Open left menu scotland. The charming country of Scotland

Sh Holland was in the past (until 1707) an independent kingdom in northern Europe, now the most autonomous (having its own parliament, legal system and state church, etc.) of all the countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Scotland occupies the north of the island of Great Britain and shares a land border with England. The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh.

The climate is temperate oceanic. Thanks to the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream, temperatures in Scotland are higher than in countries along the same parallel (than, for example, Norway), but lower than in other regions of the UK. Due to the uneven surface topography, the weather is extremely unstable. During the coldest months of the year - January and February - the average temperature maximum is 5-7 °C. In the warmest months - July and August - 19 °C. Average annual precipitation ranges from 3,000 mm in the north to 800 mm in the south. The region is characterized by southwest winds and frequent storms on the coast and islands.

Scotland is rich not only with many natural wonders, but also with its famous castles, palaces and fortresses. Scotland's castles are among the country's most popular tourist destinations. The most popular castle located in the capital is Edinburgh Castle, a massive fortress that has long been the abode of monarchs. The second most popular is Stirling Castle, built on top of an extinct volcano near the city of Glasgow. Glamis Castle, surrounded by colorful gardens, is still owned by the royal family. Balmoral Castle is the residence of the Queen, who often visits it. Tours are only available from April to June, and the rest of the time it is closed to the public. The ancestral castle of the famous MacLeods is Dunvegan Castle, built on the Isle of Skye off the western coast of Scotland. Dungevan is famous for its amazing landscapes, stunning in its beauty. Crates Castle (Aberdeen) is famous unique interiors, it is open for guided tours all year round.

Scotland must be visited separately from England. This is a country (it’s hard to call it a province of Great Britain) with an amazingly rich history, fascinating nature and thousand-year-old traditions. And if the names of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Rob Roy may sound like an empty phrase to some, then the majestic castles, rocky shores and the proud spirit of William Wallace (“Braveheart”), living in the Scots to this day, will impress anyone. Those who are not affected will be finished off by golf (a Scottish invention) and whiskey.

The first thing Scotland is associated with is the highlanders and mountains, the “highlands”. But in fact, the Lowlands are no less interesting - especially the islands and plains in the northwest. Speaking of highlanders: a resident of Scotland can be called “cattle” or, for those who hate to say so, “Scottish”, but not “Scotch”. The last option applies only to objects: for example, whiskey, scrambled eggs, beef. And it’s certainly better to refrain from calling a Scotsman an Englishman - he won’t forgive you for that.

How to get to Scotland

There are no direct scheduled flights from Russia to Edinburgh. You can get there with a transfer somewhere in Europe: through Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt using KLM, British Airways or Lufthansa. Most cheap option- flight via Prague with CSA.

In addition, you can always fly to London, and from there get to Scotland by Intercity trains - it’s quite comfortable and not very expensive. There are also buses from London Victoria to Edinburgh. The journey is much longer than by train, but the ticket costs several times less. In terms of domestic flights, Edinburgh and Glasgow are about an hour's flight from London. You can get from London to Edinburgh by train in 4 hours 20 minutes.

There are also no direct flights from Kyiv or Minsk to Edinburgh; tourists from these cities can get there via London. Citizens of Kazakhstan are luckier: British Midland flies from Almaty not only to Edinburgh, but also to Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Search for flights to Edinburgh (the closest airport to Scotland)

Weather in Scotland

The Gulf Stream has given Scotland a mild, humid climate. In summer, the temperature here is usually around +25 °C; in winter, the temperature rarely drops below zero. There is snow on the slopes from November to April-May.

The best time to visit is from May to September, however, even in the summer you can't avoid rain in Edinburgh. The city is also very beautiful in winter, but it gets dark quite early. In August, during the festival, the city is very crowded; Those wishing to visit Edinburgh at this time should take care of booking a hotel in advance.

Transport

Scottish Railway passes only through the main cities of the region - where there are no rails, you will have to use local buses (for example, to get to the Highlands). As in Wales, many outlying towns and villages can be reached by Royal Mail Postbuses (usually a maximum of 4 seats). "Pochtari" usually follow detour routes, which (bonus for the long journey!) often pass through the most beautiful corners Scotland. These buses do not have official stops, so they are usually simply caught on the road. Travel there costs from 1.60 to 5.50 GBP one way. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Macbackpackers mini tour buses operate from Edinburgh to Inverness, Skye, Fort William, Glencoe, Oban and Stirling from April to September. Their travel card costs 75 GBP: validity is up to three months, the number of trips is unlimited.

