The phrase “Jock Tamson’s bairns” is a Scots expression that means “we’re all the same” or “we’re all God’s children”. It is used to convey a sense of equality, fellowship, or common humanity.
The origin of the phrase is uncertain. The earliest reference quoted in the Dictionary of the Scots Language is from 1847, where it describes the phrase as “an expression of mutual good fellowship very frequently heard in Scotland.”
One possible source is the Reverend John Thomson, minister of Duddingston Kirk, Edinburgh, from 1805 to 1840. He was a popular and respected pastor who called his congregation “ma bairns” (my children). His nickname was Jock Tamson, and people outside his church would say “we’re all Jock Tamson’s bairns” to show their admiration or affiliation.
Another possible source is John Thompson, an innkeeper and smuggler in Montrose, who lived in the late 18th and early 19th century. He had a large family and many associates who were involved in illegal activities. His daughter would tell the authorities that “there’s nobody here, we’re all Jock Thompson’s bairns” to hide the fugitives in the house. The phrase became a way of identifying smugglers, poachers, and outlaws, and later, by extension, all Scots.
The phrase is still used today in Scotland and elsewhere, sometimes with a humorous or ironic tone, to express solidarity, diversity, or identity.
Scotland’s impact on the world.
Scotland has had a significant impact on the world in many ways. Scottish people have played a vital role in many of the world’s most important scientific and technological innovations, with inventors, engineers, and entrepreneurs such as Alexander Graham Bell, James Watt, Andrew Carnegie, and John McAdam extending Scotland’s reach far beyond the small country’s borders. In addition, Scotland has a rich history of trade and migration, with many Scots emigrating to settle elsewhere. One such link is the Scottish diaspora, those Scots who emigrated to eastern Europe. We first find Scots in the region in the medieval period, when strong trade links developed with the Baltic. Scottish merchants would import hemp and iron and export wool and fish in their trade with the Hanseatic League, a confederation of ports and towns stretching from the Netherlands to Estonia. In the 14th and early 15th centuries, Scottish knights and nobles would travel to Latvia and Prussia to join the Teutonic Order on their crusade against the pagan Lithuanians. The comings and goings of merchants and crusaders soon led to permanent Scottish settlements in the region. Poland had a Scottish population by 1380, when Scots settled in a suburb of Gdansk called Alt Schottland, or Old Scotland. Another district and site of Scottish settlement in the city is still known today as Nowe Szkoty, or New Scotland. Warsaw, Poznan, and Lublin also hosted Scottish emigrants. Others settled in Narva in Estonia and Vilnius in Lithuania. Most of these settlers came from eastern Scotland, particularly Aberdeen, Dundee, and Fife.
The Scots, or Scottish people, have a rich and diverse history. They are primarily descended from two Celtic peoples, the Picts and Gaels, who merged in the early Middle Ages to form the Kingdom of Scotland (or Alba) in the 9th century. Over time, other groups such as the Cumbrians of Strathclyde and the Angles of Northumbria also became part of Scotland.
In the High Middle Ages, the Normans migrated to the Lowlands, and later, the Norse-Gaels of the Western Isles and the Norse of the Northern Isles were integrated into Scotland. This blend of cultures and peoples has shaped the unique identity of the Scots.
The Picts
The Picts were a group of Celtic-speaking people who lived in what is now eastern and northern Scotland during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval periods. They are known for their distinctive Pictish stones, which are carved with symbols and designs that remain a mystery to this day. The Picts were first mentioned by Roman writers in the late 3rd century AD. They were known for their fierce resistance against Roman invasions and later against Anglo-Saxon and Viking incursions.
The Gaels
The Gaels, on the other hand, were another Celtic group who originally came from Ireland. They began to settle in western Scotland around the 5th century AD, establishing the kingdom of Dál Riata. The Gaels brought with them their language, Old Irish, which evolved into Scottish Gaelic. They were instrumental in spreading Christianity in Scotland, with figures like Saint Columba playing a key role in converting the Picts and other groups to the new faith.
Union of the Picts and Gaels
By the 9th century, the Picts and Gaels had united under a single monarchy, forming the Kingdom of Alba. This union was largely due to the efforts of Kenneth MacAlpin, who is traditionally considered the first King of Scots. The merging of these two cultures laid the foundation for the modern Scottish identity.
