Scotland in Brief: Best Destinations, Fun Facts and Traditions

For many people, the list of the first associations connected with Scotland includes kilts, bagpipes, highlanders and ancient castles but what else do you know about this country?

Scotland is a place, where various exciting stories, historical events took place and myths were invented: here you can see one of the oldest trees on the planet, listen to the folklore directly from the locals and visit a city, where most of historical buildings are made of granite.



Scotland: 10 Interesting Facts about Country’s History and Customs

#1. Historic castles

Any visit to Scotland would not be complete without a visit to at least one of numerous castles, which may be found in this country. There are many exciting things that attract visitors to Scottish castles – they are the true and living examples of the medieval architecture, which fascinate with their greatness and rugged beauty, and, finally, the well-preserved history of each castle, which is transmitted from generation to generation, is sure to draw the attention of any traveler. Any Scottish castle is a place, where legends and history come together.

#2. 5000-year-old tree

Travelers, who like unusual destinations, may visit Scotland to see one of the oldest trees in Europe. It is located in the churchyard of the Fortingall (Perthshire) and is believed to have sprouted about 3 thousand years ago. The places, surrounding the Fortingall Yew, are known as an amazing zone for archaeological discoveries. Up to date, scientists have located the foundation of a 1300 year old monastery nearby the oldest yew on the European continent.

#3. Scottish culture and traditions in brief

Scottish people enjoy following and well preserve their national traditions. The national clothes of this mysterious country are kilts, national musical instrument – a bagpipe and national symbol (national flower) - a thistle.

There is even an interesting legend connected with the origin of this symbol: once in the old days, the Vikings failed catch off guard and capture army of Scots even at night. As the Vikings were secretly creeping barefoot towards the Scottish camp, one of them stepped on this prickly plant, thus screaming and waking up the army.

#4. Unusual games and competitions

Scotland is associated with the creation of some games and types of sports, which fascinate people all over the world even till today. Many sports historians consider Scotland to be the birthplace of golf (presumably it was invented here in the 15th century). The game of golf almost immediately received tremendous popularity and even once was banned by James II, the king of Scotland, who thought that this game was getting in the way of preparation of the soldiers.

Apart from being a place, where some types of sports got invented and improved, Scotland is known as the country, where various unusual types of sports are practiced. One of such sports, for example, is playing polo on elephants. This game, which is common in South-East Asia, also caught on in Scotland. The history of polo on elephants starts in the early XX century, when it got its first fame among #English aristocrats, who visited Asia.

There is at least one more country of the world, where weird types of sports are being practiced and unusual competitions are being hosted. It is #Finland, and here you can enter the air guitar competition, enter the cell phone throwing championship or play some mud soccer.

#5. The population of redheads

South-east of Scotland is a place, red hair color is one of the most widespread. Some researchers even claim that this region accounts for about 40% of the world's entire population of redheads.

In 2013, as a part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the first Ginger Pride Walk was organized. Its main objective was to bust all the myths, which show people with ginger hair from the negative point of view.

#6. Iconic historical destination: Hadrian's Wall

The Hadrian's Wall is probably the most recognizable ancient destination in Scotland or even in the whole UK. The history of these fortifications dates back to 122-126 AD. The wall was built by the Hadrian (the Roman Emperor), in order to reinforce the border of the Roman possessions and defend our state from the raids of the Picts from the North.

At the time, the Hadrian's Wall was a great architectural challenge - it stretches 117 kilometers (73.0 miles) along the borders of England and Scotland, has the width of 3 meters (9.8 feet) and the height of 5-6 meters (16 to 20 feet).

Since 1987, the ruins of the wall may be found on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

#7. Significant Scottish discoveries and inventions

Many modern scientists and general consumers should be thankful to the Scottish people for the #invention of various products and technologies, which are widespread in modern society. The people, whose family originates from Scotland, are responsible for the creation of the telephone, ATM machine, microwave oven, refrigeration technology, gin and tonic drink and first mechanical television system.

#8. The Viking influence

Scandinavians have made a significant impact on the Scottish culture. In the 11th century they conquered many of the smaller Scottish islands, before reaching the British Isles.

Although, a stereotypical Viking is considered to be violent and greedy, the Vikings treated their families with care and were known to always take their wives to the newly conquered lands. The Scotland was situated in the middle of the Viking trade route, which connected American Newfoundland and Baghdad, making it especially significant for them.

Interestingly enough, the Vikings treated this nationality with caution and usually warned their allies not to deal with the Scots or even advised to stay away from them. A Scandinavian map issued in the 1200's depicts Scotland as a dangerous and dark place because the language of the people was hard to understand and people themselves were fierce and stroke fear.

Due to the unpredictable weather conditions and strong gales, Vikings also feared to travel the seas, which washed the shores of Scotland.

Regardless of the above stated facts, the Vikings did choose to settle in Scotland and, certainly, many of their descendants live there today. The Scots still use some of the Old Norse words, including the word "kilt".

Other quick but fun facts about the country:

- the Scottish rule spreads over the territory, consisting of over 790 islands, however, 130 of these islands are uninhabited.

- people, who are afraid of flying, should consider conquering their fear on the shortest schedules airplane flight in the world. The air trip from Westray to Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands takes just 1 minute 14 seconds and connects two airports, which are just 1.7 miles (2.7km) apart.

 - Skara Brae, a stone-built Neolithic settlement, which is located on the territory of modern Scotland, is considered to be the oldest building in the UK (it was inhabited in 3180 BC–2500 BC).

- this country is very unlikely to suffer from the shortage of drinking water. The Scottish freshwater lakes span over 600 square miles. Probably the most popular of these lakes is the Loch Ness, home of Nessie, the mysterious marine monster.

- Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is the first place in the world, where a municipal fire brigade started operating.

- just like Rome, Edinburgh is situated on seven hills. Moreover, it is the place with one of the biggest concentration of monuments per square kilometers in the world.

- Ben Nevis (1343 meters or 4406 feet) has the highest mountain peak in this country.

- Scottish Balmoral Castle is the favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

- 5 million people, which dwell in Scotland make up just 8.5% of the population in the UK.

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