Beautiful Scotland

Popular hotels in Scotland

What to bring from Scotland

Scotland leaves a piece of itself in the heart of every traveler who visits its harsh and picturesque lands. This, of course, is great, but I also want something more material, if not for myself, then for friends and relatives - for this brethren, stories alone are always not enough. When you think about how to please your loved ones and indulge your passion for collecting curiosities from all over the world, various literary and film stereotypes about Scotland come to mind: whiskey and ale, bagpipes, heather, kilts, checkered blankets. Everything is so, this is exactly the case when stereotypes are the best answer to the question “What to bring from Scotland”.

Cuisine and restaurants of Scotland

Scotland is famous primarily for its beef and lamb dishes, as well as excellent fresh fish (salmon is especially good), shellfish and crustaceans. Game dishes (partridge, pheasant) are very lean and healthy, they are often prepared with Scottish raspberries, blackcurrants or blueberries.

One of Scotland's world-famous traditional dishes is haggis. This is an amazing lamb tripe stuffed with oatmeal and offal with lard and spices. Soups are also an integral part of the Scottish diet. The delicious “Cullen skink” of smoked haddock with potatoes is their traditional dish.

The Scots' love for sweets (as well as for strong drinks, by the way) has become legendary. It's worth trying their cranachan (toasted oatmeal with whiskey, cream, berries and honey), cloutie dumpling (pudding with dried fruit and spices) or simply delicious ice cream made from Scottish milk.

Entertainment and attractions in Scotland

Loch Ness is one of the most famous attractions in Scotland and around the world. The fame of the lake was brought by the legend of a monster nicknamed “Nessie”. Visiting the village of Drumnadrouchit, you can see two exhibitions dedicated to the elusive creature, and look at the statue of the monster, allegedly made in life size. The surrounding area of ​​the lake is no less interesting: Alduri Castle and the ruins of Urhard Castle, which offer a wonderful view of the lake. And nearby is Inverness, a small town 260 km north of Edinburgh; It is believed that it is from Inverness that most of the old Scottish families come, and that it is the real birthplace of porridge, whiskey and bagpipes.

In the Shetland Islands there is a marine park “rich” in walruses and Navy SEALs. Another zoological feature of the islands is the miniature Shetland ponies.

Western Islands: South Just Island - the unique Kalanish Standing Stones, the Lannter exhibition center, the Harbor View gallery, the Kalandis Visitor Center, which presents the history of ancient stones, the ruins of Gaelic castles. The Isle of Barra is famous for Kismul Castle; on the Isle of Skye you can see the ruins of Knock Castle in Armadale, the water castle of Maol and the very spectacular Ilean Donan Castle.

The Orkney Islands have a colorful history, influenced by the fact that the islands belonged to Norway for many centuries. To the west, in the West Mainland at Skara Brae, there is a prehistoric village, some 5,000 years old, and the ancient Standing Stones, which stand in a circle. Particularly interesting is Ring ov Brogar - a circle with a diameter of 104 m made of vertical stone blocks, approximately the same in shape and size. Here you can also visit the Mais Hove tomb, built 3 thousand years BC, and the Myne Hove catacombs (2 thousand years).

On the northeast coast of Scotland lies historic Aberdeen. This city was mentioned in medieval chronicles back in the time of William the Conqueror, and even then it was known throughout Europe, and in the 12th-14th centuries. it was the residence of the Scottish kings. But the largest city in Scotland - Glasgow - is considered a center of the arts and the venue for numerous festivals.

Trosachs National Park (Loch Lomond) was created to protect local wildlife, which contains approximately 200 bird species and 25% wild plants the whole country.

Inveraray Castle is a fabulous Gothic building standing on the shores of Loch Fyne near Glasgow, one of the main tourist centers of Western Scotland. The castle features an armory, a tapestry hall, a Victorian hall, a guest salon and a magnificent dining room. The Inveraray Museum and Wildlife Park are also nearby. Stirling Castle, Scone Palace and Blair Castle are just a small part of Scotland's architectural riches.

