The Special relationship between Ireland and Scotland

Article by Anna Murray

There are many links between Ireland and Scotland and the two countries have developed a close relationship. In this article I’m going to explore the historical and cultural links that lie at it’s heart.

From earliest times the two countries, formed a single cultural, religious, linguistic and economic zone. The early Scots who came to Scotland from Ireland in the 5th and 6th centuries established the foundations for Irish – Scottish migrations, which continue to this day. Two of the largest migrations were:

under the influence of the english who were keen to shore up their foothold in Ireland, over 200,000 scots emigrated to Ireland. In the second half of the nineteenth century there was a mass exodus from Ireland to England and Scotland as a result of poverty and famine. Irish labour helped Scottish industrialisation to take root rapidly. In major cultural achievements, too, each country affected the other profoundly. The Scottish Enlightenment, began in Ireland in the work of the philosopher Francis Hutcheson, who later moved to Glasgow and greatly influenced the work of David Hume and Adam Smith.

One of the key links between the two counties in the large Diaspora of each. Tens of millions of citizens with Scottish and Irish ancestry can be found across the globe in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Both countries are keen to engage on their Diasporas. For example during the 2009 homecoming the Scottish government encouraged Scots to return to Scotland.

In Scotland today people of Irish decent are the single largest minority ethnic group, and there are a large number of Scots living in Ireland. The english’issue’brought both countries together – the need to preserve their identity in the shadow of a powerful neighbouring culture. I will now take a look at some of the shared aspects of culture – celti cmusic, dress and sporting activities.

A commonality between the culture if the two countries in clearly shown in the wearing of the kilt – a clear link between the two nations is. Irish kilts are traditionally plain in either saffron of green, with Irish county tartans a more recent variation.

Sport is another areas that has links, interestingly the Irish-Scots were instrumental in the formation of Celtic Football Clubs Hibernian and Dundee United. Indeed, these teams were originally formed to provide recreational facilities for Irish immigrants.

Celtic music has a strong historical traditional in Scotland and Ireland with both using fiddles, bagpipes, whistles and bodhrans. Often, the term Celtic music is applied to the music of Ireland and Scotland however, it is notable that Irish and Scottish traditional musicians tend to point out the differences between the too.

Today the relationships between Ireland and Scotland continues to be shaped by the changes to the political dynamic brought about by devolution in Scotland, the Peace Process in Northern Ireland as well as the deeper integration into the European Union, which is and will remain Scotland and Ireland’s most significant economic relationship.

About the Author

Anna Murray is Head of Marketing at The Scotland Kilt Company – a family run business based in Edinburgh. For more information about Scottish and Irish Kilts including measuring yourself for a kilt and choosing your tartan visithttp://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk/email info@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.ukOr call 0131 225 3555

The Special Relationship Between Ireland And Scotland

What are the origins of the ties that exist between Ireland and Scotland, and how has this relationship evolved into it’s current state? these are just two of the questions I will attempt to answer.

From earliest times the two countries, formed a single cultural, religious, linguistic and economic zone. The early Scots who came to Scotland from Ireland in the 5th and 6th centuries established the foundations for Irish – Scottish migrations, which continue to this day. Two of the largest migrations were:

under the influence of the english who were keen to shore up their foothold in Ireland, over 200,000 scots emigrated to Ireland. Poverty and famine in Ireland during the 19th century led to a maass movement of the Irish to Scotland. The availibility of cheap labour from Ireland was key in ensuring the. In major cultural achievements, too, each country affected the other profoundly. The Scottish Enlightenment, began in Ireland in the work of the philosopher Francis Hutcheson, who later moved to Glasgow and greatly influenced the work of David Hume and Adam Smith.

One of the key links between the two counties in the large Diaspora of each. Tens of millions of citizens with Scottish and Irish ancestry can be found across the globe in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Both countries are keen to engage on their Diasporas. This recently happened in Scotland, with the Scottish Tourist board calling on Scots living abroad to come home.