Kenneth MacAlpin, also known as Cináed mac Ailpín, played a pivotal role in uniting the Picts and Gaels in the 9th century. Here’s how he achieved this:
Ascension to Power
Kenneth MacAlpin was originally the king of Dál Riata, a Gaelic kingdom in western Scotland. Around 843 AD, he became the king of the Picts, likely through a combination of inheritance and conquest1.
Strategic Moves
- Military Campaigns: Kenneth led military campaigns against the Picts and other rival groups, consolidating his power. His victories helped him gain control over Pictish territories.
- Relocation of Relics: He moved important religious relics, including the Stone of Scone, to his new capital at Forteviot. This act symbolized the unification of the two cultures under his rule.
Political and Cultural Integration
Kenneth’s reign marked the beginning of the integration of Pictish and Gaelic cultures. He established a dynasty that would continue to rule over a unified kingdom, which eventually became known as Alba.
Legacy
Kenneth MacAlpin is often credited as the founder of Scotland due to his role in uniting the Picts and Gaels. His efforts laid the foundation for the medieval Kingdom of Scotland.
The evolution of Alba into medieval Scotland is a fascinating journey marked by significant political, cultural, and social changes. Here’s an overview:
Formation of Alba
The Kingdom of Alba emerged in the early 9th century, primarily through the unification of the Picts and Gaels under Kenneth MacAlpin. This kingdom initially covered much of what is now eastern and northern Scotland.
Expansion and Consolidation
- Territorial Expansion: Over the next few centuries, Alba expanded its territory by incorporating regions such as Strathclyde, Lothian, and parts of Northumbria.
- Integration of Cultures: The integration of Pictish and Gaelic cultures continued, with Gaelic becoming the dominant language and culture.
Feudalization and Norman Influence
- Feudal System: The introduction of the feudal system during the reign of David I (1124-1153) brought significant changes. David I invited Norman knights and settlers, who brought with them new administrative practices and feudal laws.
- Church Reforms: David I also reformed the Scottish Church, aligning it more closely with the Roman Catholic Church and establishing several monasteries.
Political Developments
- Royal Authority: The Scottish kings worked to strengthen royal authority and centralize power. This included the establishment of royal burghs (towns) to promote trade and economic development.
- Wars of Independence: The death of Alexander III in 1286 led to a succession crisis and eventually the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. Figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce played crucial roles in these conflicts.
Emergence of Medieval Scotland
By the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the Kingdom of Alba had evolved into what we recognize as medieval Scotland. The kingdom had a more centralized government, a feudal society, and a distinct national identity.
Life in medieval Scotland was shaped by the landscape, social structure, and the feudal system. Here’s a glimpse into how medieval Scots lived and worked:
Daily Life
- Housing: Most people lived in simple, thatched-roof cottages made of wood or stone. These homes typically had one or two rooms and were shared with livestock during the winter months.
- Diet: The medieval Scottish diet was largely based on what could be grown or raised locally. Common foods included oats, barley, kale, and root vegetables. Meat, such as mutton and pork, was more common among the wealthier classes, while fish was a staple for those living near the coast.
Work and Economy
- Agriculture: The majority of medieval Scots were farmers. They worked small plots of land, growing crops like oats and barley and raising livestock such as cattle and sheep. Farming was labor-intensive and required the whole family’s involvement.
- Crafts and Trades: In towns and villages, there were various craftsmen and tradespeople, including blacksmiths, weavers, and carpenters. These skilled workers produced goods for local use and trade.
- Fishing: Coastal communities relied heavily on fishing. Fish, especially herring, was a significant part of the diet and also an important trade commodity.
Social Structure
- Feudal System: Society was organized under the feudal system, with the king at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and peasants. Land was granted by the king to nobles in exchange for military service, and peasants worked the land for the nobles.
- Clans: Clans played a crucial role in Scottish society. These extended family groups provided support and protection for their members. Clan loyalty was strong, and disputes between clans could lead to conflicts.
Religion and Culture
- Church: The Church was central to medieval Scottish life. Monasteries and churches were not only places of worship but also centers of learning and community gatherings.
- Festivals and Traditions: Scots celebrated various festivals, many of which were tied to the agricultural calendar. These included Beltane (May Day) and Samhain (Halloween). Music, dance, and storytelling were important aspects of cultural life.
Challenges
Life in medieval Scotland was often harsh. People faced challenges such as harsh weather, poor harvests, and conflicts. Despite these difficulties, communities were tight-knit, and people relied on each other for support and survival.
