Bolstering the Identity of Scotland in the 1930s
In the heart of Scotland's industrial city of Glasgow, two visionaries named Alastair Dunnett and Seumas Adam founded a distinctly Scottish alternative to popular English boys' magazines like The Gem and The Magnet in December 1933. The Claymore Boys' Magazine, named after the traditional Scottish sword, aimed to provide a refreshing change, focusing on adventure and the outdoors, while emphasizing Scottish culture and identity [1].
Dunnett and Adam's mission was to foster Scottish pride among young boys by connecting them with their heritage. This was evident in their promotion of traditional Scottish attire within local Scout troops and their encouragement of outdoor activities that celebrated Scotland's unique landscapes. This was part of a broader movement in the 1930s where newly introduced paid holidays and other social changes allowed working-class Scots to explore and appreciate their own countryside, reinforcing a renewed sense of Scottish identity and cultural pride [1].
The launch of the Claymore Boys' Magazine coincided with and contributed to a growing interest in Scottish nationalism and youth activities, such as those encouraged by the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Youth Hostels Association, both also founded in 1931. The magazine's impact in the 1930s was significant in strengthening Scottish identity because it provided young Scots with role models and stories rooted in their own culture, rather than imported English narratives. This cultural reclamation helped nurture a collective Scottish identity among youth during a time when national self-awareness was evolving [1].
The focus on Scottish traditions and landscapes encouraged pride in local customs at a grassroots level, influencing a generation of Scottish boys and their communities. Fast forward to the 2022 Census, 65.5% of the Scottish population chose 'Scottish' as their sole national identity, suggesting that the work of Dunnett, Adam, and the Claymore Boys' Magazine may have played a significant role in shaping Scotland's national identity [2].
It is worth noting that the term 'North Britain' (shortened to 'NB') was often used to describe Scotland in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, indicating a sense of 'Britishness' that was more prevalent in Scotland. However, individuals like Dunnett and Adam, and magazines like the Claymore, challenged this notion, advocating for a distinct Scottish identity. Patrick Geddes, an early sociologist and urban planner, also supported those who reacted against the Anglicisation of Scotland, believing that Scotland was being Anglicised and that it was essential to preserve its unique culture [1].
Dunnett and Adam, contributors to the Claymore Boys' Magazine, maintained their interest in Scottishness and adventure. After entering full-time journalism, Dunnett advocated strongly for Scottish devolution, using his position as editor of The Scotsman. Their work, along with others, has not been fully acknowledged, yet their contributions to strengthening Scottish identity during the interwar years are undeniable [1].
The Claymore Boys' Magazine folded after 31 issues in July 1934, due to insufficient income from its sales. However, its influence lived on, shaping the way young Scots viewed their heritage and fostering a sense of pride in their national identity. The legacy of the Claymore Boys' Magazine continues to be felt today, as Scotland celebrates its unique culture and history.
[1] Sim, Duncan. (2019) Strengthening a Scottish Identity: The Claymore Boys' Magazine, 1933-34. Scottish Affairs. [2] National Records of Scotland. (2022) Census Results. Retrieved from www.nrscotland.gov.uk/census.
