Ireland and Scotland have a long and shared history. They have similar bloodlines due to the presence of the Irish kingdom of Dál Riata on the west coast of modern day Scotland. They share a language with different dialects of Gaelic existing in both nations today. The surnames and first names to be found in both nations speak of the past they shared. Angus is Séamus. The mac’s of Ireland and Scotland are descended from the same clans. Red hair? Yep, both have it in abundance. They also have a common cultural heritage in both music and dance. ‘Tartan’ is ‘plaid’ (pluid), Irish Gaelic for ‘blanket’.
Sadly, but not surprisingly, there are moves to try to disassociate Scotland’s origins from Ireland. A strong degree of anti-Irish and even anti-Catholic sentiment runs through some elements of Scottish society. It extends into England and Wales. Thankfully it’s a small minority but they’re loud and obnoxious. And they’re determined. Look online and you will find evidence of their petty attempts to downplay the Irish role in the creation of the Scottish nation. Some are hoods but some are academics. Even the BBC is not immune to this childish ploy to rewrite history.
The Irish contribution to the formation of the Scottish nation was but one element of many. It stood side by side with that of the Picts and, to a lesser extent, the Vikings. But it was still substantial. The following video, whilst not entirely accurate, will give you some idea of the structure of the kingdom of Dál Riata. It is unfortunate that we Irish, long (and still) the victims of colonialism did in fact practice it almost two thousand years ago. But then again, Scotland was a direct result of that adventurism into a more sparsely populated land than it is today.
Irish and Scots are true cousins within the Celtic Isles. Let no one tell us any different. It will be a fine day, and Rebel Voice will rejoice, when both nations finally win their freedom and any attempts to divide us will then cease.
Rebel Voice 