Travels In Scotland And The Importance Of Heritage To Society

Over the past week, I’ve been traveling the Scottish Highlands, soaking in both natural beauty and amazing history. Having grown up under an Army Officer historian father and as a History Major at The Citadel, I absolutely love these trips. In Europe historic sites stretch back to millennium and beyond. The historic sites in Scotland tell stories which stretch back many centuries. These historic icons and associated heritage and tradition provide societal identity, stability, and continuity in ways which demand the attention of our youthful nation. To see the importance of history to a people.

On our first day, we traveled from our lodging in central Highlands to visit the “old” city of Aberdeen Scotland on the eastern coast of Scotland. The first visit was to St. Machar’s Cathedral Church. St. Machar brought Christianity to the Picts in the area in the sixth Century and Aberdeen grew around his Christian mission at the site of the ancient church. The Cathedral foundation started under the Normans in 1131, and the structures still seen today date from the 1300s. Inside the Church are many memorials to those of the past, including war hero dead and famous personages from the community. 

We next walked to Kings College, Aberdeen, founded in 1495 (fifth oldest in the English-speaking world) and looked with awe at the historic chapel and grounds. From Aberdeen, we drove back through the Highlands past ancient “Laird” (Highland Clan leader) castles we had previously visited. We ended the day at the Royal Castle of Balmoral, where the Royal family was on summer vacation here. This Castle dates back to the 1840s during the time of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

On the following day, we traveled to the southern end of the Highlands and Glamis Castle, which dates back to the 1300s. The “Lord” and current owner of the Castle is Simon Bowes-Lyon, the 19^th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Fascinating to visit the historic parts of the Castle, which was the birthplace and home of the “Queen Mum” of Queen Elizabeth II, who spent much of her youth there. MacBeth, from Shakespear’s play “MacBeth” grew up at Glamis where his brother Duncan died in a hunting accident there and hence the story.

What’s most important is heritage tying prior generations to the current generations in the traditions and lore

The following day, we went across the Highlands to the Hebrides and crossed the bridge to the “Isle of Sky” then on to Dunvegan Castle in the West. This Castle was the seat of the Chief MacLeod of the critically important clan MacLeod. The foundation of Dunvegan Castle was started in the 1200s. The first Chief Macleod was of Norse (Viking) ancestry, but the clan was assimilated with the Scots by the 1300s. The current chief, Hugh Magnus Macleod, is the 30^th Chief of clan MacLeod! 

Current members of the clan live in Scotland and worldwide. The Castle is full of the stories of the various ancestors, including a crusader who brought back the famous “fairy flag” from the crusade. It has been used in battle with the MacLeods since that time. We went from Dunvegan back to the Scottish mainland and to historic Ft. William and more such history. Beautiful scenery throughout the Highlands.

What becomes clear in these visits is the importance of these historic sites. It goes well beyond curious tourists and historians writing books. What’s most important is heritage tying prior generations to the current generations in the traditions and lore. Heritage and history bringing a common history and worldview. A cultural heritage which brings an unshakeable common identity in a people and then becomes a nation tied together with a common history. The more Nordic people of the early MacLeods became Scottish through shared history as time went forward.

Historic overthrow to transform society was attempted in America during civil unrest of 2020. Thankfully, it failed

In recent years, the ubiquitous progressive talking point has been of the alleged uniquely important value of diversity. Most haven’t giving much critical thought of the alleged truth of that assertion. What history tells us is different. It tells us of the importance of the unity of people in forming a culture. A unity forged through a common heritage from a common history. The importance of maintaining historic icons to remind us of who we are and what unites us. Of collectively accepted heroes of the past and the events which shaped the culture.

In America, we have the Revolutionary Patriots who gave their all for American Independence. Then those who defended that freedom. We have historic reminders in various locations, like Constitution Hall and Valley Forge, to remind us.

For those attempting to transform society away from Heritage, their first step has always been cutting off the history and heritage of that society while demoralizing and destroying identity. This happened in places like the Soviet Union and China. 

St. Petersburg was renamed Leningrad and the Czar and his family were murdered. In China it was attacking the “Four Olds”, which was about destroying history to bring communism. Historic overthrow to transform society was attempted in America during civil unrest of 2020. Thankfully, it failed.

God commanded placement of historic icons to keep unity and identity, like His ordering placement of the memorial stones to remind future generations of Hebrews crossing the Jordan to the promise land. We must follow the honoring our history and heritage to keep our identity and unity.

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