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Where's Me Plaid?: A Scottish Roots Odyssey
"For a guy from Ohio, whose parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were also from Ohio, the question of family roots just hadn't progressed 'What part of Ohio are we from?'" This would all change in the weeks leading up to the author's first trip to Scotland, when he inadvertently discovers he is one of the 27 million Americans descended from Scottish stock - and not just any stock but a castle-storming, Viking battling line which gave rise to Scotland's most revered hero. Armed with a newfound swagger, the author transforms a much anticipated, romantic holiday with his wife into a decidedly unromantic, though highly romanticized roots tour with comic results. Crammed into their tiny rental car (a Fiat Crumb or some such model), the couple scour the countryside, from castles to trailer parks, looking for something more to commemorate Crawford history than a family crest refrigerator magnet - and ultimately discover something altogether a thriving country with the most beautiful and haunting scenery imaginable, a romantic history full of blood, intrigue and heroism, and some of the friendliest and most fiercely loyal people in the world. Award-winning travel writer Scott Crawford resides in the British Virgin Islands. A professional educator, he has a keen interest in travel and history, which infuse his writings. Where's Me Plaid is his first book.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2013
292 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Scott Crawford
1 book15 followersBorn and raised in Ohio, award-winning travel writer Scott Crawford has spent much of his adulthood trying to live anywhere else. The past two decades have found him on various islands in the Caribbean, with occasional interludes in New York City, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Florence, Italy. He currently resides in the British Virgin Islands, where he serves as head of Cedar International School.
A professional educator, he has a keen interest in travel and history, which infuse his writings. His first book, Where's Me Plaid: A Scottish Roots Odyssey, became an Amazon best seller in the categories of Travel Writing and Scotland History. His second book, a humorous account of his years living and founding a school in the US Virgin Islands, is in progress.
A professional educator, he has a keen interest in travel and history, which infuse his writings. His first book, Where's Me Plaid: A Scottish Roots Odyssey, became an Amazon best seller in the categories of Travel Writing and Scotland History. His second book, a humorous account of his years living and founding a school in the US Virgin Islands, is in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 30, 2017
"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear", is a saying ascribed to Buddha, among others. In this case the teacher really is one. An American teacher living in the British Virgin Islands and traveling through Scotland to do a bit of family research. Why so appropriate? Well, we leave in two weeks for a European vacation, a good portion of which will be doing family history in Scotland and getting to cross off a bucket list item of spending a night in Castle Forbes, just outside Aberdeen.
So, timely and a great book. May not hit the mark for all readers as it did for me but loved the fun approach to the trip, almost Bryson-like in the writing but impossible not to learn something about Scottish history and Scots in general. As an example -
"It seems the directors of the visitor center agreed with me [that the story of Rob Roy is best left to the novelists and Hollywood producers] based on the numerous copies of Sir Walter Scott's "Rob Roy"they had opportunistically displayed in the gift shop to ensnare soft headed romantics. I purchased one immediately."
Certainly doesn't take himself too seriously as he and his wife hit the high points and low in Scotland's many sights and stories and delivers a lot of detail in informative and entertaining fashion.
So, timely and a great book. May not hit the mark for all readers as it did for me but loved the fun approach to the trip, almost Bryson-like in the writing but impossible not to learn something about Scottish history and Scots in general. As an example -
"It seems the directors of the visitor center agreed with me [that the story of Rob Roy is best left to the novelists and Hollywood producers] based on the numerous copies of Sir Walter Scott's "Rob Roy"they had opportunistically displayed in the gift shop to ensnare soft headed romantics. I purchased one immediately."
Certainly doesn't take himself too seriously as he and his wife hit the high points and low in Scotland's many sights and stories and delivers a lot of detail in informative and entertaining fashion.
May 29, 2018
5-20-18: We took a family trip to Scotland in May, and I was looking for something a bit lighter than a history of the country. This book, either because of or despite its ridiculous name, jumped onto my Kindle, and I’m glad it did; it was the perfect combination for me of travelogue, history and fun facts.
