Scottish Americans, or Scots Americans, are individuals in the United States whose ancestry originates wholly or partly from Scotland. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, around 8 million people identified as being fully or partly of Scottish ancestry. This makes them a significant ethnic group in the country.

Scottish Americans are closely related to Scotch-Irish Americans, who are descendants of Ulster Scots. These communities often emphasize and celebrate their shared heritage through events like Tartan Day parades, Burns Night celebrations, and Tartan Kirking ceremonies.

The states with the highest percentages of Scottish ancestry include Maine, Vermont, Utah, and New Hampshire. Significant populations can also be found in California, Texas, and Washington.Is there something specific you’d like to know about Scottish Americans?

Scottish Americans have made numerous significant cultural contributions to the United States across various fields. Here are a few notable examples:

Literature and Education

  • Andrew Carnegie: A Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, Carnegie funded the establishment of thousands of libraries across the U.S. and founded Carnegie Mellon University.
  • John Muir: Known as the “Father of the National Parks,” Muir was a naturalist and author who played a key role in the conservation movement.

Science and Innovation

  • Alexander Graham Bell: Inventor of the telephone, Bell was born in Scotland and later moved to the U.S., where he made his groundbreaking contributions to communication technology.
  • James Clerk Maxwell: Although he spent most of his life in Scotland, Maxwell’s work in electromagnetism has had a lasting impact on American science and technology.

Music and Arts

  • Johnny Cash: The legendary country singer had Scottish ancestry and often incorporated elements of his heritage into his music.
  • Duncan Phyfe: A renowned furniture maker, Phyfe’s designs became synonymous with American Federal style furniture.

Politics and Leadership

  • Woodrow Wilson: The 28th President of the United States, Wilson’s family was of Scottish descent. His leadership during World War I and his efforts in establishing the League of Nations are well-remembered.
  • Alexander Hamilton: One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Hamilton’s father was of Scottish descent. He played a crucial role in the founding of the nation’s financial system.

Festivals and Traditions

  • Burns Night: Celebrated on January 25th, this event honors the Scottish poet Robert Burns with traditional Scottish food, music, and poetry readings.
  • Tartan Day: Held on April 6th, Tartan Day celebrates the contributions of Scottish Americans to the U.S. with parades, music, and cultural events.

These contributions highlight the diverse and rich impact that Scottish Americans have had on the cultural landscape of the United States. Is there a particular area or individual you’re interested in learning more about?

In addition to Burns Night and Tartan Day, several other Scottish traditions are celebrated in the U.S., reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Scottish Americans. Here are a few notable ones:

Highland Games

These events are held in various locations across the U.S. and feature traditional Scottish athletic competitions, such as caber tossing, hammer throwing, and tug-of-war. The games also include Scottish music, dance, and food.

St. Andrew’s Day

Celebrated on November 30th, St. Andrew’s Day honors Scotland’s patron saint. Festivities often include Scottish music, dance, and traditional foods like haggis and shortbread.

Hogmanay

This is the Scottish celebration of New Year’s Eve. In the U.S., Hogmanay is marked with parties, fireworks, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a song written by Robert Burns.

Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan

This ceremony is a blessing of the tartans, symbolizing Scottish clans and heritage. It is often held in churches and includes the display of tartan banners, bagpipe music, and prayers.

Scottish Festivals and Fairs

Many cities host Scottish festivals and fairs, featuring traditional music, dance, food, and crafts. These events provide an opportunity for people to celebrate and learn about Scottish culture.

Robert Burns Suppers

In addition to Burns Night, Robert Burns Suppers are held throughout the year to celebrate the life and works of the famous Scottish poet. These gatherings typically include readings of Burns’ poetry, traditional Scottish food, and music.

These traditions help keep Scottish culture alive and thriving in the U.S., allowing people to connect with their heritage and share it with others.