Networking? It runs in the blood of the Celts

The strength of the clan

Even though Scots have dispersed throughout the world, on the whole they have a great sense of belonging. This is not just a sense of belonging to a nation, but belonging to a clan. The clan is at the heart of the cohesion of the Scottish Diaspora.

The origin of the word clan is the Gaelic 'clann' meaning children, offspring, descendents. In the 12th and 13th centuries the concept of clan grew beyond immediate family to cover an extended network of people who had loyalties to a particular chief. Many clans originated from the Vikings or Normans as well as the Celts or, interestingly, through links with ancient monastic houses – the descendents of lay abbots.

The clan system and the wearing of tartan evolved and thrived for over five hundred years but was dismantled after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. However, all was not lost and within 100 years Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's love of the Highlands and Highland culture led effectively to the beginnings of a clan revival.

Though the traditional clan system was never re-instated, the lasting values of loyalty and companionship lived on and still have their place today. Clan affiliation continues around the world and there is huge interest in clan societies which seek to promote the history and comradeship associated with the clan name. And while few chiefs still live on their ancestral homelands or even in Scotland itself, they are still recognised by their clan members as the head of a family that, in many instances, stretches around the world and to which many still desire to belong.

Visit www.rampantscotland.com to find out more about the origins of clans, where in Scotland your clan might come from, patrimonial lines, tartans, the differences between Mac and Mc, eligibility to wear a kilt and answers to many more such questions.

Scots abroad

When the Scots migrated they, quite naturally, took much of their culture with them and attempted, in whatever way they could, to recreate a little bit of Scotland in their new found land. Many locations in America, for instance, were nostalgically named after the places Scottish immigrants had left behind. There are at least eight Aberdeens, eight Edinburghs, seven Glasgows, and eight places simply known as Scotland in the USA today.

There are many societies around the world, such as the St Andrew's Society that continue to promote and celebrate Scotland's culture and heritage. Throughout America and Canada alone there are over 300 St Andrew's Societies, Caledonian Clubs and other Scottish societies. Golf, curling, whisky, Presbyterianism, Highland Games, country dancing and a whole host of other traditional activities continue to influence the countries where Scots settled. Most significantly, however, is the massive contribution Scots made to the developing worlds they found themselves in, whether in the fields of medicine, engineering, education, politics, industry or the arts. It's little wonder therefore that the links between Scotland and the wider world remain strong – today's Scottish networks are as rich, vibrant and diverse as the nation's iconic tartans.

Some of today's networks

Commerce keeps the world inter-connected on a daily basis and strong networks underpin successful trading relations. A few of these networks are:
Scottish Networks International managed by British Council Scotland in partnership with Scottish Development International, is a trade development initiative that is developing a unique global business network. Each year it recruits high calibre international postgraduates who are studying in Scotland and introduces these experienced business people and professionals to companies planning to penetrate new markets, or strengthen their presence in existing ones. The global business network provides over 800 key contacts in 89 countries around the world. See our feature No knowing where knowledge can take you that highlights the work of two Scottish Networks International Associates.

International economic success for Scotland requires an innovative approach to identifying and using overseas opportunities and experience. Globalscot focuses on developing global relationships; accessing world-class business knowledge and expertise and growing a resource to advance Scotland's economic development. It is a strong network of over 750 influential individuals who have an affiliation for Scotland and who want to contribute to and share in its economic success. Members principally work in business and in key sectors important to the Scottish economy. They are predominantly Scots and those with a strong affiliation for Scotland living overseas, though there is a base of members in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Globalscots commit to assisting Scottish companies and organisations through providing advice, support and contacts. To find out more, visit www.globalscot.com

And finally, of course, there's the Friends of Scotland network, of which you're a valuable part. By keeping abreast of all the latest developments in Scottish culture, education and business, and by spreading the word about a modern, dynamic nation, you too are helping to strengthen Scotland's links globally.

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