The Ultimate Guide to Being Scottish

What makes the Ultimate Scot? Is it the ability to identify a tartan pattern from 50 yards? Maybe it’s being able to recite the two forgotten verses of ‘Auld Lang Syne’? Or perhaps it’s knowing your single malt from a double malt?

The Ultimate Guide to Being Scottish examines in hilarious detail the history, politics and traditions that make Scots great. Exploring the best of Scottish culture, this book focuses on the celebrations that Scots have made their own, from Hogmanay to the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

Mixing fact and practical hints (like the ideal recipe for boiled sheep’s head) with witty banter, The Ultimate Guide to Being Scottish is perfect for injecting Scotland’s unique and beloved brand of merriment into the year.

McGinn wrote the perfect fun-but-rigorously footnoted book for Scots who vaguely know their cultural heritage, but would not like to be questioned too closely on, say, the precise meaning of the words to Auld Lang Syne. - Colin Donald, The Sunday Herald

Clark McGinn, a true Scot, examines our heritage and our culture, and discusses how our proud history and traditions define the enigmatic, idiosyncratic race that we are today. - Shari Low, Daily Record

Essential reading for Scots everywhere, and for non-Scots with Scottish spouses, lovers, colleagues, friends or foes. Clark McGinn knows all about the pride that glints in the eyes of those with even a small percentage of tartan in the blood. But what exactly puts it there, and how do you know whether you’re a true Scot at heart (if not under your kilt)? And above all, how do you get a share in the action even if you’re not a Scot?This lighthearted yet thoroughly researched book examines the great things about being Scottish: Hogmanay, Burns Night, Up Helly Aa, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Hallowe’en and (the only one not celebrated in Scotland) Tartan Day – getting the most out of the big Scottish party occasions. Ceilidhs, Highland dancing and The Royal Caledonian Ball – how to put your best foot forward. The National Spirit – the history of whisky Munros, monuments and midges – how to survive the great Scottish countryside. ...and a great deal else, from a potted history of Scotia’s monarchs to deep-fried Mars bars to the bits of Auld Lang Syne nobody can remember.

• | Author: Clark McGinn
• | Publisher: Luath Press Ltd
• | Publication Date: Dec 11, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
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• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781910745007
• | ISBN-10: 1910745006