When you think of Canada and Scotland, what images come to mind? Maple syrup and bagpipes? Rolling landscapes? Jordan Peterson and Billy Connolly? Now, with Donald J Trump's commentary around Canada, what springs to mind for me, is wondering why people find it so odd that he would suggest such a notion, when it's exactly what happened to Scotland in 1707...isn't it? Being snaffled by another country to claim it's resources and get more taxes into the coffers? Extend those fake boundary lines to add more headcount to your corporation? DJT is a modern-day King James VI and I plotting and scheming to invade our land. So, as a wee nod to the current conversation about Canada (and Greenland and Panama!), I had a wee look at how Scotland and our cousins across the pond are similar. Here's a few...

Shared Historical Ties
The historical links between Canada and Scotland stretch back to our connections via the formation of Britain it might seem as the 18th and 19th centuries saw thousands of us Scots immigrating to Canada. Before I go on, here are two reasons why that happened:
"The Highland Clearances (18th and 19th centuries):
After the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745, many Scottish Highlanders faced retribution from the British government. Clan structures were dismantled, and traditional ways of life were disrupted.
Landowners in the Highlands sought to replace tenant farmers with more profitable sheep farming, leading to forced evictions known as the Highland Clearances. Displaced families often emigrated to escape poverty and homelessness." Source: Chat GPT
"British Government Policies:
Following the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), Britain sought to solidify control over its North American colonies by encouraging settlement, including from Scotland. Scots were seen as loyal settlers who could help defend and develop these territories." Source: Chat GPT
Regions such as Nova Scotia, 'New Scotland'— celebrate the Scottish culture with lively festivals and cultural traditions. Events like the Halifax Highland Games showcase Scottish music, dances, and athletic competitions, maintaining a vital and important bond with the past - one which appears to be mired in oppressive imperialism, colonisation and control.

Scenic Landscapes
Canada and Scotland are celebrated for our awe-inspiring landscapes. The Highlands offer dramatic vistas filled with rugged mountains and serene lochs. Contrastingly, Canada boasts diverse sceneries—from the Rocky Mountains to the picturesque Banff National Park, where visitors can marvel at turquoise lakes. We also have a Banff in Scotland.
Both of our nations present countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. For example, the West Highland Way attracts over 10,000 walkers annually, while Canada’s Appalachian Trail offers spectacular hiking experiences, drawing nature lovers from across the globe.

Emphasis on Outdoor Activities
Given our striking natural environments, it's no surprise that outdoor activities are crucial to life in both sides of the pond. In Scotland, there's a love of hill walking, taking advantage of trails like the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, which some consider one of the best hiking routes in the world and and 'Munro-bagging' - clocking up those steps and miles and collecting bragging bagging rights for every one of the 282 Munros climbed.
Canadians enjoy their outdoor adventures too. From ice skating on ice-covered lakes in winter to exploring the endless trails in Banff or Jasper National Parks in summer, both of our nations foster a culture of movement and connection to nature.
Festivals and Traditions
Festivals reflect the heart and soul of both Canada and Scotland, celebrating our unique histories. Scotland's famous Highland Games—a series of traditional events including tug-of-war and caber tossing—attracting locals and tourists alike. These events often see participation from thousands, including contestants from as far as New Zealand and the U.S.
In Canada, the Calgary Stampede epitomises the spirit of its heritage, celebrating cowboy culture with thrilling rodeo events. Additionally, numerous Highland Games, like those in Ontario and British Columbia, commemorate the Scottish roots that many Canadians share.
Language and Dialects
In Scotland, Scottish Gaelic is an essential voice in places like the Hebrides, where approximately 1% of the population speaks Gaelic. In Canada, over 60 Indigenous languages contribute to the country's cultural depth, alongside English and French.
My Final Thoughts...
So there you have it, a few connections betwixt Canada and Scotland, linked by history and culture, and picturesque landscapes. And now, also, by the suggestion of Canada being accosted and claimed by a nation to the South of the imaginary line. Except we were. Canada, on the other hand, so far, only held to ransom by the USA's Federal Reserve's global reserve currency status. And us Scots are worse off as we don't even have the b@lls to be in control of our own banking and monetary system. But that's the same for all countries in the world.
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