Nino: Yes, they were ALL banned THEN, but not long after and up until the present they were left to their own devices and today enjoy a very great popularity both in Scotland (no thanks to the English) and around the world. One can go to Clan Gatherings in the Highlands, Newfoundland, or the Australian Outback. One can go to bagpipe competitions, Hurling contests, or listen to Scots Gaelic radio.
You would have been better off saying "Despite England's worst intentions Scottish Culture is alive and well." That would of course include the Scottish Clan System although clans today represent a much different idea to the Scotts, or is it Scotch? Not a drinking man myself, but anyway...(I am sure that will cause you to utter one of your faux-clever junkie jokes but come what may).
"Victorian inventions.": By that I take it to mean you are referring to their chronology and not their cultural roots, correct? In other words, Clan Gatherings and kilt patterns are indeed authentic Soctts culturisms but were reintroduced in the Victorian Era, yes? If so, so what? The point would be that they are in existence and Scots of today can enjoy that fact and continue to enjoy it.
"There is no homogenous Scotts Cutlure.": Nino, I take it you you never opened an Anthropological text? Cultures have what are known as "Core Culturisms," commonalities if you will. With the Scotts, one might say that there 2 main variations of Scotts Culture, Highland and Lowland. Lowland Scotts being almost indiscernible from some northern English but Highland Scotts being a more undiluted form if you will.
I seem to remember that the northern islands alos represent a slightly different strain, etc. but Highland/Lowland being the common point of reference.
OK, so within those two strains you find certain commonalities that MOST adherents share.
Let us take Jews since you went there and I am one, and with Jews of course there are a myriad of differeing strains owning to the ancient lineage (none older, remember? Although regressing, I did find that in the mid 80s a tiny group of so called Australian Aboriginals who had never come in contact with Europeans was found to be living in the Outback so there might be some argument to be made, not today though).
Jews, no matter if they are Bukhari, Yemeni, or Litvak all share a core culture. If you bother to ask, most Jews will tell you that they feel much closer to a Jew who does not speak their language than with any non-Jew living down the street. How can I make such a definative statement? Well, aside from being Jewish, in my 41 years I have travelled greatly and wherever I have gone I have found this to be mostly true.
It is a natural aspect of humanity.
"Has Rachamim ever heard of the Tourist Industry.": Of course, I hate it. Surely though, you are not trying to sell us on the idea that Clan Gatherings are held to sell plane tickets?
"Mel Gibson strawman.": Whatever...
