Black Scots on TikTok: A Cultural Connection and Influence Among African Americans

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TikTok Trend Reveals Surprise About Black Scottish Identity

August 21, 2025

A casual observation about Scottish summer weather has unexpectedly ignited a worldwide dialog about race, identity, and the often-overlooked Black diaspora within the United Kingdom. The online phenomenon, originating on tiktok, has captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, challenging preconceptions and fostering connections.

From Weather Rant to Global Conversation

The story began when Torgi Squire, a 43-year-old Design and Technology teacher from Glasgow, posted a short video on TikTok lamenting the predictably inclement Scottish summer. His lighthearted query – why the weather always improves immediately after children return to school – resonated with many. However, the post’s trajectory took an unforeseen turn when a United States-based weather reporter shared Squire’s content, exposing it to a much wider audience.

Suddenly, Squire’s comments section was flooded with responses from African Americans expressing astonishment at encountering a Black man with a distinctly Scottish accent. This initial surprise triggered a wave of curiosity,as Black Scots began sharing their own experiences on TikTok,using the hashtag #blackscottishtiktok to connect and engage in lively discussions.

unveiling a Hidden Narrative

The resulting online exchange revealed a significant gap in awareness,notably among Americans,regarding the existence and experiences of Black people in Scotland. Many commenters admitted their limited understanding of scottish history and culture extended primarily to popular depictions like “Braveheart” and “Shrek,” leaving little room for a nuanced gratitude of the nation’s diverse population. According to a 2022 report by the scottish Government, individuals from minority ethnic groups make up 6.3% of the Scottish population, with the majority residing in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Squire himself reported gaining over 200,000 new followers in the wake of the viral moment. He noted that the surprise wasn’t limited to American audiences, with individuals from England also expressing their unfamiliarity with Black Scots. “Ther’s still surprise at a black person with a Scottish accent on both sides of the Atlantic,” he commented.

A Welcoming Community, But Challenges Remain

Participants in the online conversation consistently highlighted Scotland’s generally welcoming atmosphere, contrasting it with the racial tensions prevalent in the United States. However, they also acknowledged that racism still exists within Scottish society, albeit often in more subtle and isolated forms. Many emphasized the strong sense of community fostered by the relatively small size of the Black Scottish population.

Ellie Koepplinger, a TikTok content creator focused on race and politics, observed that the trend resonated deeply with Black Americans grappling with a challenging climate. “Trump has made America so opposed to black people that having so many people talking about their positive experience in Scotland has got a huge amount of interest from people who are really keen to leave the States,” she explained.

Expanding Dialogue and fostering Connections

The viral trend extended beyond personal anecdotes,attracting the attention of prominent figures like Roy Wood Jr., comedian and host of CNN’s “Have I Got News For You US.” Wood traveled to scotland to interview Black Scots, further amplifying their voices and narratives. He emphasized that the lack of representation of Black individuals in American educational curricula contributes to a limited understanding of global Black experiences.

Aspect	Scotland	United States
Black Population (%)	6.3% (2022 est.)	13.6% (2023 est.)
Public Awareness of Black Scottish Identity	Generally Low (within the UK and abroad)	Very Low
Reported Racial Climate	Generally Welcoming, with Isolated Incidents of Racism	Significant Racial Tensions and Systemic Issues

Did you know? The Black population in Scotland has been growing steadily over the past few decades, driven by immigration and a higher birth rate among minority ethnic groups.

Pro Tip: if you’re interested in learning more about Black British history, explore resources from organizations like the Black Cultural Archives in London.

The Broader Implications of Diaspora Representation

The TikTok phenomenon underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity within diasporic communities. It demonstrates the power of social media to challenge preconceived notions, foster cross-cultural understanding, and amplify marginalized voices. the increased visibility of Black Scots has not only sparked a fascinating online conversation but also created a platform for a previously underrepresented group to connect, share their experiences, and build a stronger sense of community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Scottish Identity

• What percentage of the Scottish population is Black? Approximately 6.3% of the Scottish population identifies as Black, Mixed, or Other Ethnic Group (2022 estimate).
• Why were people surprised to see Black Scots? Many Americans have a limited understanding of Scottish history and diversity, frequently enough relying on stereotypical representations.
• Is racism a problem in Scotland? While generally considered more welcoming than the US, racism still exists in Scotland, though often in more subtle forms.
• How did TikTok contribute to raising awareness? TikTok’s algorithm and hashtag system allowed Black scots to connect and share their experiences with a global audience.
• What impact has this trend had on Black Scots? It has provided a platform for connection, community building, and increased visibility.
• Where can I learn more about Black British history? Numerous resources are available online through organizations like the Black Cultural Archives.
• What is the diaspora and why is it important? The diaspora refers to the scattering of people from their original homeland. Recognizing diaspora experiences is crucial for understanding global cultural diversity.