Deep Sea World is an aquarium entertainment center 12 miles west of Edinburgh city center offering water-based activities for visitors. This is the only aquarium in the world where you can swim with sharks. And also - take a fascinating journey through the world's largest underwater tunnel (112 m).

Scotland's beaches are some of the best beaches in the world. Length coastline 16,491 km. West coast beaches with white sand and crystalline clean water Often photographed as Caribbean beaches for tourist brochures.

Scotland is the European capital of adventure tourism and Europe's premier wildlife viewing destination.

Events in Scotland

November 30 is the day of the patron saint of Scotland, Saint Andrew. Mid-January-February is Robert Burns' birthday. August 6-28 - Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Every year, a parade of Scottish bagpipers takes place near the walls of the ancient Edinburgh Castle - a vibrant folk show.

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Description

Scotland is located in the north of Great Britain and is integral part United Kingdom. Despite its dependent status, it retained the right to be called a state. Scotland is a kingdom that has maintained its independence for almost a millennium. However, from the beginning of the 18th century, the English monarch became the head of the kingdom, and Scotland itself formed a union with England and Wales, which made it possible to create Great Britain.

Scotland has retained its national banner, which is the St. Andrew's flag - a blue cloth with an oblique ("St. Andrew's") cross white. St. Andrew the First-Called is considered the patron saint of the Scots and is part of the national Scottish myth. St. Andrew's flag is one of the most recognizable symbols of Scotland.

The capital of Scotland is the city of Edinburgh with a population of almost 500 thousand inhabitants. This city is considered the “pearl” of Scotland and the most visited city by tourists in the country and second after London in the whole of Great Britain. More than 13 million people visit the Scottish capital every year, which far exceeds not only the number of residents of the city, but also the population of the entire country. Edinburgh city center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Despite its capital status, Edinburgh is inferior in terms of the number of residents to Glasgow, which is home to about 700 thousand people. It is the largest economic and business center countries. Also among the largest population centers in Scotland are Dundee and Aberdeen.

Despite the official absence of a state language, English is the most widespread; almost the entire population of the country speaks it. The native languages ​​of the Scots - Gaelic and Scots - are much less common, especially Gaelic, which is spoken by less than 1% of the country's population.

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Geography

Scotland is surrounded by waters Atlantic Ocean And North Sea and only in the south does it have a land border. The total area of ​​the country is almost 79 thousand km 2, of which 97% is land. Scotland is separated from Ireland by the North Channel and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean; at its narrowest point, the distance between the two islands is only 30 km. Southern Scotland is the only part of the country that has a land border: Scotland borders England for 95 km.

In addition to being part of Great Britain, Scotland owns approximately 790 islands, the largest archipelagos being the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands, and the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Most of the Scottish islands are located in Atlantic waters off the north-west coast of the country.

Scotland is the most mountainous part of Great Britain: about 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains and hills, and only 20% by lowlands.

From a topographical point of view, the entire territory of the country can be divided into 3 regions:

The North Scottish Highlands (Highlands), occupying 60% of Scotland's territory. The Highlands consist of several ridges and plateaus separated by depressions. The region of the Grampian Mountains, in which the highest point in Great Britain, Ben Nevis, is located, stands out especially. It is in the Highland region that Scotland's most famous lakes are located. Largest locality This region is Aberdeen, which is the third most populous city in Scotland.

The Lowlands occupy 20% of the country's territory and are located south of the Highlands, from which it is separated by the North Scottish Rift. It is on the territory of the Lowlands that most of the country's population lives and the Largest cities kingdoms: Glasgow and the capital Edinburgh.

The South Scottish Highlands are located south of the Lowlands on the border with England. The hills are a line of heather-covered hills separated by valleys. This area is sparsely populated.

In addition to the hills and mountains, for which the Scots got their nickname “highlanders,” the country’s pride is its famous lakes, which make up 90% of the fresh water reserves in the whole of Great Britain. Loch Ness is not only world famous for its “monster”, but also contains more water than all the rivers and lakes of England and Wales combined. But Loch Ness is not the largest body of water in Scotland, by area water surface it was ahead of Loch Lomond (more than 70 km 2).

