Firstly, as a point of interest, James's GGGGF was from Dunscore - a name which seems to have quite definite Gaelic derivation. And why should Gaelic not be given a place on passports? Perhaps this needs clarification. My guess is that what is being introduced for Welsh, and is being suggested for Gaelic, relates to the section of British/EU passports that currently appear in several languages. Already there is English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Greek and IRISH Gaeilge. I suspect that newer issues now include Polish, Czech, Estonian, Maltese, etc., etc. So why not Gaelic? This would fit in with the spirit and intent of the Gaelic Language Bill that was presented to Parliament in September. There is really no need for those with no interest in Gaelic or understanding of it to feel threatened by it. Iain ----- Original Message ----- From: James Milligan To: DUMFRIES-GALLOWAY-L@rootsweb.com Sent: 14 November 2004 12:03 Subject: [D-G LIST] Why Gaelic? I am surprised that so many people, especially on this list, are taken in by the notion that we are somehow connected to Gaelic culture - witness a call for a Gaelic passport. What absolutely self deluding, pathetic, romantic nonsense. Historically we are not. This myth struck up with the Victorian novelists and has the world thinking we are haggis eating, kilt wearing Gaelic whinging twits. OK, go back several hundred years and people from South West Scotland did speak some form of Gaelic (perhaps more associated more with Cardiff than Stornoway) - but then go back even further and we were probably all Ethiopians. My own GGGGF Robert Milligan, portioner of Dempsterton, Dunscore (b1723), very probably had bitter feelings towards the 'Highland host' - those from the north who were billeted in the South West in the 1600's to quell the religious rights of the native population. The majority of the 'Highland' army at Culloden were Episcopalian. A great bulk of the 'British' army were Scottish. The first thing Robert the Bruce did after Bannockburn was invade his 'native Gaels' - i.e. Ireland. The history goes on and on... Although untrendy and not politically correct, some of us are proud to be BRITISH. ==== DUMFRIES-GALLOWAY Mailing List ==== FIND YOUR ANCESTORS http://www.directcon.net/tomas/Ancestry/index.html/