Scotland can be loved and visited for a variety of reasons. The distinctive features of the country are appealing to so many people throughout the world, from the stunning scenery and extensive history to the culture and personalities of the people who live here. Here, we celebrate the oddities that make Scotland special while also providing you with a glimpse into the nation.
1. In Scotland, Three Official Languages Are Recognized
Are you able to identify them? Most likely not. English is the first, Scots is the second, and Gaelic is the third (or Scottish Gaelic). English speaks for itself. Around 1.5 million people in Scotland speak Scots, an indigenous language that is regarded to be an early form of English. There are just about 87,000 persons who speak Gaelic.
2. Scotland Has Free Colleges
One of those interesting Scottish facts can leave you feeling very guilty about the amount of money your parents put up for your college expenses. Or the hoop-jumping necessary to obtain a scholarship. Free higher education is available in Scotland. Additionally, there are some outstanding universities, including St. Andrews, where Prince William studied.
3. Bagpipes Originate in Scotland
Bagpipes are a pretty big business in the UK, used in military parades and at poignant events all across the country. They are Scottish, and texts from the 1400s are the first to mention them. However, it is believed that they came from somewhere else, as proven by old Roman writings. This one is still up for debate.
4. Scotland Is Not A Free Country
Scotland is not a real country. It is a nation that is a part of the UK and has its own parliament, but it is not a sovereign state.
5. There is a 4,000-year-old tomb in Scotland
We’re looking at a recently discovered tomb this time; it’s another historical fact about Scotland. Not just any ordinary tomb but the richly decorated tomb of a Bronze Age ruler.
6. A Poet Is Honored At One Of Scotland’s Biggest Festivals
Robert Burns also referred to as Robbie Burns, is a well-known Scottish author. His works, which range from Scots-language poems to Scottish-English dialect compositions, are very well-liked.
On Robbie Burns Night—his birthday—people recite poetry, chop haggis, then consume a lot of potatoes and alcohol. It resembles a national holiday somewhat.
7. In Scotland, Irn Bru is the most widely consumed soda
Do you even know what Irn Bru is? It’s crazy, so you should be aware of it. This substance is visibly orange and tastes sweet. A little lighter than Dr. Pepper. This is a product that the Scots swear by. It outsells Coke by a significant margin and is essentially the national beverage.
8. The unicorn is Scotland’s national animal
A genuine unicorn. The national animal, which is also the animal depicted on the nation’s crest, is a legendary creature. Who cares if a unicorn actually exists or not? That country’s animal is fantastic. Scotland, go!
9. Scotland Was the Home of Sherlock Holmes
Everyone is aware that Sherlock Holmes wasn’t originally from Scotland. He was a resident of Baker Street and was from London. Right? However, the man who gave him life was Scottish author Arthur Conan Doyle, who was born in Edinburgh and was, of course, a Scot. You have it, then.
10. You can find the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland
The Loch Ness Monster has a long history, even though it might or might not exist. It was first described in 565 AD and was believed to be a plesiosaur that lived in the murky, deep waters of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.
Apparently, a “water beast” assaulted one of Saint Columba’s followers. Whether this is a fact about Scotland that is true or false will depend on whether you travel and perhaps drive the North Coast 500.
11. Tartan Is Not Just A Statement of Fashion
The first mention of wearing a tartan to identify your clan dates back to 1538. There is a tartan exclusive to each clan. Today, many nations wear it and consider it to be an emblem of Scotland; the largest importer of tartan worldwide is Japan. There is even a tartan for Hello Kitty.
12. Kilts Don’t Need Undergarments
Although wearing kilts may necessitate wearing long socks, it is customary for males to forgo wearing drawers, as they are known in Scotland. Absolutely nothing. It confirms your Scottish identity. Except, of course, when they’re throwing those cabers around at the Highland Games.
