Echoes of the Highlands: Exploring Scots-Irish Heritage in Appalachia

The cultural connections between Ireland, Scotland, and Appalachia are prevalent, especially to those with a knack to dig into their ancestry. According to the Tennessee census bureau, one in five Tennesseans has roots traced back directly to 18th-century Scots-Irish settlers.

Mountains & Scenery

The Scottish Highlands have an unmistakable solace about them, much like the Highlands of Appalachia. Hiking through the grassy green foothills nearing the highest mountain in Scotland, Ben Nevis, emits a familiar feeling of home to hiking the Appalachian Trail through Roan Mountain. While the flora and fauna vary, as well as the colder climate in Scotland, it’s evident that both of these mountain ranges hold a sacred cultural connection.

Once connected as the Central Pangean Mountains, the Scottish Highlands and Appalachian Mountains are part of the same family of mountain ranges. It’s a true wonder to imagine these ranges as one, with highest elevations comparable to present-day Himalayas. There is a true connection between these “Highlands,” with mountain scenery and so much more.

Music & Inspiration

Credit: Buna Hicks, from the Thomas G. Burton-Ambrose N. Manning Collection, Archives of Appalachia, East Tennessee State University

According to research conducted at East Tennessee State University, “More than half of the settlers that emigrated to Appalachia came from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.” The fiddle was brought to the area by settlers from Scotland and Ireland, playing a large influence on Appalachian bluegrass music. Read More about The Celtic Influence on Appalachian Music by Ted Olson here.

Bluegrass and Celtic music share a lively spirit, with fiddles, banjos, and rapid upbeat tempos. This musical connection reflects the deep roots of Scotch-Irish immigrants who brought their own traditions to Appalachia. This uniquely created sound echoes across the Atlantic and has continued to evolve throughout generations.

Influence & Celebrations

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Upper East Tennessee Fiddlers Convention

Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival and Summer Solstice Celebration by the Appalachian Highland Celts

Jonesborough- St. Paddy’s and the Highlands Cows

Credit: Matthew Corey, Highland Cow in Scotland

Tennessee’s Oldest Town, Historic Jonesborough, hosts an annual celebration of Celtic culture where you can mingle with Highland cows and calves from Happy Hens and Highlands and Rocky Creek Highland Farms. It’s a great chance to learn more about Highland cattle, a breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands.