subject: The First Settlers [print this page] The Scots historically emerged from the Picts, Gael, some Britons and invading Germanic peoples such as Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.
The Picts were a late Iron Age and Early Mediaeval people who inhabited what is now eastern and Northern Scotland. It is presumed that they are the descendents of the Caledoni and other tribes named by Roman historians. Pictland was also known as Pictavia. It gradually merged with the Gaelic Kingdom of dal Riata to form the Kingdom of Alba. Alba later absorbed the kingdom of Strathclyde and Lothian.
By the 11th century Pictish identity was lost to Scottish identity which was an amalgamation of all the tribes mentioned. The origins of the Gaels is not certain. During the beginning of the Christian era in Scotland, the Gaels believed that they were the descendants of the Milesians the sons of Mil Espaine. The period is covered in the Lebor Gabala Erenn which catalogues the Milesian invasion of Ireland from the Iberian Peninsula. Much of the account is based on myths, but recent studies which have shown that the people of north-western Iberia, especially the people of Galicia and Asturias are genetically closely related to the Gaels, might be an indication that the myths are embellished historical facts.
The Britons on the other hand inhabited much of what is now known as England and have roots in Spain too, as well as France
The Anglo Saxons were Germanic peoples who originated from Northern Europe. Their descendents now live in Northwest Europe. Scandinavians, Danes, Swedes, Norwegians, Icelanders, Germans, Austrians, Dutch, Flemish, English and Faroe Islanders can trace some of their roots to these Germanic peoples, but not the Finns and Sami.
If you are of Scottish ancestry and you are in the country on a research mission to trace your roots, Luxury hotels Glasgow will be able to help you plan where to stay around the country. Of course there is always Hilton hotels Scotland, you can never go wrong with this well-established organisation. They are well-known around the world and highly recommendable.
