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Reading George Kerevan's article "New Year Gives Us the Chance to Rekindle Scotland's Natural Optimism," the underlying question struck me: Are the Scots natural optimists?
My Formative Influences and Scottish Stereotypes
My own stereotype of the Scots is of an optimistic and humorous people with a dark history of invasion and occupation. That stereotype is deeply rooted in childhood memories, singing songs like the "Skye Boat Song," "A Scottish Soldier" by Andy Stewart set to the tune of "The Green Hills of Tyrol," and the haunting "The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond." Stories of historical figures such as Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots and memories of Shirley Temple's "North West Frontier" with Scottish soldiers in India paint a picture of resilience and courage. Singing "Auld Lang Syne" at New Year's, with its poignant mix of nostalgia and hope, further cements this perception. Telling Scottish jokes while imitating the accent used to get lots of laughs. In recent times, dark detective shows like "Shetland" and "Anika," both laced with Scottish humour, continue to shape these views.
And, of course, that love of Scottish culture and humour was reinforced by the children of Stow Primary, who turned my book "Optimism: The How and Why" into a Rap Song.
Scotland's National Myth and the Caledonian Spirit
The national story of Robert the Bruce and the spider symbolises optimism and perseverance. This story reflects a persistent belief in the possibility of success against the odds, emblematic of a more profound national ethos that embraces optimism as a response to challenges. The "Caledonian spirit" is a historical term that embodies optimism, resilience, humour, and adaptability, often associated with Scots.
Comedy and Scottish Humour: The Scotch Whisky Philosophy
From traditional storytelling to modern TV shows, Scottish humour and comedy offer a unique window into the Scottish psyche. The ability to laugh, even in the face of difficulty and uncertainty, is a significant aspect of optimism. The Scottish propensity to find humour in adversity is a coping mechanism and reflects an inherently optimistic outlook. Writings and anecdotes celebrating the "Scotch whisky philosophy" highlight a Scottish approach to embracing joy and finding good humour in life's ups and downs, contributing to this sense of optimism.
The Legacy of Scottish Optimism and Emigration
The history of Scottish emigration during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, as Kerevan points out in his article, is a testament to this optimistic spirit. Scots ventured into the unknown, driven by necessity and a hopeful vision for the future. This spirit of "wilful optimism," coupled with perseverance, led to transformative contributions across the globe. Most migrants and refugees, including those from Scotland, are often driven by optimism that a better life awaits them elsewhere.
Scotland's Contemporary Outlook
When she was Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said, "I'm a fully paid-up believer in the power of optimism in politics."
Speaking at the Scottish National Party Conference in 2022, Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots to be optimistic about building a stronger Scotland and a better, fairer world. Her belief in a better future is rooted in the bravery of those enduring hardships and Scotland's inherent talent, creativity, and ingenuity.
Rajiv Joshi, Commissioner of Scotland's Just Transition Commission, expressed his optimism in the human capacity to give more to people and the planet, reflecting a belief in positive change and regeneration.
Optimism in the Face of Contemporary Difficulties
My friend and fellow optimist, In the current climate, I think it’s difficult for Scottish people to be any more optimistic than the rest of the UK when their economic situation is so dire. Wages have stagnated for decades, and the cost of living is through the roof so any pay rises go straight out the door. The gap between the rich and the poor is bigger than ever. Scottish education is shocking and not something to be boasted about any longer. NHS waiting lists are through the roof with mental health services for children in a state that’s frankly terrifying. Drug-related deaths are the worst in Europe."
Optimism is a state of mind, not a state of the world. Normally born in difficulty, those who have been through tough times tend to be the most optimistic.
Recent Polling on Scottish Optimism
Recent polls offer insights into Scottish optimism:
- BC Survey (May 2023): 36% of Scots believe the country's best days are ahead, while 29% felt the country was better in the past.
- Alba Party Poll (July 2023): Revealed a pessimistic outlook, with 63.8% of Scots expecting the next five years to worsen.
- YouGov Survey (October 2022): 61% of Scots felt optimistic about Scotland's future, higher than the UK average of 44%.
Conclusion
My research shows that there are cultures and nations which are more optimistic. The evidence suggests a strong inclination towards Scottish natural optimism, exemplified by realism and resilience. Optimism is realism – a philosophy that has guided Scots through centuries of challenges and triumphs and continues to define their approach to the future.
What makes you Optimistic?
Some Support for the Proposition:
Home Office, UK Civil Service
"We are optimistic; however, we are also realists, educated to a high standard and dignified, giving us good reason to be optimistic."
"Victor good to read that you maintain your optimism following Covid, the current wars and general global uncertainty. I am currently back resident in Scotland and would agree with Lesley that we are on the whole realists with a high level of resilience that has resulted over the years in people being Scotland's biggest export. That said there is a strong inbuilt risk antennae that can be construed as pessimism but in reality its the result of centuries of adversity. In spite of this I would agree that most Scots are optimistic as exemplified by our saying that there is no such thing as bad weather in Scotland, just bad clothing."
Holistic Nutritionist & Founder @ GEM Wellness Warrior
"Victor Perton the Scots optimistic, on a daily basis yes. We wake up with the natural ability to say - it's going to be a good day; just remember an extra jumper and a raincoat."
Strategic Travel & Tourism Advisor
"We are all dead. It is only a matter of time. When you fully embrace that, it is completely pointless being anything but optimistic about the time that you have. Optimism is a gateway drug that feeds resilience, and resilience is a superpower. Like all drugs, though, it needs to be controlled, and realism is the control mechanism. Are Scots more or less optimistic than other nations? Well, walk down Sauchiehall Street in January and count the amount of folks wearing shorts 😉"
Head of IT Programme Delivery at Wescot Credit Services Limited
"Hmm, it's an interesting article that reads like it was written by a middle-class nationalist, to be honest. In the current climate, I think it’s difficult for Scottish people to be any more optimistic than the rest of the UK when their economic situation is so dire. Wages have stagnated for decades, and the cost of living is through the roof so any pay rises go straight out the door. The gap between the rich and the poor is bigger than ever. Scottish education is shocking and not something to be boasted about any longer. NHS waiting lists are through the roof with mental health services for children in a state that’s frankly terrifying. Drug-related deaths are the worst in Europe...I could go on.. so while I class myself as a very optimistic Scot, I would say that, in the main, my wee country is surviving but not thriving, which is what's really important..not someone’s outlook."
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