Scottish Heritage Society of Iowa
Wee Glimpses
Alexander McCall Smith's Favorite Humorous Books
Alexander McCall Smith is a professor of medical ethics at Edinburgh University and the author of more than 50 books. This is his list of of delightful reading.
What is a Ceilidh?
A Ceilidh (pronounced "Kay-lay", emphasis on 1st syllable) derives from the Gaelic word meaning a visit and originally meant just that (and still does in Gaelic). It can also mean a house party, a concert or more usually an evening of informal Scottish traditional dancing to informal music.
Understanding
Scottish Graveyards
Scottish headstones are filled with symbolism and ornamentation. Here is an interesting read that offers some explanations.
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About Scottish Surnames
In Scotland - as in the rest of Western Europe - there were four main methods of acquiring a surname: through patronymic, by occupation or locality, or by nickname.
Scottish Naming Patterns
People of all countries tend to use forenames which run in the family. In Scotland families not only use such names but they tend to follow specific naming patterns based on their linage.
The Wonders of Scotland
The Scotsman, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, has launched a public vote to find the Seven Wonders of Scotland--the heartbeat of the nation, whether natural, artificial or cultural - which make Scotland what it is today.
Scottish Clans & Kindred
The Scottish Clans are a powerful part of the proud history of Scotland. These clans used crests, badges, tartan variants, and family talismans, as part of their identity.
Why Celebrate Bastille Day?
Bastille Day is the July 14th celebration of the French National Day and the Storming of the Bastille in 1790. Why is it celebrated in Scotland and around the world?
We celebrate Scotland’s rich culture through events, gatherings, and the sharing of favorite recipes.