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America has a strong Scottish Diaspora; with familial ties dating back several generations. Evidence suggests that this sense of Scottishness is growing. In 2005 around 300 Highland Games were held in North America, there were 150 clan societies and around 1,900 pipe bands. Highland dancing too has increased in popularity - today there are over 200 Scottish dancing groups in the US. Pipe bands and highland dancers come together to celebrate their roots and provide entertainment at Highland games. The size of such games dwarfs similar events in Scotland. With the largest US games attracting more than 30,000 attendees. Scottish Americans have also introduced a number of customs of their own such as the Kirkin o’ the Tartan whereby tartans are blessed in a church. The military use of tartan and the idea of the highland warrior are all very much a part of Scots American’s sense of identity, at Highland games there are a large number of dirks, broadswords, claymores and targes on display. Another integral part of Americans Scottish identity is that Scottish ancestors were driven out by force after the Jacobite uprising which led to the Highland clearances by the British. Given the resonance of the highland warrior it is not surprising that American visitors looking to connect with their roots make a trip to the Highlands. Figures from Visit Scotland, show that the majority Americans visit the Highlands and Grampians. Visitors are generally interested in seeing the important battlefield in the Jacobite struggle such as the Field of Culloden, as well as taking in highland events in Scotland. They also have a chance to buy traditional items that are made in Scotland such as the iconic Harris Tweed and made to measure kilts in the family tartans. In Scotland too such symbols are key to a sense of heritage, with most Scots proudly displaying their family tartan at weddings, graduations and other formal events, as well as identifying with a particular clan.