ArenaNet:International cultural references/United Kingdom/Scotland

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Deep fried Mars bars! Some people think it's a myth, but the Scottish absolutely do take chocolate bars, cover them in batter, and deep fry them. --Mme. Donelle 19:40, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

That I did not know! But for Scotland, I'd add other things, all probably prosaic, but fun (at least in my mind) like kilts, bagpipes, sporran, longswords, Scotch whiskey, haggis... A friend of mine -- a MacIntosh no less -- told me she nearly passed out at her first haggis dinner, when they sliced into the delicacy and the scent filled the room. That pretty much scared me off the dish, though I'm sure she exaggerated for effect. ;) -- Gaile 20:55, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

Oh no, Haggis really is that disgusting. Although I should point out that kilts are not a Scottish invention -- I believe the Irish got there first. --Mme. Donelle 21:23, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

According to what I've read, there are indeed many cultures that embrace the kilt, but I personally believe they are Scottish in origin. Interesting note on that here: "Though the origins of the kilt are disputed, it can be said with some good deal of assurance that it originated in the Scottish Highlands and Isles by possible Irish settlers. It could have been developed by Scots, Irish, Norse Gaels, or possibly all together."

Of course, there is admittedly controversy about their start. A biography of King George IV (which is a really scathing look at the former king!) seems to imply the whole concept of clan tartans has an essentially English origin, developed by Sir Walter Scott in preparation for an 1822 visit by the then-reigning monarch to Edinburgh, Scotland.

As someone with a fair amount of Scottish blood -- along with the Irish, Welsh, English, and that of a few other cultures ;) -- I'm pretty much in the Highland Scotland origin camp. And dear heavens, I do love kilts! :) -- Gaile 00:48, 29 December 2007 (UTC)

When i hear Scotland, the first thing that comes to mind is golf. isn't that scottish? would be cool with a mini game where you hit a... "insert something funny here"?? ^Teo^ 23:31, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

The first thing that came to my mind with your idea was Ettins golfing, using Rollerbeetles as golf balls. :) Golf is a great Scottish reference! Guild Wars 2 Mini Golf really sounds wonderful to me. :D -- Gaile 00:48, 29 December 2007 (UTC)

wow.. seriusly? you liked my idea? I rulz :p no seriusly thx.. and yeah the ettin-rollerbeetle would be cool.. ^^ ^Teo^ 01:08, 29 December 2007 (UTC)

[looks at Gaile's essay regarding the origins of the kilt] ...fair enough then. XD --Mme. Donelle 08:27, 29 December 2007 (UTC)

:p ^^ -- ^Teo^ 15:44, 30 December 2007 (UTC)