Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[Reiver]

Jock,
I understand the difference between a borderer and a Highland Scot pretty well actually. It's been a study of mine.
I know the Highland dress has been 'adopted' most recently by the lowlanders and borderers (for special occasions). This being a push by the gentry awhile back.
I'd say, from my studies, that the Clan/Family of the borders back in the day was easily as strong as a Highland Clan from a survival standpoint....and that that point is also actually irrelevant today at both ends.
The kilt I presently own that might travel is Scott Red modern, the most commonly recognized I'm told.


I've one tough question for you that you may ignore if you'd like. This I think is a salient point for outlanders.

The born a Scot is a Scot I get...makes sense. The immigrant and living there now a Scot I too get.


The outlander feeling of kinship, that we honestly harbor, due to bloodline and name comes from us certainly but also from a Scots 'export' of same.


It appears, put bluntly from what I've read here, that it is an economically manufactured kinship. The marketing and selling of trappings to the diaspora.