Shetlander or Scot?

I am genuinely surprised to see Shetlanders describe themselves as Scots. I was born and brought up in Northmavine and in all my youth I have to say I came across no one who did not distinguish between the two. Scotland was considered as alien as England. Indeed perhaps more so as memories of ‘Scots Lairds’ still lingered in the 1950s. At my grandmother’s knee I learned that all Shetland ever got from Scotland was “dear meal and greedy ministers”.

In case someone jumps to the conclusion that we lived in the same delusional world as other of your correspondents, let me assure you that while recognising our past we did not believe in a Scandinavian future. We simply wished to be considered entirely separate from the Scots. British yes, Scottish no.

This has nothing to do with the referendum. While I am and will remain a committed and passionate No voter I recognise the right of everyone to make up their own mind, whatever their ethnicity. I am simply sad to see that some Shetlanders do not distinguish between themselves and the Scots.

Frank Manson,
Edinburgh

PS After more than 40 years in Edinburgh I still do not regard myself as Scottish.