Thread by @wgsaraband

Last night, I shared the most recent example of online xenophobic abuse I get for the crime of being a politically-minded immigrant in Scotland.

Here's a thread on why I love Scotland, and why no amount of bigoted fannies will change that:

#ScotlandIsNow #indyref2

From the moment I stepped out of the plane and onto Edinburgh, the vast majority of people have been nothing but kind, friendly, warm, and, above all, genuine. You can tell when a Scot doesn't like someone, and that's so refreshing in an era of fake cordialities.

I knew an inkling about Scottish history, but coming here I found so many new, fascinating stories, such diverse and rich cultures that retain their own regional identities. I knew of Gaelic, but then I also found Scots, the poetry of Burns, and a history of struggle & success.

I was energised by the politics of Scotland, how tuned in so many people are to what's going on, and how different the atmosphere felt in Scotland in regards to Brexit. A sense of European belonging and shared heritage that is so valued and celebrated by most people here.

My soul was transformed when I first journeyed across the Highlands, and also the Lowlands, humbled by the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this country, a beauty that comes with a cost of hardship and struggle for the most isolated communities, teaching you to respect it all.

Scotland is a land of contrasts. The emptiness of the Highlands has beauty, but it came at the cost of the forced displacement of people as a result of the Clearances. Scots have phenomenal patter, but there's also poverty and tragic drug addiction hiding in the shadows.

I know I'm a romantic, and like anyone in love, I mostly see what's best about Scotland. But a perfect country she is not, because such thing doesn't exist. I like to put it in a different way - Scotland is the least imperfect country in the world, and I love her as she is.

Now, my political views are clear for all to see: I truly believe that Scotland's best days lie with us reclaiming our status as just another normal, independent nation, in a Europe and a world of equals. But even if you disagree with that, Scotland is still a wonderful country.

It wasn't me who first decided to call myself a Scot. Other Scots were quick to inform me that I was one, because I lived here. I am also the first to acknowledge that even though I am a gay immigrant, and I face specific challenges for that, my white skin shields me from much.

In a world where we see authoritarianism and xenophobia rising, with a President of the USA who tells Americans "to go home", Scotland is a wee beacon of light. Most Scots will tell you that if you live here, you're one of us, and that's all there is to it. And that's wonderful.

No matter how many bigoted trolls see fit to share their ignorance with the world, and no matter how much they try to harass me, the kindness of a single Scot makes up for a thousand of these numpties, and I have personally experienced this kindness by the bucket-load.

You needn't tell me to go home, because I already am. If home is where the heart is, my home couldn't be more Scottish, my heart couldn't be more Scottish, and my future couldn't be more Scottish. I will forever cherish how well you have treated me.

Thank you, Scotland 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