The wind is blowing a gale and it’s bitter cold.  The kind of wind that ices through the layers of jackets and thermals and touches the skin, turning it to goose- pimple blue.  Yet the sun is shining weakly as we walk along the St Andrews Jubilee golf course.  Occasionally the weather quietens, allowing us to stop and enjoy the magnificent views of sky and cloud and the old course.  It’s Christmas Eve and Roscoe is in full- flow, charm-chat mode with his Aunties, who  enjoy his exuberance, allowing Craig and I to walk and talk without having to entertain.  On the 9th we cross a style, clamber over the sand dunes and start walking back towards St Andrews town with the East Sands beach to ourselves.  It is a perfect start to our Christmas break.

We are staying with the Aunties in Cuper, Fife on the East Coast of Scotland.  Only one of us is originally from the East Coast and we get to talking about the different belief systems and language between the East and West and the North and South.  Scotland has long been a land riven by its differences rather than its similarities.  In fact history shows Scots folks unite when they have  a common enemy, so it’s jolly handy to live next door to the English.

When the Scots last ruled themselves, there were clan wars and bloodshed and alliances were made, and broken as the wind blew.  Our natural tendencies are towards socialism which is why so many of the national trade union leaders are from Scotland.  It’s a matter of belief that we should have free car parking at hospitals, free public transport for OAPs and free higher education for Scots based children but all of this costs money.  I’m struggling to see how we can balance the books if independence from Great Britain was ever on offer again.  And without the Auld enemy to unite us, would we not end up turning on each other once more?

An example of the differences between the East and West Coasters comes from my Nana Godfrey.  She was  the eldest of 14 children and only had a rudimentary education before she joined service as a cook.  She was a make-do and mend sort of girl, every item could be found to have a reusable purpose and her only luxuries in life were her weekly copy of the Peoples friend and copious amounts of hot tea. Nana had lots of friends through the Brethren church and they visited each other often.  Never would she go anywhere without a packet of biscuits or some homemade cake or jam in her hand.  It was considered impolite to not have something to offer to supplement the hosts hospitality.

By contrast, the East Coasters start from a belief system that you’re welcome to visit but you’ll already have had your sustenance.  It would rarely occur to offer a bite to eat, no matter the time of day. And if you come bearing biscuits or wine, they will be smilingly accepted and put in the cupboard for your hosts to enjoy later!!

Of course these are generalisations.  Just as any student of national culture will tell you, these traits are a guide.  Not all Italians are competitive, highly self driven and success orientated.  Just as not all Germans are highly individualistic with a preference for  direct, honest communication and not everyone in France agrees that their superiors or elders know more, can bend rules or are better than they are.

National differences create challenge, spark debate and keep us alive to our unique place in the world.  They foster small groups and tribal or clan affiliations.  National  similarities give us identity and a broader sense of belonging and pride.

As Trump charges towards the White house with his rhetoric of what it is to be American, let’s all be aware of our national stereotypical shorthand.

And back hame, we haud our tea and far mair this Christmastime, and it was grand.