Borderless nationhood : Scotland’s diasporas, multi-directional belonging and identity investment

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Bueltmann, Tanja (2026) Borderless nationhood : Scotland’s diasporas, multi-directional belonging and identity investment. Scottish Affairs. ISSN 0966-0356 (In Press)

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Abstract

This article introduces the concept of borderless nationhood through empirical analysis of diaspora connections to Scotland, examining both Scotland’s overseas diasporas and immigrant diasporas within Scotland. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data from three surveys conducted between 2021 and 2025, the study proposes a seven-category diaspora framework - ancestral, migrant-origin, involuntary, return-oriented, high-transience, homeland-received, and hybrid - to enable more nuanced analysis of diaspora experiences. Findings reveal remarkable consistency in multi-directional belonging to Scotland across all groups examined even though primary manifestation is through distinct mechanisms: spiritual homeland connections for ancestral diasporas; enduring engagement for Scottish emigrants abroad; and substantial identity adoption among immigrants in Scotland. Brexit was a significant catalyst strengthening connections with Scotland for multiple groups. The research documents distinct geographies of multi-directional belonging that shape identity investment of all groups: primarily global for emigrants; primarily local for immigrants; and balanced across scales for those of ancestral descent. Despite strong identity investment across all groups, awareness of Scottish Government diaspora/immigrant engagement initiatives is low, representing significant untapped potential. The article argues that effective strategy must recognise both the multi-directional nature of connections and the specific needs of different diaspora groups, while navigating emerging tensions around perceived gatekeeping of Scottish identity and potential hierarchies and privilege within it.

ORCID iDs

Bueltmann, Tanja ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8493-2750;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)