Please let me tell you about this very special request of mine and why it means so much to me. And please do share this, if you get the sentiment behind it. It's encompasses so much, a stunning creation by @MissBabington of saltirecustomcreations.scot 💙 /1
I call Scotland my home. But like so many new Scots, I wasn't actually born here. That difference doesn't really matter though. When I first mentioned my plans to move to Scotland, I was overwhelmed by the friendly welcome. And I was sent a Scottish citizenship test. /2
The rise in xenophobia elsewhere is in stark contrast to the attitude behind this test, which is very much that of a welcoming, inclusive nation, where nationality is based on civic identity. It truly does not matter where you came from, if you wish to make Scotland your home. /3
Right now, this welcoming Nation, faces being dragged out of the EU against our will. People like me, who call Scotland home, might be kicked out due to the hostile environment of the UK government and the Brexit madness the Tories caused. Scotland doesn't want this to happen. /4
These are scary times, with lots of uncertainty and anxiety. EU citizens are being used by the Tories as scapegoats & bargaining chips, called citizens of nowhere and queue jumpers. While Scotland calls us fellow Scots, friends & family, stands up for us and wants us to stay. /5
The contrast couldn't be more stark. If you were born anywhere else (and that includes England, despite what some people want to make you believe!), I am sure you will feel welcome here. Of course we have our fair share of idiots, but they are outnumbered by good people! /6
I've always loved the look of tartans, even long before calling Scotland my home. Many Scots have their own family tartan, or a tartan they are connected to and I always love to see someone wear it proudly. As a new Scot, I just adopted them all! 💙 /7
So my idea for this custom design was born. And the amazingly talented @MissBabington made so many of my thoughts and emotions come alive in one frame. A saltire 🏴 heart. The Scottish thistle. The saying. And a map showing the colourful diversity of Scotland in tartans. 💙 /8
It is a truly stunning work of art and does make me emotional. It encompasses not only the welcoming nature of the Scotland that I love and call home, but also my love & fear of losing my home, and it highlights the diversity of Scotland and the people that make it what it is. /9
I am very much convinced that Scotland will be an independent Nation one day soon. The madness of brexit and the hate elsewhere right now just help to highlight how different we already are and want to be and how much hope there is for a better future for all of us here. /10
And hope is very much needed during these dark days. 💙
So huge thanks go to @MissBabington for capturing all of this so beautifully!
If you're stuck for wonderful Christmas presents, do visit saltirecustomcreations.scot or send Donna a message. You won't regret it! 😁 /11 END
So huge thanks go to @MissBabington for capturing all of this so beautifully!
If you're stuck for wonderful Christmas presents, do visit saltirecustomcreations.scot or send Donna a message. You won't regret it! 😁 /11 END
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