WHAT MAKES
Scotland
COUNTY SPECIAL?
Among all the possibilities, the real answer is
THE PEOPLE
I
By W. Curt Vincent
t’s nearly unanimous. The thing that makes Scotland County special isn't the fall festivals.
It's not the summer concert series in downtown Laurinburg. It's not Relay For Life of
Scotland County. It's not the Fighting Scots football team. It's not the civic clubs. It's not
the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce. It's not the unique history.
It's not the Laurinburg/Maxton Airport. It's not the ’Tis the Season events. It's not any of the
events and activities.
It's not even a combination of all those things.
What makes Scotland County special are its people–the ones who put all of those things, and
more, together and participate in those community events.
"There are so many things that makes Scotland County unique, but we are special because of
the people," said Chris English, executive director of the Chamber. "This diverse population
comes together and makes things happen. We rally behind people in times of crisis. We
celebrate times of joy together and we mourn together in times of despair.
"We are a close-knit community and people from all walks of life look after each other," he
added. "Every individual in this county plays a key role in making Scotland County a success."
English went on to talk about the "fantastic education system" that continues to grow and
works closely with industry on workforce needs; he spoke about the county's innovative Parks
and Recreation group that continues to develop new programs for all ages and improve the
parks; he gave kudos to the local health care system and its drive to be the best in rural North
Carolina; he touted the non-profit and service organizations, as well as the efforts of the ’Tis
the Season efforts; and he gave strong applause to the faith community that "does a wonderful
job contributing to the success of Scotland County."
But what drives those who are involved in all the successes in the county? English said it's
simple.
"Love!" he said. "They love each other, they love this community and they believe in giving
back.
"Some are born and raised here and some are transplants," English continued. "Obviously the
homegrown folks give back because it's the right thing to do. They may do it because their
parents did. I've seen generations of families serve in the same organizations. Some of the best
contributors to the community located here because of work (but) they plunged themselves
into Optimist, Rotary, Scottish Pilot Club, the Chamber or others to get to know people and
they fell in love with Scotland County and its people —"
One of the most important aspects of the things that have helped to make Scotland County
special are the stories and memories they have created as well as the chance for local folks to
tell others.
"The most important thing for a community to do is to tell your story (and) be a community
cheerleader," English said. "Tell others about the success and achievements we have made.
Tell others about the unique things that Scotland County has to offer like the ’Tis the Season
events, which have been a success because of word of mouth."
The Chamber probably holds the unofficial title as the county's biggest cheerleader.
February-March 2020 • 47