What are your thoughts on the impact of social media on broadening our understanding of different cultures? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network!

How does the historical involvement of scotland in the transatlantic slave trade complicate the current celebration of #BlackScots on TikTok?

The Rise of #BlackScots & Scottish-American Identity

TikTok has become a surprising hub for rediscovering and celebrating Scottish heritage within the African American community. the hashtag #BlackScots, alongside related terms like #AfricanScots, #DiasporaScots, and #BlackScottish, has exploded in popularity, showcasing a vibrant and frequently enough overlooked facet of cultural identity.This isn’t a new phenomenon,but TikTok’s algorithm and short-form video format have amplified these voices and connections,fostering a unique online community. The trend highlights the historical links between Scotland and the African diaspora, often stemming from the transatlantic slave trade and subsequent migration patterns.

Historical Roots: Scotland’s Complex Relationship with the Diaspora

Understanding the TikTok trend requires acknowledging a complex history. Scotland was heavily involved in the transatlantic slave trade, with Scottish merchants and ship owners playing a meaningful role. Though, this isn’t the whole story.

Enslaved scots: Many Scots were also enslaved,especially after the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745,where captured rebels were transported to the Americas.

Abolitionist Movement: Scotland also produced prominent abolitionists, like Robert Burns, whose poetry reflected anti-slavery sentiments.

Migration & Intermarriage: Over centuries, migration patterns led to intermarriage between Scots and African Americans, creating a lineage of individuals with both Scottish and African heritage. This lineage is now being actively explored and celebrated.

Shared Struggle: A shared history of oppression and resistance resonates within both communities, fostering empathy and understanding.

TikTok as a Platform for Reclamation & Connection

TikTok provides a space for Black scots and those of Scottish-african descent to reclaim their heritage, share stories, and connect with others. The platform’s features – duets, stitches, and trending sounds – facilitate collaborative storytelling and the spread of information.

Common Themes & Content on #BlackScots TikTok

Genealogy & Ancestry Research: Many users are documenting their family history, using DNA tests (like AncestryDNA and 23andMe) and genealogical records to trace their Scottish roots. Content frequently enough includes sharing family crests, historical documents, and stories passed down through generations.

Scottish Culture Exploration: Users are embracing and showcasing Scottish culture – from traditional music (bagpipes, ceilidh music) and dance (Highland dancing) to food (haggis, shortbread) and language (Scots Gaelic).

Addressing Misconceptions: A key aspect of the movement is challenging stereotypical images of Scotland and Scottish identity, particularly the perception of Scotland as exclusively “white.”

Diaspora Stories: Sharing personal narratives of navigating identity as a Black Scot, often highlighting experiences of racism and the search for belonging.

Highlighting Black Scottish Figures: Bringing attention to historical and contemporary Black individuals with Scottish heritage who have made significant contributions.

The influence of Key Creators

Several TikTok creators have been instrumental in popularizing the #BlackScots hashtag and building the community:

@ScottyTae: known for sharing family history and promoting Scottish culture.

@TheRealBlackScot: Focuses on challenging stereotypes and raising awareness about the Black Scottish experience.

@DiasporaScots: Showcases the global Black Scottish diaspora and its diverse experiences.

these creators often collaborate, amplifying each other’s content and reaching wider audiences.

Why This Matters: Cultural Significance & Impact

The #BlackScots movement on TikTok is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful example of cultural reclamation and the forging of new identities.

Benefits of the Online Community

increased Visibility: Raises awareness of the Black Scottish experience, challenging dominant narratives.

Community Building: Provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect with others who share similar backgrounds.

Preservation of heritage: Encourages the preservation and celebration of Scottish culture within the African American community.

Promoting Diversity & Inclusion: Challenges notions of Scottish identity and promotes a more inclusive understanding of Scottish history and culture.

Genealogical Discovery: inspires others to explore their own ancestry and uncover hidden family connections.

Real-World Impact & Initiatives

The online movement has begun to translate into real-world initiatives:

Black Scottish network: A growing organization dedicated to supporting and connecting Black individuals with Scottish heritage.

Academic Research: Increased interest from academics in studying the history and experiences of Black Scots.

Museum Exhibits: Calls for museums and cultural institutions to acknowledge and represent the contributions of Black Scots.

Cultural Events: Organizing events that celebrate Black Scottish culture and heritage.

Resources for Further Exploration

The Black Scottish Network: https://blackscotsnetwork.org/

AncestryDNA: https://www.ancestry.com/

23andMe: https://www.23andme.com/

* National Records of Scotland: [https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/](https://