In Scotland today people of Irish decent are the single largest minority ethnic group, and there are a large number of Scots living in Ireland. The english’issue’brought both countries together – the need to preserve their identity in the shadow of a powerful neighbouring culture. I will now take a look at some of the shared aspects of culture – traditional clothing, music and sport.

A commonality between the culture if the two countries in clearly shown in the wearing of the kilt – a clear link between the two nations is. Irish kilts are traditionally plain in either saffron of green, with Irish county tartans a more recent variation.

Sport is another areas that has links, interestingly the Irish-Scots were instrumental in the formation of Celtic Football Clubs Hibernian and Dundee United. Indeed, these teams were originally formed to provide recreational facilities for Irish immigrants.

Celtic music has a strong historical traditional in Scotland and Ireland with both using fiddles, bagpipes, whistles and bodhrans. Often, the term Celtic music is applied to the music of Ireland and Scotland however, it is notable that Irish and Scottish traditional musicians tend to point out the differences between the too.

Today the relationships between Ireland and Scotland continues to be shaped by the changes to the political dynamic brought about by devolution in Scotland, the Peace Process in Northern Ireland as well as the deeper integration into the European Union, which is and will remain Scotland and Ireland’s most significant economic relationship.

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A Quick Visitor’s Guide to Scotland

Rolling hills, wilderness, forests, beautiful old market towns, picturesque islands… that’s Scotland for you. You can reach Scotland via air, by rail (from London), or by sea (ferry from Belgium).

Edinburgh: The capital and the largest city of Scotland, Edinburgh is probably best known for its castle. Not only does it have a fascinating history, the castle provides breathtaking views in every direction.

Another must-see in Edinburgh is the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, which allows you to experience whisky sights, sounds and smells, and lets you see firsthand how whiskey is made.

One more place to visit is the Writers Museum built in 1622. It’s dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland’s great literary figures, such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Other Edinburgh attractions include the National Library of Scotland, the Royal Museum the Edinburgh Dungeon, the Real Mary King’s Close, Ghost Tours, the Palace of Holyrood, Our Dynamic Earth, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Glasgow: Glasgow is full of museums and art galleries renowned for their high quality displays. These are some of them: The Burrell Collection, Fossil Grove, Gallery Of Modern Art, Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Martyrs’ School, McLellan Galleries, Museum Of Transport, People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, Pollok House, Provand’s Lordship, Scotland Street School Museum, and St Mungo Museum Of Religious Life And Art

Shopping: Another feature of Glasgow that attracts the traveler is its shopping; it offers some of the finest shopping in the UK. The three main streets that you need to focus on are Sauchiehall St, Buchanan St and Argyll St. Besides these, you can also look at Byres Rd in the west end, and Braehead shopping center.

Music: For the lover of live music, there are several great live music venues in Glasgow: The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, The Barrowlands Ballroom, King Tut’s, The Garage, The SECC,the Clyde Auditorium and the Carling Academy Glasgow among others.

Sports: If you are a sports fan, then you probably know that Glasgow is home to the two biggest football teams in Europe: Rangers and Celtic FC. You can visit both grounds, Ibrox & Parkhead (Celtic Park). Besides these, you can also visit Scotland’s national football stadium, Hampden. Glasgow Rugby is another attraction for the lover of sports.

Fife: St Andrews, in the east of Fife, is the golf lover’s arena. In order to play on the turf, visit the Old Course at St Andrews, or the newly developed St Andrews Bay complex, among others.

Crail, the picturesque little harbor, is known as much for its delightful pottery, as it is for the crabs and lobsters that can be bought in season. Also visit the Secret Bunker, the fishing villages, Anstruther and Pittenweem, the town with a safe beach, Elie, Falkland, Dunfermline and Culross.

This quick guide should get you started on your adventure to the many-faceted and beautiful country that is Scotland. Enjoy your trip!

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