Yeah, I know! I don't know how many times Berwick has changed hands either, and there has been plenty of reiver activies, and all that! *G*

English is really too complex a language for any simple categorisation. I agree that what Lowlands Scots speak has been 'English' (as distinct to Gaelic, say) for many centuries. But every area - including I presume, North or South Shields? - has always prided itself on its local variations and dialect and Lowland Scots is no exception. In fact, that is probably why Boab - rightly - feels so passionate about his/hers. But the clearings were, I think, one of last times there was a major pressure on Scotland to conform to the standards imposed by the South. Certainly it is the last I know of with legal sanctions for not conforming.

What I expected people to object to is that the clearances are usually thought of as a Highland event, rather than Lowland. Just shows you can never be sure how people will react!

Best regards, Shields - I'm not offended! Feel free to correct this post as well!