Scott Crawford is an American teacher who realizes in his 30s that he has Scottish ancestry. After researching his roots at home, he and his wife arrive in Scotland for a two week, unstructured, wandering hejira around the country. Hilarious. They stumble around, getting lost; talking with unfailingly kind and helpful—and incomprehensible—Scots; trying to connect the historical dots with the evidence they find; enjoying creamy ale and cider; and generally enjoying themselves as they begin to understand the wonderful country.
Crawford starts each chapter with some historical back story about their next stop, then describes the visit itself, in a wonderfully self-deprecating (though sometimes silly) way that often highlights their misconceptions and discoveries. So we get chapters about places and things like Rosslyn Chapel (amazing in its own right, but now a hot tourist spot, thanks to The DaVinci Code); Loch Ness (and Nessie); Highland Games; numerous castles and their long histories, and much more.
Not a great literary achievement, but very enjoyable, especially if you’re heading to Scotland.
Scott Crawford is an American teacher who realizes in his 30s that he has Scottish ancestry. After researching his roots at home, he and his wife arrive in Scotland for a two week, unstructured, wandering hejira around the country. Hilarious. They stumble around, getting lost; talking with unfailingly kind and helpful—and incomprehensible—Scots; trying to connect the historical dots with the evidence they find; enjoying creamy ale and cider; and generally enjoying themselves as they begin to understand the wonderful country.
Crawford starts each chapter with some historical back story about their next stop, then describes the visit itself, in a wonderfully self-deprecating (though sometimes silly) way that often highlights their misconceptions and discoveries. So we get chapters about places and things like Rosslyn Chapel (amazing in its own right, but now a hot tourist spot, thanks to The DaVinci Code); Loch Ness (and Nessie); Highland Games; numerous castles and their long histories, and much more.
Not a great literary achievement, but very enjoyable, especially if you’re heading to Scotland.
January 10, 2019
As an American whose grandparents came from Scotland, and having been there again just recently, I really enjoyed this book! I've been to many of the places he wrote about and am ready to go back again. The author is a very good storyteller and I enjoyed learning about the history and seeing the country through his eyes.
I wasn't wild about the negativity about Loch Ness as a mecca for gullible tourists. I suppose it may be, but I doubt most tourists really believe there's a monster. But I like how he said the possibility of Nessie makes the world a more interesting place. I agree!
I think Fort William gets a bad rap. And on a side note, I cannot believe he's been to the Black Hills of South Dakota and not seen Mount Rushmore! What a loss....
But I enjoyed all the details and actual places he talked about and with the internet I could look places up, which was fun. I've seen Glencoe but now I really want to go back. I especially liked his wrap up of why Scotland is so special and why he wants to be a part of it. I love the place! I highly recommend this to people of Scottish descent-- especially if you are planning to go or have been there. I couldn't help but relate to many of his observations and it really made me feel like I was there myself.
I wasn't wild about the negativity about Loch Ness as a mecca for gullible tourists. I suppose it may be, but I doubt most tourists really believe there's a monster. But I like how he said the possibility of Nessie makes the world a more interesting place. I agree!
I think Fort William gets a bad rap. And on a side note, I cannot believe he's been to the Black Hills of South Dakota and not seen Mount Rushmore! What a loss....
But I enjoyed all the details and actual places he talked about and with the internet I could look places up, which was fun. I've seen Glencoe but now I really want to go back. I especially liked his wrap up of why Scotland is so special and why he wants to be a part of it. I love the place! I highly recommend this to people of Scottish descent-- especially if you are planning to go or have been there. I couldn't help but relate to many of his observations and it really made me feel like I was there myself.
June 17, 2017
Fun travelogue and history lesson of Scotland.
The author and his wife are teachers on a Caribbean Island. During one summer break, they decide to take a 2-week vacation in Scotland where the author can trace his clan´s history.