The rivers of Scotland, as throughout the UK, do not differ in length or depth. The largest river in the country is the Tey, which is less than 200 km long.

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Climate

The Scottish climate is influenced by 2 main factors:

• Atlantic masses formed under the influence of the Gulf Stream;
• cold masses of the North Sea.

Due to the fact that the northern part of the island of Great Britain, where Scotland is located, is surrounded by the sea on three sides, the local climate is characterized by extremely unstable weather, humidity and low numbers sunny days per year. At the same time, the oceanic influence softens the climate, so extreme temperatures are not typical for it.

The warmest region of Scotland is the west coast of Scotland, which is influenced by Atlantic air masses. The eastern and northern coasts, which are greatly influenced by the cold air masses of the North Sea, have lower temperatures. During the winter months, the coast is warmer than inland areas, but in summer the opposite is true. Due to Scotland's mountainous terrain, there is an altitudinal effect: for every 100 meters above sea level, the average annual temperature drops by 0.6 °C.

Due to the influence of the sea, which warms slowly and cools slowly, the seasons in Scotland are shifted: winter here begins in January, and summer in July. In the winter months, the average temperature can range from +3..+4 °C to +6..+7 °C, and in mountainous areas the average temperature in the winter months is below zero. During the summer months, inland areas tend to be more high temperatures than the coast. The average temperature of the warmest months (July and August) is +19 °C. Temperature records in Scotland are also not amazing: the maximum recorded temperature is +32.9 °C, the minimum - -27.2 °C.

The amount of precipitation in Scotland increases from south to north: from 800 mm per year over the South Scottish Lowlands to 3000 mm per year in the Highlands. Maximum rainfall occurs in the northern Highlands and can reach 4,500 mm, and it rains or snows 250 days a year. Snow cover in valleys and lowlands lasts for a short period, literally a couple of dozen days. In mountainous areas, snow can remain for several months.

Countries closest in spirit to Scotland

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About the residents

The population of Scotland is more than 5 million people, of which almost 90% are Scots. By origin, the Scots are considered Celts, and their closest relatives are the Irish and Welsh.

All Scots are usually divided into Highlanders (Gaels living in the mountains) and Lowlanders (residents of lowland Scotland). The Highlanders retain much greater originality, and their traditions are archaic due to much less English influence. It was the Highlanders who more strongly preserved the remnants of the clan system, while the Lowlanders completely lost it after the annexation of Scotland to England. It is believed that the culture of the Highlanders was greatly influenced by the Picts, the oldest population of Scotland who lived here before the arrival of other peoples. The Lowlanders trace their origins back to the Celtic tribes that once migrated from Ireland; they were also greatly influenced by the Germans and Scandinavians, who moved en masse to the country in the Middle Ages. Therefore, now, despite the small number of highlanders (about 150 thousand people), it is the culture of the Highlanders that is considered fundamental to Scotland.

Most Scots are Protestants, namely they belong to the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. At the same time, the majority of the highlanders remained Catholics, who number up to 20% in the country as a whole.

Remnants of the clan system can be observed in the patronymic surnames of the Scots. The family prefix "Mac" was usually retained by the descendants of the Gaels and means "son", that is, McDonald - "son of Donald", Mackenzie - "son of Kenzie", etc. All members of the clan bore the same surname, which was the unifying principle for the entire clan .

The country does not have an official language, but the most widely used language is English, which is spoken by almost 100% of the country's residents. The native languages ​​of the Scots - Gaelic and Scots - are much less widespread. Gaelic, which is of Celtic origin, is spoken only in the north of the country in the Highlands. The number of its speakers does not exceed 1% of all residents of the country. Anglo-Scottish (Scots) was previously used in the Lowlands, which is why its second name is Lowland Scots. However, it is now also more common in the north, as the lowland parts of the kingdom have experienced greatest influence England. The total number of English-Scottish speakers is up to 1.5 million people.

The national character of the Scots has made it possible to form an opinion of them as stingy in actions and words, prickly and stubborn people, but at the same time they are distinguished by sacrifice, compassion and readiness to help. The dual character of the Scots seems to be determined by the nature of Scotland: prickly, like thistles, stingy and harsh, like the landscapes of the country, hospitable and kind, as only highlanders can be, the Scots do not reveal themselves immediately, but gradually, which is typical of all northern people.

