Scottish Traditions
Scotland is a country with many well known and colourful traditions. Here are details of just a few of them.
Bagpipes
It is thought that bagpipes originated in Ancient Egypt around 1,000BC and were brought to Scotland by the Romans. Bagpipes are known to have been played in Scotland in the 14th century and current form of the instrument came into being in the 17th century. The MacCrimmon family of Skye are credited with being key to the popularity of the bagpipes as they invented the most popular "pibroch" form of bagpipe music, composing a great many tunes in the days before the piano came to Britain.
Clans
Clans were extended Scottish families who claimed to be derived from a common ancestor.
The Clan system came into being in the Highlands of Scotland in the 13th century. Each clan had a chief who, in many ways, was like a feudal lord who could demand the support of his clan members. For example, many of the Highlanders who fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie were clan members doing the bidding of their chief. Clans claimed territorial rights over their part of Scotland and battles between different clans were common. The clain system was largely broken up by the English after Bonnie Prince Charlie's unsuccessful rebellion in the 18th century.
Highland Games
Highland Games are one of the great spectacles of Scotland where athletes, musicians and dancers come together to compete for prizes and honour. Most Highland Games feature Scottish country dancing and piping competitions as well as foot races and, very often, cycle races. Competition takes place across all age groups from 6 to 60. Perhaps the most popular element of a Highland Games is the heavy events like tossing the caber and throwing the hammer where strong men compete against each other in spectacular trials of strength. Highland Games are held annually in many Scottish towns and villages.
Kilts
The Scots have worn kilts for centuries but today's kilts look little like those worn by our ancestors. Today Scotsmen wear kilts in place of trousers, but for our ancestors the kilt
covered their whole body from their knees to their shoulders. The woollen cloth of the kilt would be belted at the waist and then wrapped around their torso and fastened at the left shoulder. This left the right arm free for carrying a sword. For our ancestors the kilt was a warm, loose garment that allowed freedom of movement and could also serve as a blanket when sleeping. If Highlanders were sleeping outdoors, it was common for them to dip their kilt in water before going to sleep. The wool in the kilt would swell with moisture making it wind proof while retaining body heat.
Tartan
In Scotland each Clan has its own tartans to distinguish its members from other people. Tartans are woven into cloth to make kilts, trousers, scarves etc. Each tartan is a design of different blocks and lines of colour that cross at right angles to create a chequered appearance. The word "tartan" is thought to come from the French "teretaine", which is a particular kind of cloth. Each clan usually has at least three different tartans - one for everyday wear, one for hunting, and a dress tartan for ceremonial occasions. New tartans are still being designed but all tartans must be approved by the Tartans Authority of Scotland before they can be used in clothing and elsewhere.
