been growing over the years. This raises the question: how many so-called non-Scots are actually residents of Scotland? Let's explore this by looking at the generational aspect and the cultural integration of non-native Scots.

Second and Third Generation Immigrants

Many second and third-generation immigrants in Scotland consider themselves fully Scottish. Unlike their parents, who may have been born in other countries, these individuals have grown up in Scotland, adopted Scottish values, and consider Scotland their home. Their Scottish identity is not limited by their family origins.

For instance, Billy Connolly and Frankie Boyle, two popular Scottish comedians, both have Irish backgrounds. Does their Irish ancestry mean they are not truly Scottish? Similarly, artists like Lewis Capaldi and his distant cousin Peter Capaldi, despite their Italian surnames, are embraced as part of the Scottish cultural fabric. This cultural integration is exemplified by individuals like Armando Iannucci, Daniela Nardini, and Nicola Benedetti.

Multigenerational Integration and Identity

The multigenerational aspect of Scottish identity is crucial in understanding who is truly considered Scottish. Take, for example, the story of early 1960s Scottish schoolchildren who had Polish immigrant parents. Names like Tynski, Swiatek, and Bychawski were common among these students, but their Scottish identity was not disputed. Their children and grandchildren today are fully accepted as Scots, despite their Polish heritage.

Furthermore, figures like Humza Yousaf and Anas Sarwar, who hold important roles in Scottish politics, embrace their Scottish identity despite their parents being of non-Scottish origin. This demonstrates the fluid nature of Scottish identity and how it can evolve and include individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Cultural and Emotional Connection to Scotland

Scots have long attracted immigrants from all over the world, and many of these individuals have fully integrated into Scottish society. They have formed emotional and cultural connections with Scotland, incorporating its traditions and values into their lives. This integration is not always reflected in one’s geographical or national heritage.

Challenge to Define Piety

Ultimately, the challenge lies in defining what makes someone Scottish. Is it one’s birth, ancestry, or the environment in which they grew up? Could someone with a parent or grandparent who was English still be considered Scottish?

Given the diversity and complexity of Scottish identity, it is impossible to provide a clear-cut answer to how many non-Scots live in Scotland. The identity of a Scot is a personal and largely emotional connection, shaped by years of life in the region, rather than by strict definitions of birthplace or ancestry.

Keywords: Scottish Identity, Multigenerational Immigrants, Non-Scottish Scots