You might be a Gael if …

You might be a Gael if …

I wrote a Not Your Father’s Gaelic blog post a few weeks ago wherein I expressed how nice it would be to have neighbors who are aware of and interested in their Scottish Gaelic heritage. Perhaps even neighbors with whom I could joke around in Gaelic! As it is, even my own (Italian American) mother’s eyes […]

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The SSPCK and a painful link between Gaelic and Native American cultures

The SSPCK and a painful link between Gaelic and Native American cultures

What is the SSPCK? Well, it is not the Society in Scotland for the Protection of Christian Kangaroos although much damage and loss might have been avoided if protecting kangaroos had been the organization’s mission. Instead, the Society in Scotland for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge (SSPCK) has followed in the first footsteps of British […]

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How Gaelic is the Scottish clan system?

How Gaelic is the Scottish clan system?

One of the many Scottish heritage subjects that could benefit from additional knowledge is the role of Gaelic culture and civilization in the remarkable development of what we lovingly call the Scottish clan system. Go ahead. Google it. It is a simple question but you will not be finding a simple answer. At least not […]

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The cost of becoming American

The cost of becoming American

What does it cost to become an American? Entry into freedom’s last refuge has required more from our ancestors – and from us – than we might at first imagine.  Consider this for instance: “In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here does in good faith become an American […]

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Landslide victory for Jeremy Corbyn in the UK:  What will election of a new Labour Party leader mean for Scotland?

Landslide victory for Jeremy Corbyn in the UK: What will election of a new Labour Party leader mean for Scotland?

Scottish Americans are hearing some interesting news from the United Kingdom today.  The UK Labour Party has chosen socialist Jeremy Corbyn as its next leader by a landslide.  A big one.  It is a result that is sending a few shock waves through Britain.  What will the election mean in Scotland?  More specifically, what will a […]

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Scottish Indy Quick Update: One more poll showing a majority now in favor of Scottish independence

Scottish Indy Quick Update: One more poll showing a majority now in favor of Scottish independence

Just a few days ago we took note of the first reputable poll ever to have identified a clear majority of Scots in favor of Scottish independence (Bletherskite September 3).  Our takeaway, like most others, was well, that is very interesting and definitely worth watching.  We asked questions like, is it an aberration that will be erased […]

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A Nasty Gaelic Storm Hit Scotland This Week

A Nasty Gaelic Storm Hit Scotland This Week

A Gaelic storm has been blowing around Scotland for the last week. Typically, Gaelic language revival suffers from a distinct lack of attention and interest but for several days now, Scotland’s best known indigenous language has unfortunately and undeservedly been at the heart of several different political stooshies. Things began to heat up on August […]

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