Here come The Scots Oct. 3, 2007

The nation is expressing themselves through their football, again.

It had all gone a bit quiet.

Gretna are to be thanked for shaking things up from below – proving anything can be done by the small.

The showing-the-door to a prolific German manager put in charge of the national team, conversely also helped. Allowing another go at finding a Scottish manager – in a nation revered for its managers.

Then there came again Ally McCoist and Walter Smith.

And a crop of new players, showing that certain Scottish/celtic spirit.

Not forgetting the pop bands like Travis and before them Simple Minds and even The Wets, who helped forge the image of Scots as leaders or combattants in their field.

Less certain in terms of the effect on the young and the emerging is the Devolved parliament, supposedly giving more power to the Scots nation.