I Want To Be Scottish

[handyguy]

I've been doing some research but have not come to any conclusions and wonder if anyone can help me.

I'm an Englishman living in England but want to become Scottish. I've always had a love for the country, and fond memories of holidays to Edinburgh with my family when my kids were growing up. I love the poetry of Robert Burns and feel an affiliation to the Saltire. I love the Scottish landscapes and the Scottish people.

My wife left me last year and I've decided it's time to start making the changes that make me happy, and to be who I want to be. I despise English culture and what this country has become - the election result was the final staw that made me decide that I want to become Scottish.

The impression I get from what I've read is that I can just start calling myself Scottish and filling in forms giving my nationality as Scottish if I wish. It's totally my choice how I wish to identify. Does anyone know if this is correct?

[paddywak]

It doesn't matter what you want most of our cousins across the boarder will still consider you a sassenach.

[Gavmacp]

Och! It's not as bad as you think! Quite liberating in a way.

[SirOracle]

You had better move North quickly handiguy before we bring in strict quotas of English desirous of moving to a better life up here. :-)

[handyguy]

Really Prudie, and how does a black person who moves to England as a 5 year old acquire English blood?

[ladybirder]

Prudie is correct. You can call yourself Scottish if you wish but you won't be Scottish. And she wasn't being offensive.

[joggerjayne]

// that's like saying a black person can never be British //

I don't think it's quite the same.

It's like saying a Kenyan black person can't be British.

A British black person can be British.

A Kenyan black person can't be British, because they are Kenyan.

A Kenyan black person's children could be British, if they were born in Britain.

The exception to all that is, of course, to become formally naturalised in ones country of choice. But, as the essence of this thread is about skipping formal naturalisation procedures, I don't suppose that would be relevant.

[handyguy]

Paddywak - I actually think they will admire my commitment to wanting to be one of them.

[Pete65]

Handyguy, I am an incomer to Scotland.
I wear the kilt on special occasions.
The kilt is very warm and very comfortable.
Have a go!

[Gavmacp]

You could have a blood transfusion with Scottish blood but then you will have to take the test!!!!!!!



The test being accidently drop a 50p out of your trouser pocket if it hits the back of your head it's worked!!

[handyguy]

joggerjayne - A Kenyan Black woman marries a British man gets British Nationality and is British. That has nothing to do with what blood you have. There is no Scottish naturalization process that I can find and I'll certainly never trust a woman again to be able to get married so what am I supposed to do.

[handyguy]

I live in Barnsley wearing a kilt would be awkward. I would wear one around my flat through.

[Gavmacp]

Well that's a start!

[Prudie]

Well this boils down to what you understand as being a nationality and I'm not argung any more of it. I expect red rags about black people to be in News in the day time. Being black has absolutely nothing to do with being Scottish. You can become a resident of Scotland but in my view that will never make you of Scottish heritage - is that less offensive?

[handyguy]

Prude - I disagree with you but thanks for your comments.

[DaisyNonna]

No, not flippant. You need help. We all have dreams and wishes, some of us understand what is realistic.

[mazie]

Edinburgh... You wear one and be proud. My kids moved to Scotland 5 years ago and they love it and have been totally accepted, as have I on my monthly visits. My old man is Scottish (Perthshire Man)

[Pete65]

And we have the Black Watch!

[handyguy]

Mazie - I love Edinburgh - I climbed to the top of Arthur's seat and I felt like William Wallace up there. I visited Edinburgh Castle, the art gallery, went down that road is it called the mile or something. Would be hard for me to go back now though because reminds me of the wife and kids too much. Maybe I will try and pick up a cheap kilt and go out in it - if i get funny looks sod em.

[SirOracle]

Not any longer Pete......disbanded and merged by Westminster.

[joggerjayne]

Hmm, just thinking ...

The most famous living "Brightonians" (Zoe Ball and Norman Cook) ...

... we're born in Blackpool (her) and Kent (him).

Maybe there is hope for handyguy, based on the principles of ...

(1) adopting somewhere as your home, and
(2) becoming strongly associated with the place, and
(3) supporting the local football team.