It’s true – Scots really are the most welcoming people on the planet

I do hear some grumblings from visitors on the road, but it is usually in indistinct terms. Not hard actual examples of being thrown out of Highland hotels by hairy Highlanders, or refused an artisan gin because you’re actually glad England won the World Cup in 1966. It is more in terms of “that Salmond” or “that Sturgeon”. 

Yes we’ve finally mentioned the tartan-clad elephant in the room – independence. I can see how continued support for Scottish nationalism can be mistakenly conflated with perceptions of how welcome the English are. Without taking sides on independence, I think that is perhaps because people don’t understand the nationalism I see here in person is not the hate-spitting one some people outside Scotland seem to think it is.

It’s a desire, yes, to control Scotland’s own affairs, but one that’s rooted in internationalism (Scots after all voted against leaving the EU) – not one driven by hate. And we’re a canny country too, so even the most passionate supporter of independence will still gladly take your tourist pound.

On the road around Scotland for 20 years, I constantly witness positive hospitality in action, and it’s not just a cheery smile from behind the bar. You’ll realise we’re remarkably positive if you’ve read the preachings of our other national bard, John Knox. Scotland offers a welcome and continued goodwill that has Americans, Canadians and most nationalities waxing lyrical. Without the population pressures of England’s South, people, especially outside Scotland’s eight cities, have more time for you – and visitors appreciate that.