You need to know your roots.
So having just founded the Tight Arts Appreciation Society, I went to Scotland on a fact finding mission. I was burning to discover who the movement’s forefathers were and where the Tight Arts originated.
Though I’d consider myself quite generous these days (don’t mind sharing my loo paper with my flatmates for example), I’ve had to be frugal at times in the past and I can really appreciate a good Tight Artist.
I’m not one to blow my own horn, but I consider myself well qualified for founding this new Society.
- I’ve lived in Scotland before and fittingly worked as a pricing analyst for Statestreet. (Analyst – topical term.)
- I’ve done a double economics major – so I know how to economise
- I’ve been exposed to some of the greats throughout my life – I’ll introduce you to these guys in weeks to come.
The trip started well. I hobbled off the plane in Edinburgh dreary from sleeping pills to be met by my former work colleague Ian. There was no sign of him waiting, so I assumed he was doing laps to avoid paying for parking.
But to my surprise he surfaced. He paid for parking (surprisingly) and collected me late at night even thought he has a 1 year old baby. That’s not tight at all.
After a good sleep, I got the train into the city and saw these seats. There’s some evidence of cost savings and extreme pragmatism here. Minimal design equates to minimal cost. The design was strong enough to ensure that everyone KNEW they were in fact seats. The fact I wasn’t sure where I should actually sit is not the point. Very clever.
Once in town I was extremely shocked to see this image of an actual Scottish tight arse
As I wandered around, I could also see some statues of the founding forefathers. I was relieved to see that my search was not in vain, and that there was definitely a history here of “Tight Fistal Control”.
From my own experience, I reckon the Scots are pretty generous. They’re sensible and thrifty but not mean and cheap.
But all this only made me confused and curious to get right to the bottom of the Tight Arts. So I started talking to some people. I started
asking the question “Why are Scots considered tight-fisted?”. I got a crazy range of answers. Everything from Walt Disney…England…complete denial even. Some were unbelievable. Some sounded sensible.
My mate Ian was convinced it was a baseless smear campaign against Scots. Something to do with people being jealous due to how SUPER intelligent and inventive the Scottish nation is/has been.
Listen to this… even if it’s just for the accent.
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This dude in the street just knew his dad was tight.
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My pal Stevie didn’t seem quite sure of the origins, but had some interesting ideas. Take a listen.
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So I was still no closer to uncovering the truth – until I got talking to this dude in a cafe the next day. He knew outright and set me on course.
In a few days I’ll post his interview. You’ll be interested in hearing what he has to say. Discover why Scots have the reputation of being tight and find out where the Tight Arts originate.
Until then, keep it tight.
Greg Ellis
Tight Artist
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