Did you know that April is Scottish Heritage Month?
Growing up, I was told that I was predominantly Irish. As I started to investigate my biological Ancestry, I discovered that I was not as Irish as I was Scottish. In reality, I am 37% English and Northwestern Europe, 22% Germanic Europe, 24% Scottish, 5% Irish, and 1% Basque. I have yet to pinpoint my Basque line, but one goal for 2025 is to look into my Scottish Roots and celebrating my scottish heritage.
So if you have Scottish ancestry or simply appreciate the culture, there are countless ways to celebrate your Scottish heritage throughout Scottish Heritage Month and beyond. From connecting with your roots to attending events, here’s how you can honor and celebrate the rich traditions and history of Scotland.
Ways to Connect with Your Scottish Roots
1. Explore Your Scottish Ancestry Through Genealogy
Discovering your Scottish heritage can be an exciting journey. Many people have Scottish ancestors who left a mark in history, from clans to families that emigrated to places like Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Here’s how to get started:
Genealogy Websites: Platforms like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and Findmypast offer specific resources for researching Scottish lineage, including access to birth records, marriage certificates, and clan histories.
Scottish Records: The National Records of Scotland has a vast collection of historical documents that can help trace your family’s past. Many records are available online, and you can also explore archives in Scotland if you’re planning a visit.
Join a Clan Society: Many Scottish clans have organized societies, and being part of a clan association can help you dive deeper into your family’s legacy. Whether your family name is MacDonald, Campbell, or MacGregor, there’s likely a society to help you connect with others who share your lineage.
2. Research Scottish Traditions and History
The history and culture of Scotland are steeped in tradition, and learning about them can help you feel more connected to your roots. Here are some ways to explore:
Books and Articles: Dive into books about Scottish history, mythology, clans, and culture. Some key authors and works to consider include John Buchan’s “The Thirty-Nine Steps”, Robert Burns’ poetry, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s works on Celtic influences.
Documentaries and Films: Watch documentaries about Scottish history, such as “Scotland: The Story of Scotland” or “The Battle for Scotland”, or check out movies like “Braveheart” or “Outlaw King” to get a cinematic look at Scotland’s past.
Attend Events and Gatherings for Scottish Heritage Month
1. Participate in Highland Games
One of the best ways to celebrate Scottish heritage is to experience the fun and excitement of the Highland Games. These traditional athletic competitions feature events like tossing the caber, hammer throw, and tug-of-war, as well as dancing, music, and even food stalls serving haggis and Scotch whisky.
Local Highland Games: Check for any local Highland Games near you. Many cities host these events during Scottish Heritage Month, and even if you’re not competing, the atmosphere is filled with celebration and pride.
International Highland Games: If you’re looking for a more grand experience, consider attending the World Highland Games in places like Scotland, Canada, or the United States.
2. Attend Ceilidhs and Scottish Dances
Participating in a ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) is a fun way to experience Scottish culture first-hand. These traditional dances, often accompanied by live folk music (like bagpipes and fiddles), create an energetic and joyful celebration of Scottish music and traditions. Don’t worry if you don’t know the dances—ceilidhs are all about community, and there’s usually someone to guide you through the steps!
Local Ceilidhs: Many communities host ceilidh dances during Scottish Heritage Month. Check with your local community centers, Scottish societies, or event listings to see where the nearest ceilidh is happening.
Learn Online: If you’re new to ceilidh dancing, there are plenty of online tutorials that can teach you the basic steps. Practice them at home, and you’ll be ready to dance at any event!
3. Scottish Food Festivals and Tastings
Celebrate Scottish cuisine by attending a Scottish food festival or tasting event. During Scottish Heritage Month, some regions host festivals that feature traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, Scotch pies, and shortbread. If you’re a food lover, this is a delicious way to immerse yourself in Scottish culture.
Cook Your Own Scottish Meal: If you can’t attend a food festival, why not try cooking a classic Scottish meal yourself?
4. Resources for Learning More About Scottish Genealogy and Culture
Genealogy Resources
- Scots in the USA: For those with Scottish-American heritage, websites like Scots in the USA offer tools and resources for researching Scottish family roots in the United States.
- Scotsman.com: The Scotsman newspaper regularly features articles on Scottish history, culture, and genealogy. It’s a great resource for learning about significant figures and historical events.
Cultural Resources
- Scottish Culture and Traditions Websites: Websites like Scotland.org provide in-depth articles and resources about Scottish music, festivals, art, and history.
- National Trust for Scotland: This organization maintains many of Scotland’s historic sites and has extensive resources for visitors wanting to learn more about Scottish heritage.
5. Conclusion: Celebrating Your Scottish Heritage
Celebrating your Scottish heritage is not just about learning the history, but also about embracing the culture in a way that resonates with you. Whether through genealogy, food, dance, or attending cultural events, there are so many wonderful ways to connect with your Scottish roots.
This Scottish Heritage Month, take the time to explore and celebrate the rich traditions of Scotland. Share your findings with loved ones, attend local events, or perhaps even plan a future trip to Scotland to experience everything this beautiful country has to offer.
So, what part of your Scottish heritage are you most excited to explore? Comment below and share your thoughts!