About culture and art

The culture of Scotland has been greatly influenced by English culture, but many Celtic traditions and characteristics still survive, especially in the Highlands of Scotland. The main thing that distinguishes the Scots from other European nations is, of course, their national costume. The famous kilt is made from tartan, a fabric with a special tartan pattern. Tartan is a special checkered pattern invented in Scotland and used by the Highlanders as an identification mark for the clan. Each clan had its own special tartan pattern, which made it possible to identify a person without even talking to him. The popularity of tartan is so great that every year on April 6th Tartan Day is celebrated in Scotland. Tartan with a tartan pattern is used not only in kilts, but also for making school uniforms, blankets and other garments.

Kilt is a special men's skirt worn without underwear. At one time, the kilt was banned by the English authorities after the annexation of Scotland to England, since it was worn only by highlanders who did not want to recognize English dominance. A few decades later, the ban was lifted, and the highlanders were able to freely use their national costume. It is curious that in lowland Scotland the kilt was never worn, but with the growth of national self-awareness it not only gained recognition as the national costume of all Scots, but also became a kind of symbol of the entire Celtic culture. Of course, the kilt is very rarely used as everyday wear; more often it can be seen at weddings or military ceremonies, or other special events.

Their national dances are also considered a cultural feature of the Scots: country ballroom dances, performed by two people, and single dances. The male Highland dance is performed alone, and the dancer must be fully dressed in a Scottish Highlander costume. The Highland is performed exclusively to the accompaniment of bagpipes and is believed to have its origins in a war dance with swords. The dancer performs the dance on half fingers, which brings Highland music closer to ballet. Most often, tourists can see this dance performed at the Highland Games, an annual celebration of Scottish culture.

The national drink of the country is the famous whiskey, invented in Scotland. Even its name comes from the Gaelic word meaning “water of life.” Scotch whiskey, or simply scotch, is a patented geographical name, so only a drink made in Scotland in accordance with established rules may be called that.

Like all British people, the people of Scotland are a very sporty nation and cannot imagine their life without sports. The most popular sports are football and rugby. The Scottish rugby team is one of the strongest in the world and is considered the country's national pride. The successes of Scottish football are not so great, but the confrontation between two clubs from Glasgow (Celtic and Rangers) is the oldest in the world and one of the hottest on the planet. Derby under the nickname "Old Firm" has existed since the second half of the 19th century century and complicated by religious, national and political contradictions. Celtic fans are Catholics and supporters of an independent Scotland, while Rangers fans are Protestants and Loyalists (supporters of keeping the country part of Great Britain). This confrontation has become one of the cultural codes of Scotland, but now everything is decided on football fields, and not in street fights.

Books and films related to Scotland

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National cuisine

The originality and characteristics of Scottish cuisine were determined by the climate, fertile soils and farming traditions. The residents' diet always includes excellent meat, fresh seafood, fish and their own vegetables and herbs. Natural products allow you to cook delicious dishes. The Scottish menu is very diverse: there is meat, soups, cereals, pastries and vegetables.

First of all, a tourist who wants to get acquainted with the local cuisine should try the traditional soup. The consistency of the stew resembles goulash - it is so rich and thick. There are varieties of soups to suit every taste! A weary traveler can choose fish, potato, pearl barley, crab or chicken soup. The most famous soup is Cullen Skink. It consists of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. The soup was first prepared in the city of Cullen, from where it spread to the tables of residents of other Scottish settlements. The fish for Cullen Skink is boiled in milk, and cream is added to the fully prepared stew. In some cases, butter is added to the food and the soup is eaten along with croutons or bread. Scottish soups are so hearty that a tourist who is not adapted to such portions may refuse the next dish.

However, we do not recommend refusing: after all, next on the list is the world-famous “Haggis”. The dish, about which songs and poems are written, consists of sheep tripe filled with offal, oats, onions and sprinkled with spices. The oats give the haggis a crumbly consistency. They eat the dish, washing it down with local whiskey. The dish is the most popular, despite the fact that it spread thanks to the poor who used the poorly sold tripe as a filling.

