Two Desserts (The Oxford Companion to Scottish History)

"Two Desserts" refers to a historical episode in Scotland symbolizing the tension between different cultural identities. Originally, the phrase highlights the rivalry between the Scottish Highlanders and Lowlanders. In a broader sense, it can signify two contrasting traditions or choices in Scottish history. This idiom reflects how these differing aspects—like the Highland's Gaelic culture and the Lowland's Anglicized customs—have shaped Scottish identity, emphasizing the enduring impact of regional differences within the nation. It is a metaphor for balancing or choosing between these often contrasting cultural elements that have historically defined Scotland.