For a' that

The whisky in the glass is a 10 year-old Tomintoul single-malt. Aside from the occasional notion, it probably goes against the grain to say that I mostly use it for a toddy or medicinally for toothache. I like the idea of a whisky more than I like the taste. Not so much unconvinced as unpersuaded however.

On the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, I fancy a whisky but won't have one. My half and half attitude to whisky is further reflected in my attitude to much of Scotland and Scottishness. I like the sound of a lone piper on lament but the sound goes right through me mostly. I don't want the Scottish football team to lose, but I offer far more support to my club team. I like rugby but I want to see great sport rather than cheer the Scots. Further, I like the idea of an independent, self-determining nation but my it's a maybe yes more than a let's do it.

I see myself struggling with the idea of nationhood and patriotism. I respect hugely in my US friends and love the football players of some countries emotionally belting out their national anthems. It leaves me a bit cold with Scotland and more so with GB. I supported great sport in the Olympics more than proudly being part of a movement.

I also love the question in sport of representing countries other than that of birth. My maternal grandparents were born in Scotland, but my paternal grandparents would allow me to play for England (my grandad who died ten years before I was born was born in Liverpool from Irish stock, while my gran's father worked on Indian railways). I am therefore qualified to play for Scotland, England and India. Always fancied myself as a left-footed midfield general, but rugby was my sport at school, while I played cricket as a uni student. Of course I was a million miles from national standard, but it's a nice thought that I could have played cricket for India.

A man's a man, for a' that. Burns knew a thing or two. Here's to you.