Bit more to it, I think- there are plenty of very poor 'traditional' but manic musical groups in Ireland who seek fame & fortune (and money of course) who having been acclaimed by the media head off on US tours, and while most have plenty of virtuosity there's little else to offer except frantic activity.

nb a suitable Irish language name for such bands is essential!!

Thats probably what similar Scottish groups would like as well, but it doesn't explain why the informal small scale scene is so much smaller in Scotland?