He is a Crawford who apparently was related to William Wallace (think Braveheart). He´s quite proud of his relation but unfortunately many of the historic sights did not deem the Crawford important enough to mention in history. His travelogue was fun and even mocking his own deficiencies. Scottish history is complicated, to me, and even more so with the literary licenses of Hollywood in Braveheart or with Shakespeare´s Macbeth. However, the author cut through to the core of the history and simplified it as much as possible.
Their travels took them from Ayrshire to Edinburgh, up to Inverness, down the Great Lochs, and through the Trossachs before returning to the airport to fly home. Not only did they tour historical sights, but also nature hikes and plenty of pubs. If I were to tour Scotland by car, I would use his itinerary as my travel route.
Humorous and entertaining.
The author and his wife are teachers on a Caribbean Island. During one summer break, they decide to take a 2-week vacation in Scotland where the author can trace his clan´s history.
He is a Crawford who apparently was related to William Wallace (think Braveheart). He´s quite proud of his relation but unfortunately many of the historic sights did not deem the Crawford important enough to mention in history. His travelogue was fun and even mocking his own deficiencies. Scottish history is complicated, to me, and even more so with the literary licenses of Hollywood in Braveheart or with Shakespeare´s Macbeth. However, the author cut through to the core of the history and simplified it as much as possible.
Their travels took them from Ayrshire to Edinburgh, up to Inverness, down the Great Lochs, and through the Trossachs before returning to the airport to fly home. Not only did they tour historical sights, but also nature hikes and plenty of pubs. If I were to tour Scotland by car, I would use his itinerary as my travel route.
Humorous and entertaining.
January 3, 2018
The first half of the book is well written, and truly laugh-out-loud funny. I'm married to a fellow "Scottish roots explorer", and so could relate to the author's antic American determination to visit Scotland, seek out famous Scottish ancestors and adroitly become one of the clan. However, about halfway into the book he begins to develop a European superiority attitude (even though he's a born and bred Ohioan) which, at times, became downright condescending especially to the mobile home culture in the southern US. Unfortunately, he seemed to have lost his sense of humor somewhere between Edinburgh and Loch Ness. The latter chapters, his time spent in the Highlands of Scotland, were interesting albeit more a travelogue and history lesson. All that being said, I have recommended the book to several people, and to my husband (who failed to see the similarity--and humor--between his trips to Scotland in search his ancestors and those of the author). If you are prepared for a wee bit of grumbling, you'll enjoy the book.
June 15, 2023
Excellent Family Roots Discovery of Scotland
Loved the connection developed through the family history of the Crawford’s and William Wallace. It was an exciting and intriguing way to find one’s family roots. Doesn’t everyone want to be related to a famous hero. At one point I thought I was related to Mary Queen of Scot’s and because of that Scotland became even more interesting and endearing. And that feeling of belonging to a community of people came through strongly in this story. I would highly recommend this book for anyone planning a trip to Scotland, I learned a lot while following their adventures.
Loved the connection developed through the family history of the Crawford’s and William Wallace. It was an exciting and intriguing way to find one’s family roots. Doesn’t everyone want to be related to a famous hero. At one point I thought I was related to Mary Queen of Scot’s and because of that Scotland became even more interesting and endearing. And that feeling of belonging to a community of people came through strongly in this story. I would highly recommend this book for anyone planning a trip to Scotland, I learned a lot while following their adventures.
July 14, 2018
Great Scotland trip report
This Social Study teacher from the Caribbean Isles gives a entertaining and informative narrative of two weeks in Scotland with a lot of background info. Very easy read with enough connectivity to keep the reader enthralled as the travelogue unwinds. I am not a Crawford but I am interested in tracing my Scottish roots. The author gives a great tutorial on how to approach and enjoy the quest. A really fun read.
This Social Study teacher from the Caribbean Isles gives a entertaining and informative narrative of two weeks in Scotland with a lot of background info. Very easy read with enough connectivity to keep the reader enthralled as the travelogue unwinds. I am not a Crawford but I am interested in tracing my Scottish roots. The author gives a great tutorial on how to approach and enjoy the quest. A really fun read.
