Bagpipes and Kilts

The Elephant House café in Scotland is known as a “place of inspiration” since it is considered the birthplace of Harry Potter, or rather, where the author J.K. Rowling first started writing the Harry Potter books.  When we traveled to Scotland and arrived in Edinburgh, I could see the magic that this city held, and perhaps the reason for that inspiration.  During our short time in Scotland, we visited the beautiful home of Sir Walter Scott, full of war relics and honored family crests.  We explored the exciting city of Edinburgh, meeting new people along the way.  We toured the Edinburgh castle, learning about the history of war and their people.  We hiked to Arthur’s seat, which was well worth the treacherous stairs and uphill steps to the top to see the spectacular view of the city and the landscape.  Most notable from our trip to Scotland though, for me, was the number of bagpipes and kilts found everywhere.  These cultural artifacts really make Scotland who they are. 

During our visit to Scotland, we had the opportunity to tour the Scottish Parliament, where we learned about the history and function of their nation’s Parliament.  It was very interesting to compare their Parliament to the Welsh Assembly.  In class, we discussed many of the differences and similarities between the two, especially about their identity along with a Parliament separate from England.  One thing I thought was fascinating was why there were significantly more Scottish people who voted to have their own Scottish Parliament than Welsh people who voted to have a Welsh Parliament (About 51% voted for the Welsh Parliament while about 70% voted for the Scottish Parliament).  I think the identity of Wales and of Scotland was the major factor behind the result of the vote.  This led me to question of what makes a national identity stronger than others? Scotland has a longer history of having their own Parliament and even their own King for a time, while the parliament in Wales is a more recent establishment.  To me though, the Scottish identity is more distinctive than the Welsh because of kilts and bagpipes, specifically bagpipes.  

As soon as we entered Scotland, we were greeted with a man in a kilt playing the bagpipes for visitors at the Scottish border.  This to me was a huge example of how Scottish identity is very distinct, and stronger as a nation.  While in Scotland, there was shop after shop selling kilts, and street performers playing the bagpipes.  I wonder if having a musical instrument tied to one’s country can make their identity stronger?  Although I could not speak for a Scot, as an American, whenever I hear our country’s national anthem, it evokes a strong sense of pride in me.  The familiar tune reminds me of how blessed I am to be living in the nation I live in.  I imagine that similar feelings are shared when Scots hear the bagpipes.  In fact, historically, during World War I and II, pipers were trained for military service.  I imagine that that must have also made the soldiers remind them of what they were fighting for, boosting national pride and morale.  As another example, just like when one hears the Harry Potter theme song, anyone who has seen the movies will be reminded of the magic of the stories, and can be brought to feel things.  Today in Scotland, bagpipes are still used in the military and played in formal ceremonies, which I believe still helps the people to be reminded of their country and what they stand for. 

Scotland has their signifier, but does Wales have anything?  If Wales had a certain instrument linked to their culture, would their national identity be stronger? In researching a Welsh national instrument, I could not find a specific one, other than the harp which is popular in Wales.  Looking back to our trip to Wales, I couldn’t pick out anything that set it apart from England, other than the fact that there were less people and more sheep.  In comparing my experience of the two tours of Parliament, I think that since the Welsh people are still trying to create their identity, they are more open to share it with other people, and promote this cool new thing they’ve got.  On the other hand, Scotland doesn’t feel like they need to sell us on their Parliament, because it has already been a part of their identity for a while. I think that by having cultural artifacts like bagpipes and kilts strongly associated with Scotland, their national identity is indeed stronger.  It allows for them to have something to call their own.  It brings a sense of unity to their people.  It’s a part of their history.  And since this had led to a stronger identity, I believe that is why more people voted for Scotland to have their own Parliament, because they want to continue preserve that part of their own identity separate from England. 

Additionally, this week in class we talked about the U.K.’s decision to leave the E.U.  Looking at the voting patterns, most all of Scotland voted to stay in the E.U.  Wales, on the other hand, was about 50/50, split between wanting to leave and wanting to stay.  It struck me again how Scotland’s identity has so much to do with this vote.  Scotland must feel comfortable enough with their own identity to want to remain in the E.U., and the fact that almost all of Scotland voted the same way, indicated they have a unified, confident nation.  Contrastingly, Wales differed in opinion about half and half.  Again, I wonder if this is attributed to the cultural artifacts having a strong influence of a nation’s identity.  Bagpipes have been a part of Scotland’s musical tradition and culture for centuries.  And kilts have been a part of their wardrobe since the 16^th century.  These things have set Scotland apart, distinguishing themselves as a nation, for a long time. 

Back to the magic of Harry Potter, Scotland left in me the desire come back and stay for longer, to experience all the country has to offer.  But, even in the two days we were there, I think I saw enough kilts and heard enough bagpipes to last me a while.