My ancestors 4 generations back were Scottish refugees but hardly any of that heritage has survived here in Canada. We have lost the thick scottish brogue and the Kilts. I kind of regret it but then again this is my home country and my heritage.
I do like Haggis done right and piped in on Robby Burns day. Our family goes to the Robby Burns night dinner each year. Its about the only tradition I can think of that we still do that is Scottish. Two of my three brothers were pipers my Dad played the snare drum in the local pipe band and I love the pipes. My 1/2 Brother Harold often would climb a high hill overlooking the town and the graveyard us kids called boot hill. During a funeral He play the pipers lament. He played beautifully and the sound that would drift down off the hill was wonderful.
Mostly being 4th generation Canadian we have developed Canadian family recipes such as Ox tail soup, Beaver Tail soup, Moose, Deer, Elk, Skunk Stew, Bobcat , Pheasant, Duck confit, Turtle, Trout and Salmon etc.
When I a teenager of just 16 I went to Quebec I foolishly married a FrenchCanadian Irish girl both of us far to young to take such a radical step. The Marriage lasted 2 1/2 years and produced 2 wonderful kids which I raised. So I consider poutine, peameal Bacon and back bacon to also be part of our united heritages.
Its Getting harder and harder to get some of the what was common stuff that I grew up on, rattlesnakes are now protected as are turtles, Bobcat and Linx.
Happily Snowshoe and cottontail Rabbits have made a comeback and just went back on the you can shoot them list as did Wild turkeys and raccoons. So things are looking up in some areas.
If you got lost around here when I was a kid you could always find a rattler , a fools hen (Franklin grouse) or the really slow moving and delicious porcupine. We always packed a single shot 22 with us and a box of 100 rounds. We shot and ate almost anything that moved. These things are my heritage more than anything Scottish.
My Granddad* made us eat mush without the benefit of milk or sugar.( mush = oatmeal porriage) each morning before going to school. The Mush was not accompanied by milk and sugar either Consequently I hate the stuff. My Dad took over the custom when Grandad died. Dad at least ate his with milk and brown sugar. I made sure that My kids never had to eat the stuff.
* You called the head of the clan Granddad, Not Grampa or worse yet Gramps, You'd wind up laying dead out in the back yard if you ever called him Grampa. My cousin Frankie called him Gramps once and Granddad laid him out colder than a cucumber. I was 6 at the time and I ran and told my Aunt , her comment was "serves him right."
Sorry for rambling on and on, The question just put me in a strange mood.
