What does it mean if your surname is originally Scottish?
Q. How far back would a Scottish surname go? I don't think I have any directly Scottish relatives. My surname is Donaldson which I know is a branch of the Scottish clan McDonald and my mother's maiden name is Gordon which is also Scottish. I live in England.
Asked by Ruth D - Wed Oct 1 13:07:44 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I found this for you re: all three surnames, Surname: Mcdonald This is probably the most famous of Scottish clan surnames. Recorded in the modern spellings of MacDonald and McDonald, the derivation is from the pre 10th century Gaelic name Mac Dhomhnuill. This is a compound which translates literally as "The son of the world ruler". Whilst this may not have been the actual meaning fifteen hundred years ago, it is perhaps not entirely coincidental that one branch of the clan are known as "The Lords of the Isles". This was an assumed title, which much resented by early Scottish kings, King David 11 in the year 1369 going to considerable, if unsuccessful lengths, to try to dispossess them by force. In the Gaelic the name was pronounced Mak… [cont.]
Answered by itsjustme - Wed Oct 1 13:19:13 2008

Is there a significant difference between Scottish and Irish Gaelic?
Q. I'm from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia... and there are still some people that speak Gaelic in the area... but contrary to what most people seem to think, none of the younger generation does! Anyway, the Gaelic there is mostly Scottish Gaelic and I am just wondering if there is a big difference between the Gaelic from Scotland and the Gaelic from Ireland? Is it so significant that Irish and Scottish Gaels would not be able to understand each other or so insignificant as to be equal to the difference between Canadian English and British English. Thanks for your help!
Asked by Victoria D - Wed Jul 19 13:09:14 2006 - - 2 Answers - 2 Comments

A. There are enough differences between them to make mutual understanding very difficult, if not impossible, when they are speaking to one another. The writing systems were developed independently and differ in several respects. The two languages are about as closely related as English and Frisian, since it was about the same time period when the ancestors of the Scots moved from Ireland to Scotland as when the Anglo-Saxons moved to England from northern Germany.
Answered by Taivo - Wed Jul 19 13:34:21 2006

Which Scottish University is best to study History at?
Q. In terms of the standard of the degree, how highly regarded it is and how enjoyable the course is? What are the prospects after the degree? I am really interested in History, I have taken it at Higher Level and next year I am going to take it at Advanced Higher Level. Also, the degree does not have to be purely History, I am interested and open to other ideas too! Any personal experience would be great. I'm really only looking into Scottish Universities because I live in Scotland and will get free tuition if I go to a Scottish University rather than any other part of the UK. Thanks for any help in advance!
Asked by Steal My Sunshine. - Tue Apr 28 14:01:40 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. So, I take it you're in S5? Anyway, I understand why you want to stay in Scotland, I too want to take advantage that we don't have to pay tuition fees. Accordingly, eighth best in the UK and first in Scotland for history is St Andrews University which is Scotland's oldest and third oldest in the English speaking world. Quite impressive. In general it is a good university and the actual place is rich in history. Having visited St. Andrews myself I think it's a lovely place and would be great to study in. Here is some facts and figures about % Job prospects etc: Here is St Andrews University website (History): You should browse around. Edinburgh University is also quite an old university and one of the best in Scotland as well. I… [cont.]
Answered by Anne H - Tue Apr 28 17:18:15 2009