February 12, 2020
A very good read!
For those of us who have deep, ancestral roots in Scotland (for me it’s Houston, Hague and Rose), this very entertaining book will be a pleasure to read. Crawford’s desire to follow that connection to that beautiful country full of wonderful people definitely hits a nerve for me. He also has a lively sense of humor and I found myself chuckling out loud several times.
For those of us who have deep, ancestral roots in Scotland (for me it’s Houston, Hague and Rose), this very entertaining book will be a pleasure to read. Crawford’s desire to follow that connection to that beautiful country full of wonderful people definitely hits a nerve for me. He also has a lively sense of humor and I found myself chuckling out loud several times.
July 6, 2021
Absolutely entertaining
Scott Crawford had me laughing out loud. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the book. As a genealogist, I can appreciate the idea of a trip to connect to your roots. As a musician, I appreciated the stories about listening in pubs toilet music, and participating. I looked up the singer/songwriter he mentioned, and will look into the movie. Great book!
Scott Crawford had me laughing out loud. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the book. As a genealogist, I can appreciate the idea of a trip to connect to your roots. As a musician, I appreciated the stories about listening in pubs toilet music, and participating. I looked up the singer/songwriter he mentioned, and will look into the movie. Great book!
August 8, 2021
One of the best travel memoirs I’ve ever read
This book combined several of my favorite things: travel memoir, Scotland, history, ancestry and wit. I relived some of my own special experiences at places he’s went to and made a note of the places I want to go in the future. I loved the tid bits of history sprinkled throughout. I wish I could sit down and have a pint with Scott. I’m jealous I have no Scottish ancestry!
This book combined several of my favorite things: travel memoir, Scotland, history, ancestry and wit. I relived some of my own special experiences at places he’s went to and made a note of the places I want to go in the future. I loved the tid bits of history sprinkled throughout. I wish I could sit down and have a pint with Scott. I’m jealous I have no Scottish ancestry!
June 14, 2022
A rare good read
With a trip to Scotland in my future, I thought I’d nab a travelogue to add to my preparatory reading. The cover image promised something amusing and out of the ordinary - and Crawford’s volume did not disappoint. Along the trail of family history (a passion shared by many of us who go, I suppose) he discovers the beauty of Scotland, its culture and people. A fun and interesting read. Highly recommend.
With a trip to Scotland in my future, I thought I’d nab a travelogue to add to my preparatory reading. The cover image promised something amusing and out of the ordinary - and Crawford’s volume did not disappoint. Along the trail of family history (a passion shared by many of us who go, I suppose) he discovers the beauty of Scotland, its culture and people. A fun and interesting read. Highly recommend.
July 11, 2017
A great travel memoir and history of Scotland told with classic wit and humour. The beautiful descriptions of Scotland's breathtaking scenery are delivered with such clarity, you almost feel you are there. I really enjoyed reading about Scotland's history, as well as a few notable Crawfords. Recommended for fans of Bill Bryson.
July 31, 2019
Loved this book! I have been to Scotland several times and his descriptions of certain areas, especially Edinburgh, brought back wonderful memories. It only bogged down a few times with various descriptions of wars and such, but all in all I thought it was a great book. Love his sense of humor!
February 14, 2020
You'll fall off your chair laughing
I loved this book. i am a MacTavish who grew up in Ohio and can identify with so many of the funny analogies the author makes. And he brings home the beauty and spirit of Scotland which I dearly love. Heading back next month to bag a Munro. Thanks for this amazing book.
I loved this book. i am a MacTavish who grew up in Ohio and can identify with so many of the funny analogies the author makes. And he brings home the beauty and spirit of Scotland which I dearly love. Heading back next month to bag a Munro. Thanks for this amazing book.
April 8, 2020
Fun, energetic travelogue. Scott and Katrina’s adventures and mishaps kept me laughing and thankful for another (armchair) adventure through Scotland. I’m pleased to find that Scott was left with many of the same impressions I had of Scotland, despite traveling to completely different parts of the country, in totally different styles.
