This thread is for discussing the possibility of war in the Highlands in the modern era. To me, it seems quite possible. I am a native Gael, and know that the situation for war has always been present. But the words of a friend the other day in a speech he recorded to go on YouTube (I don't know if it is on YouTube yet) opened my eyes to the possibility...and how destructive it might be if it happened. I won't post all of what he said here. It's not racist, but the speaker has made no real intentions to disguise his fanatical traditionalist views, and I have no real intentions of exposing you all to his very eloquent and eerily convincing speech.
First, I'll get a few misconceptions out of the way, so you can understand what I do quote from him.

- England did not conquer Scotland. In 1603, a King of Scots became King of England
- Although Gaelic is spoken by only 60,000 people, there are an estimated fifty million ethnic Gaels worldwide
- The Highland clans did not wear kilts historically

I sort of interviewed him after he'd stopped filming. I was interested in the fact that there was apparently a possibility of war. I got a lot of good answers, which I noted. The original dialogue was in Gaelic, so if it seems a bit bizarre at times it is because there is no literal translation. This is a selection of the most interesting parts of the conversation:

Q: Do you honestly believe that there is a chance of a rebellion here?
A: Yes. There can be no doubt. Gaeldom is becoming much stronger. We are finding out what they took from us. The new generation is confident. Around the world, even in America, Canada, Australia - our brothers and sisters are finding out what they are missing. It is not a question of what I believe. It is a question of logic. And to assume there will be a war is logical, when the facts are presented.

Q: But wouldn't the efforts of Gaelic radio and television reduce the influence of...well, traditionalists?
A: Perhaps. But not for long. They can all give speeches and explain their philosophies to the world. But they cannot make their actions count for their words. And, besides, they will doubtless paraphrase the traditionalists. They will tell people to remember 'a hundred thousand welcomes'* and hospitality. But a hundred thousand welcomes means nothing when there are no longer a hundred thousand people entitled to say it.

*a hundred thousand welcomes, or ceud mile failte, is a traditional Gaelic greeting often used by tourist industries and as the slogan of businesses

Q: We haven't got the resources. Or the people.
A: Who says the rebellion will be in the Highlands? There are millions of us around the world. The Highland Clearances have left us scattered. Think of the millions in America, the hundreds of thousands in Canada, and a great deal of Australia's population? The tens of thousands in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Montrose, Arbroath, Dundee, and then the millions in England. We could strike anywhere. We have access to whatever resources we need. And people.

Q: What about people who doubt that a rebellion could be successful? They would not join it.
A: If to doubt is hard, to lie is impossible. If to doubt is easy, you can do nothing but lie. I know that that may not make sense now, but if you think about it - about when you lie, when you doubt - and what it means is obvious.

Q: The British Army?
A: Damn them. They owe more than they think to us. And, remember, many of them ARE us.

Q: The United Nations and America?
A: They would not sent soldiers to Britain, against some 'belligerent group.' Not even if that belligerent group was at the gates of their embassy in London. Not even if it TOOK their embassy in London. And I cannot blame them.

Q: And what would you do, if there was a rebellion that managed to reclaim the British Isles for the Gael?
A: Exactly that. Reclaim the British Isles for the Gael. And for the English. And for the Scots. And for the Cornish. And for the Welsh. And for the Manx. For the British! We shall reclaim Albion in the name of Alba!**

** Alba is the Gaelic name for Scotland, pronounced 'al-la-bah'

What do you people think of this? He seemed to know what he was talking about. He's one of the foremost authorities on society and human motivation I know, having studied it for a long time. I've never known him to be wrong with what he predicts, and he isn't often wrong with his assessments.
A rebellion doesn't seem to unrealistic. One that is victorious would take work, however.

Please discuss whether a rebellion is possible and what damage it could inflict, not whether it would win. Thank you.

If there's anything else you need to know about the Gael and the Highlands, or about what was said in the speech itself, to make a proper assessment of this, just ask. I can always moderate what he said if necessary.

If anyone is curious and wants to know what was said in the speech, in full, then email me: jamesaustin79@yahoo.co.uk

I'm not going to post it here, whether it's allowed or not, because it was very convincing. I'm not against people being willing to fight or actually fighting for the Gael - but not in the way this guy will have it.