Highlands are Highlands

Did you know that there are more people of Scottish descent in North Carolina than there are in Scotland? It’s true, a fact backed by the U.S. Census. My relatives are included in that number.

My oldest sister and her daughter spent last weekend participating in the 1st Annual Founder’s Day Fair hosted by the Transylvania Heritage Museum in Brevard, North Carolina. Transylvania is located in
Western North Carolina which is reputed by many to greatly resemble the topography and look of Scotland, which I presume explains why so many immigrants, including my own ancestors, chose it as a place to settle.

The history of this immigration the culture, religion, and music, including many songs with lyrics by our own dear Rabbie, that came with these brave Scottish souls is extensive and something to be explored here in installments at a later date. The contribution of Scottish and Irish music to many of the later genres of Country and Bluegrass is a part of this country’s musical heritage.

In the meantime consider this:

The only museum dedicated to Scottish tartans was originally established in Highlands, NC in 1988 and moved to its current location in Franklin in 1994. The Scottish Tartans Museum was founded by The Scottish Tartans Society which was established in Scotland. The STS was created to encourage research into Highland Dress, maintain the register for all publicly known tartans, and provide a design service for new tartans. The museums purpose is to promote Scottish Highland dress and educate the public about tartan. It now serves as a general Scottish Heritage Center for the region.