Do Scots And Irish Get Along: A Comprehensive Overview
The relationship between Scotland and Ireland dates back centuries, and while they share similar cultural and historical roots, it has never been straightforward. While some may assume that the two cultures have always been complementary and collaborative, the reality is much more complex.
The two cultures have coexisted and interacted for a long time, with the beginning of their co-association going back to the earliest Celtic settlements of Scotland and Ireland. They have similar linguistic backgrounds, with Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic being closely related.
It is not all smooth sailing, however, and the close relationship between the Scots and the Irish has been marked by intense animosity and conflict over the years.
The Early Years
There is no doubt that the early years of Scotland and Ireland’s co-association were marked by tensions and disputes. The root of these issues can be traced back to the early 11th century when the partition of the Irish kingdoms was put in place.
The Scottish monarchy engineered the partition so that they could extend their sphere of influence over their western neighbour. This caused much resentment among the Irish Celtic tribes, who saw their lands being taken over by the Scots.
These historical tensions resurfaced throughout history, most notably during the Jacobite uprisings of the early 18th century. The uprising was initially an alliance between Scottish Catholics and Irish Catholics, but over the course of the conflict, it became a religious conflict.
The 19th Century
The late 19th century marked a period of relative stability in the relationship between the Scots and the Irish, especially as they both started to struggle against the forces of imperialism.
The Irish War of Independence precipitated a closer bond between the two nations, and Ireland was granted independence in 1922. This had lasting effects on the people of Ireland and Scotland, and the relationship between the two nations became more cordial.
However, these changes did not mean that the relationship between the Scots and the Irish was devoid of friction. The Scottish National Party, for instance, was critical of Irish Nationalism as it threatened Scots identity.
Despite these tensions, a better sense of comradery was established between the two nations, which paved the way for increased collaboration.
Recent Times
Despite the improved relations, Scottish-Irish relationships have been slightly tense in recent times. This is mostly due to the issue of Brexit and its implications for both nations.
The Scottish National Party views Brexit as a betrayal of Scotland’s national interests, and this affects their relationship with Ireland. There is a sense among Scottish nationalists that Ireland is getting a better deal as they have an all-Ireland backstop.
Furthermore, there is the issue of the Border. The Irish Republic has made it clear that the border between the Republic and the six counties of Northern Ireland must remain completely open. The SNP argues that if this is the case, there must be a similar arrangement for the border between Scotland and England.
Despite these issues, there are clear signs of a positive relationship between the Scots and the Irish. The St Patrick’s day parades have become a fixture in Scottish cities, and the Irish cultural influences in Scotland are increasingly visible.
In Conclusion
The relationship between Scotland and Ireland is indeed a complicated one. However, despite the historical animosities, conflicts, and tensions, it is possible to establish comradery and cooperation between the two nations. There is still much to be done to achieve a perfect relationship, but there are reasons to be optimistic about the future.