October 17, 2021
Now I need to go to Scotland
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author’s humor and writing style pulled me in and I felt like he was an old friend telling me of his great vacation. I actually laughed out loud at many times. I’ll lift a pint and say my thanks to the Crawford line!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author’s humor and writing style pulled me in and I felt like he was an old friend telling me of his great vacation. I actually laughed out loud at many times. I’ll lift a pint and say my thanks to the Crawford line!!
January 31, 2022
Must Read for Fans of Scotland
I absolutely love this book! The writing was entertaining and very informative without being boring. I will definitely be searching for more books by this author. And if I am ever blessed to go to Scotland, I will be packing this book! Thank you Scott Crawford!
I absolutely love this book! The writing was entertaining and very informative without being boring. I will definitely be searching for more books by this author. And if I am ever blessed to go to Scotland, I will be packing this book! Thank you Scott Crawford!
June 7, 2020
Insanely WONDERFUL!
This is just a great read. Full of wit; humor; proper history; and descriptions that will take you where the author wants you to go. Whether or not you have roots in or ties to Scotland - this is a fun read!
This is just a great read. Full of wit; humor; proper history; and descriptions that will take you where the author wants you to go. Whether or not you have roots in or ties to Scotland - this is a fun read!
January 2, 2021
Charming
The author's wit and charm were delightful as I read about his experiences about places in Scotland that I have visited and enjoyed. Unfortunately, the poor grammar and mechanics of the writing were a distraction.
The author's wit and charm were delightful as I read about his experiences about places in Scotland that I have visited and enjoyed. Unfortunately, the poor grammar and mechanics of the writing were a distraction.
July 27, 2023
A Memorable Trip to Scotland
We were traveling around Scotland as I read this delightful book that had me laughing and also appreciating the places I was visiting in Scotland so much more from the book’s perspective. If you’re planning to visit Scotland, this book is definitely worth reading. Or, if you you’re curious about Scotland, it’s a good read as well.
We were traveling around Scotland as I read this delightful book that had me laughing and also appreciating the places I was visiting in Scotland so much more from the book’s perspective. If you’re planning to visit Scotland, this book is definitely worth reading. Or, if you you’re curious about Scotland, it’s a good read as well.
June 6, 2018
Excellent! Perfect for planning my future trip. I wish I had the real book instead or with the online book. I kept looking up places and making notes.
August 28, 2018
Reeks of arrogance and insults. Asumptive and derogatory .
September 25, 2018
Informative--and often humorous--account of Crawford's travels as he researches his family line through Scotland. A lot of great traveling tidbits for anyone visiting Scotland.
October 16, 2019
Fun non-fiction
No one who had read this book will forget that William Wallace's mother was a Crawford.
Enjoyed the chapter on music.
Katrina and Scott are a good match.
No one who had read this book will forget that William Wallace's mother was a Crawford.
Enjoyed the chapter on music.
Katrina and Scott are a good match.
April 7, 2020
Fun book, I have toured parts of Scotland and have been an amateur genealogist for 3 decades so this was perfect for my tastes.
December 7, 2020
Great
I am a Crawford and enjoyed Scott Crawford's research into the history of our Clan. Makes me want to visit Scotland
I am a Crawford and enjoyed Scott Crawford's research into the history of our Clan. Makes me want to visit Scotland
January 9, 2021
Quirky and highly entertaining!
April 26, 2021
Wonderful book
Very amusing and Informative. Hated for it to end. Makes me want to sign up for a tour right away
Very amusing and Informative. Hated for it to end. Makes me want to sign up for a tour right away
May 30, 2022
3.5 stars.
July 16, 2022
Very entertaining!
As an American of Scottish descent, I truly enjoyed this book. It was a fun read and I’m going to visit a few of these spots on my own trip soon.
As an American of Scottish descent, I truly enjoyed this book. It was a fun read and I’m going to visit a few of these spots on my own trip soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews