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BBC Scotland News writer Craig Williams reported that JD Vance, the Vice-President of the United States, recently arrived in Scotland, making him the second White House occupant to visit the country within a month. Vance is believed to be staying in Ayrshire, near Galloway, where his ancestors originated in the 17th Century. Despite President Donald Trump’s half-Scottish heritage, with his mother hailing from Lewis in the Western Isles, Vance’s claims to Scottish lineage have faced scrutiny.
In his bestselling book “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance describes his upbringing surrounded by poverty and substance abuse in Appalachia, an area settled by early European immigrants in the 17th Century from regions along the Scottish-English border. He identifies with the working-class white Americans of Scots-Irish descent, rebuffing derogatory stereotypes by calling them neighbors, friends, and family. Although initially critical of Trump, Vance’s book sheds light on the attraction of the Maga movement to impoverished rural voters in regions like Appalachia.
According to Prof Angelia Wilson of the University of Manchester, Vance strategically uses his Scots-Irish heritage to shape his public image, aligning with the Trump-supporting demographic. However, Prof Ewan Hague of DePaul University in Chicago believes Vance’s emphasis on his cultural roots has political advantages, tapping into connections with lower-income, rural white voters who resonate with themes of self-reliance, conservatism, and patriotism. This positioning enables Vance to draw support from those who identify with the values represented within the current administration.
The annual Tartan Day celebrations in New York highlight the enduring relationship between Scotland and the United States, emphasizing cultural ties and promoting Scottish heritage. As Vance’s visit to Scotland unfolds in a more reserved manner compared to Trump’s recent trip, it presents an opportunity to strengthen political and economic ties between the two nations. With the potential for Vance to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps, the significance of his Scottish heritage remains a focal point for discussion during his visit and beyond
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