7 days ago
The tiny 'Scottish village' in Italy where locals speak Gaelic and wear tartan
It is a perfect holiday destination for those with an interest in Scots history.
Scotland's influence stretches far and wide, with elements of our culture recognised globally. Meanwhile, countless individuals all around the world celebrate their Scottish roots.
Many of these people have emigrated to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. But there is also a tiny pocket in the Italian Alps that identifies as distinctly Scottish.
The small village of Gurro is tucked away in the mountainous Piedmont region near the Swiss border. Home to fewer than 300 residents, the charming settlement is nestled amidst some of Europe's most stunning landscapes.
The scenery around Gurro is incredible, but what truly distinguishes the village is the supposed Scottish roots of its inhabitants.
It is said that locals descend from a group of Scottish soldiers many generations ago. The Gardes Écossaises—Scottish Guards—were a bodyguard unit founded in 1418 by the Valois Charles VII of France.
The unit was trained to be the personal bodyguards of the French monarchy. According to local lore, the Gardes Écossaises were retreating from the Battle of Pavia in 1525.
There, they had fought alongside the French king against the Habsburg Empire. While trying to make their way back to Scotland, the soldiers were trapped near Gurro in a snowstorm.
Legend has it, they never left and instead established their own community, one which continues to thrive in this small pocket of the Alps.
Today, Gurro's residents converse in a unique, Gaelic-influenced dialect. It is believed that elements of the locals' language derive from Scotland's national language at the time of the Gardes Écossaises.
Researchers from the University of Zurich carried out a linguistic study into the language of the locals and found 800 words in their dialect that could trace its roots to Gaelic.
One of the most common Scottish-isms in the local tongue is saying 'shi' rather than 'si' for 'yes', similar to the Scottish 'aye'.
Unusual surnames believed to be Italianised versions of traditional Scots names are also prevalent in the village. The St Andrew's Cross flies high, tartan clothes are a common sight, and there is even a Scottish museum in the area.
Additionally, the local bar goes by the name of Circolo Degli Scozzesi—'Scottish social club'. Elsewhere, in another nod to its Scottish connections, Gurro boasts a 'fontana scozzese'—Scottish fountain'.
Gurro is nestled about three hours north of Turin via car. Amazingly, it isn't the only Italian destination with deep-seated ties to Scotland.
Barga in Tuscany saw a substantial portion of its populace migrate to Scotland in the late 19th century. Many returned later, bringing back with them elements of Scottish culture.
Between 40 and 60 per cent of the town's current residents are said to have Scottish roots. Due to this, Barga has earned itself the moniker of 'the most Scottish town in Italy'.
Many Scots will currently be looking for a last-minute getaway destination to make the most of the summer holidays. If you are keen to head somewhere in Europe whilst also celebrating Scotland, Gurro and Barga in Italy might just be the perfect spots.
