People are currently reading this guide.
The Great Scotch Scurry: How Many Scots Invade London?
Ah, London. A city of fog, fancy accents, and...Scots? You might be surprised, but the big smoke has a long and storied history with our tartan-clad chums from north of the border. So, how many Scots have upped sticks and made London their stomping ground?
Numbers, Glorious Numbers (with a Pinch of Haggis)
There are two main ways to look at this:
- Scottish-born Londoners: This stat, according to the latest census, sits around 90,000. That's a fair few kilts roaming the streets!
- Scots by Heart: This one's a bit trickier. Lots of folks with Scottish ancestry live in London, even if they weren't born there. Some estimates say this number could be as high as 200,000. Think of all the secret Irn-Bru stashes in those flat cupboards!
Why the Big Move South, Eh?
There are a few reasons why Scots have flocked to London over the years:
- Brighter Career Prospects: London's known for being a bit of a jobs magnet. Maybe those Scots are after a shot at the big time (or at least a decent flat that doesn't require scaling a mountain to reach).
- A Change of Scenery: Don't get us wrong, Scotland's beautiful, but even the most stunning view gets old after a while. Maybe some Scots just fancied swapping rolling hills for, well, less rolling hills (and a whole lot more pigeons).
- Following the Sgian Dubh: This translates to "hidden knife" and refers to the influence some Scots have had on British politics. Perhaps some ambitious souls headed south to be closer to the heart of the action (or maybe they just missed decent fish and chips).
So, Where Do You Find These London Scots?
- The Caledonian Pub Crawl: These pubs are havens for homesick Scots (and anyone who fancies a good dram). Expect tartan wallpaper, bagpipe music, and deep-fried Mars Bars (because, well, Scotland).
- The Highland Games in the City: Yes, you read that right. London throws its own Highland Games every year, complete with caber tossing and haggis-eating contests. Just don't ask a Scotsman to explain the finer points of cury after the event...
How to Spot a London Scot:
- The Accent: It's a bit like nails on a chalkboard...to someone who isn't Scottish. Listen for the rolling "r"s and liberal use of the word "wee."
- The Football Shirt: They might not be cheering for a London team (sorry, Millwall fans). Look for Celtic or Rangers colours – just don't get caught between them in a pub!
- The Undying Love of Shortbread: It's a national treasure, don't you know? If you see someone carrying a suspiciously rectangular tin, there's a good chance they're a Scot stockpiling for the inevitable homesickness.
FAQs:
- How to Make Friends with a London Scot? Easy – offer them a dram and a chat about the superiority of single malt whisky.
- How to Understand a London Scot? Just nod a lot and smile. They'll appreciate the effort, even if you haven't a clue what they're on about.
- How to Survive a Haggis-Eating Contest? Practice with bowls of mashed potato first. Trust us.
- How to Get a Scot to Stop Talking About the Weather? There's no known cure.
- How to Enjoy London Like a Scot? Find a good pub, order a pint, and don't be afraid to haggle with a street vendor (but maybe not the Queen's guards).
