MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Surrounded by rolling hills and meadows, the massed band of several hundred pipers and drummers played “Scotland the Brave” and “Flower of Scotland.” The skirl of the bagpipes rolled over the thousands of people standing at attention while waving St. Andrews flags and wearing their clan tartan kilts and sashes. The announcer closed the opening ceremony by proclaiming, “TODAY WE ARE ALL SCOTTISH!” Anyone with Scottish blood running through their veins would be proud to take part in this very vibrant and visible display of shared history, culture and heritage of Scotland. Where was this event happening? Breamar, Edinburg, Skye?
This stirring event was part of the Opening Ceremony of the Virginia Highland Games. Everywhere there was a visible representation of Scotland whether it was the bagpipes, kilts, tartan or the clans themselves. These Scottish symbols carry centuries of meaning, but they have not endured without struggle. Whether they are seen in Scotland or at Highland Games in the United States, and regardless of the traditions’ “inventedness,” “selectivity” or contested status, they continue to represent the unique history(ies) and heritage of Scottish cultural identity worldwide. In this paper, the complicated history of the cultural performances of Scottishness that are found at Highland Games and Gatherings are analyzed and contrasted. What is being “claimed” and shown to define and/or prove their Scottishness? What is being left out? To answer these questions I explore how issues of shared history, genealogy, and clan membership in a unique global community are made visible through the public display and performance of Scottish culture. Through participant observation, interviews and surveys, I examine the factors that draw together thousands of people at a specific time and place to proudly proclaim (or seek) and display their Scottish heritage through a variety of cultural performances.