Post by Iain Guillaume on Oct 2, 2014 2:42:57 GMT
So apparently, I'm the first new member to do what the boss said, and create a thread to introduce myself ^^
I'm Iain Guillaume (as the user name implies) - an odd name, to be sure. My Scottish mother chose the first name, and my father's French family name was carried on. I'm pretty sure nobody else has this name combination - and also that there's not a single country in the world, where people can actually pronounce the two. I was born in Dumfries, but I've only really lived in Scotland for 1 year, during which I studied Philosophy in Aberdeen. However, I have keenly followed developments in the referendum debate, and through my mother - who campaigned for the SNP in the 1970's, before leaving shortly after Thatcher came to power - I've always had a sense of Scottishness and an interest in Scottish affairs.
I'm currently doing an MLitt (which is basically an MA, but with a fancy name) in Modern History at the University of Glasgow - focusing on the debate on national identity and independence/devolution/neither in the 1970's - the first oil platforms, the first surge in SNP popularity, the first referendum and the first lies in the lead-up to such a momentous vote...obviously, I got the inspiration for this study project from my Mum talking about her own experience. She pretty much walked down the international path afterwards and never came back, so it's a time that really intrigues me, both historically for all that happened (and could have happened), as well as personally for all the effect that it had on my Mum. It was basically the last time-period in which a member of my family had a strong link with Scotland, and I'm here to renew the bond, so to speak.
I also feel that I shouldn't just study the past, but participate in shaping the future of this country, in whichever small way I can. It's what my mother strived to do, back when there was less support than there is now, and beyond owing an independent Scotland to future generations, I think we also owe it to such people as her, who did what they could back then and, as only recompense, had to endure Thatcherism afterwards. I'd be thrilled to help offer a fairer, more democratic society to future Scots, but I must say that personally, my main motivation is to help Scotland become independent for my mother's sake. If she doesn't see it happen in her lifetime, I feel it would be a great injustice, because the conclusion of the 1970's broke her heart. This is why I'm particularly sad when people speak of emigrating after the recent No vote. Sometimes History needs a little kick when it starts repeating itself...
Anyhow...^^ before arriving in Glasgow early September, I was in France studying History & Literature, in Toulouse, then Marseille. Before that I spent a year in Aberdeen studying Philosphy. My long-term project is to research & teach Modern Scottish History, and I'd quite like to do so in Scotland. I've seen quite enough of France, socially & politically it's depressing after a while, and what's happening here & now seems altogether more stimulating. So, I hope that I can contribute in some way to advance your movement. I didn't get a vote in the referendum but I know for sure how & why I would have voted - which, I believe, is more than can be said for many who've lived their whole lives here...("if you don't know, vote No", etc.)
PS: these introduction threads are potentially a bad idea - people like me end up writing way too much :-p
I'm Iain Guillaume (as the user name implies) - an odd name, to be sure. My Scottish mother chose the first name, and my father's French family name was carried on. I'm pretty sure nobody else has this name combination - and also that there's not a single country in the world, where people can actually pronounce the two. I was born in Dumfries, but I've only really lived in Scotland for 1 year, during which I studied Philosophy in Aberdeen. However, I have keenly followed developments in the referendum debate, and through my mother - who campaigned for the SNP in the 1970's, before leaving shortly after Thatcher came to power - I've always had a sense of Scottishness and an interest in Scottish affairs.
I'm currently doing an MLitt (which is basically an MA, but with a fancy name) in Modern History at the University of Glasgow - focusing on the debate on national identity and independence/devolution/neither in the 1970's - the first oil platforms, the first surge in SNP popularity, the first referendum and the first lies in the lead-up to such a momentous vote...obviously, I got the inspiration for this study project from my Mum talking about her own experience. She pretty much walked down the international path afterwards and never came back, so it's a time that really intrigues me, both historically for all that happened (and could have happened), as well as personally for all the effect that it had on my Mum. It was basically the last time-period in which a member of my family had a strong link with Scotland, and I'm here to renew the bond, so to speak.
I also feel that I shouldn't just study the past, but participate in shaping the future of this country, in whichever small way I can. It's what my mother strived to do, back when there was less support than there is now, and beyond owing an independent Scotland to future generations, I think we also owe it to such people as her, who did what they could back then and, as only recompense, had to endure Thatcherism afterwards. I'd be thrilled to help offer a fairer, more democratic society to future Scots, but I must say that personally, my main motivation is to help Scotland become independent for my mother's sake. If she doesn't see it happen in her lifetime, I feel it would be a great injustice, because the conclusion of the 1970's broke her heart. This is why I'm particularly sad when people speak of emigrating after the recent No vote. Sometimes History needs a little kick when it starts repeating itself...
Anyhow...^^ before arriving in Glasgow early September, I was in France studying History & Literature, in Toulouse, then Marseille. Before that I spent a year in Aberdeen studying Philosphy. My long-term project is to research & teach Modern Scottish History, and I'd quite like to do so in Scotland. I've seen quite enough of France, socially & politically it's depressing after a while, and what's happening here & now seems altogether more stimulating. So, I hope that I can contribute in some way to advance your movement. I didn't get a vote in the referendum but I know for sure how & why I would have voted - which, I believe, is more than can be said for many who've lived their whole lives here...("if you don't know, vote No", etc.)
PS: these introduction threads are potentially a bad idea - people like me end up writing way too much :-p
), and I live in Montrose, Angus. I'm originally from Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. I went to Dundee Uni in 2002 to do Nursing, and I am still registered, although not practising. I live with chronic anxiety and social phobia, which makes it very difficult for me to get out, although I have absolutely no problems using social media 
. Due to my disabilities, I struggle to work and i am not entitled to benefits due to the ridiculous rules regarding NI payments. I do get a token PIP tho. I'm really into music, and have very eclectic taste! I particularly love Rammstein (hence the name!), but also like other metal, rock, pop, classical and folk music. I'm very creative and can turn my hand to just about anything arty or crafty, and because of this, and help from my support workers, I set up my own business working from home. I design and make wedding stationery, greetings cards, jewellery, etc, and I also do graphic design(self taught). I have my own website, and I have been recently doing "The 45" merchandise. I have had a very colourful and interesting life so far, and I look forward to more exciting times in the future. Keep fighting the good fight!
how is everyone?