Seafood lovers will love the local salmon, which proudly bears the title of the best salmon in the world. It is salted or baked with a vegetable side dish. Along with salmon, try lobster that goes to Michelin-starred establishments around the world. Locals are proud of their cheeses. Works in Scotland a large number of cheese factory Guests of the country should definitely try Crowdy and Kabok cheese.

Diversity traditional recipes will allow travelers to choose a menu to suit their taste. Tourists should definitely try chicken in a pot, sheep kidney pies, and meatballs with eggs. Meat dishes are served with popular side dishes: potatoes, turnips, peas and porridge. It is complemented by aromatic homemade bread.

The favorite drink of the Scots is not traditional whiskey, but delicious tea. In the evening, a traveler must attend a tea ceremony. The tables are full of desserts, sweets and pastries. Jam, muffins, marmalade, cookies and pies filled with berries are a must. Every guest of the country tries a national dessert called “crannachan”, consisting of freshly picked berries, cream, honey and oatmeal. For alcoholic drinks, we recommend trying whiskey, beer and homemade wine. They are made in every settlement in Scotland.

Scottish cuisine prides itself on dishes made from the freshest natural ingredients, grown in its own gardens, caught in local waters and prepared in small family-run businesses.

Brief information about the country: Scotland

Scotland ( Scotland) Formerly an independent kingdom in northern Europe, it is now the only autonomous monarchy (including its own parliament) of the four regions that make up the United Kingdom.

Capital- Edinburgh

Language- Currently, there is no officially adopted state language in the UK, but three languages ​​are used in Scotland - English, Scottish Gaelic And Anglo-Scottish.

Flag of Scotland

The Scottish flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world. Its appearance, according to legend, dates back to 832, when King Angus, before the battle with the Anglo-Saxons, saw in the sky a sign in the form of an X-shaped cross, on which, according to legend, Andrew the First-Called, considered the patron saint of Scotland, was crucified. The battle was won, and the image of a white cross on a sky-blue field became one of the symbols of Scotland.
The Scottish flag was included as a component in the flag of Great Britain

Coat of arms of Scotland

The shield holders are two unicorns chained to a pedestal. Unicorns symbolize the indomitable spirit of the Scots. Unicorns support two standards: the royal one with a lion and the national one with the St. Andrew's cross. Initially, the coat of arms had only one motto, located according to the traditions of Scottish heraldry at the top. "In Defense" is an abbreviation of the motto "In My Defens God Me Defend"("God protects me"). Later, the regalia of the Order of the Thistle was added to the coat of arms - the order chain and motto "Nemo me impune lacessit"(“No one will attack me with impunity”), located below. The coat of arms lasted with minor decorative changes until 1603, when England and Scotland were united under one crown.

Symbol of Scotland

Scotland is rich not only in official state symbols; along with it, there are also so-called semi-official symbols.

The thistle is the plant symbol of Scotland, and it also has its own legend.

One day, warlike Viking troops landed on the coast of Scotland with the goal of conquering the country. The Scots sent their army towards the enemy, which stopped for a halt on the Tay River. At this time, the Vikings had just approached the crossing.

In order not to wake up the enemy army, they took off their shoes and began to gradually approach. But one of the warriors stepped on a thistle, cried out in pain, and the awakened Scots managed to meet them with a worthy rebuff.

In 1702, the thistle appeared on the royal coat of arms, along with the motto "None shall touch me without being hurt." And subsequently the “Order of the Thistle” was formed.

This symbol of Scotland means a lot to local residents, and the British jokingly nicknamed it the “Scottish rose.”

It is unlikely that many people know interesting facts about Scotland. Most people only know that it is a land of green hills, bagpipers and fine whiskey. That is why it is worth delving into the study of this topic and talking about the most interesting facts that can demonstrate Scotland from a new, little-known side.

Nature

In the very center of the country there is a village called Fortingall. And in it there is a church, in the courtyard of which the Fortingall yew grows - one of oldest trees throughout Europe. It is supposed to be 5,000 years old!

Also, listing interesting facts about Scotland, one cannot help but say that this state occupies 790 islands, of which 130 are uninhabited.

It is also worth knowing that more than 600 sq. miles of the country are occupied by freshwater lakes. Including the famous Loch Ness, which stretches 36 kilometers southwest of the port city of Invenress. And the deepest Scottish lake is called Loch Morar. Located in the northwestern part of the country. The distance from the surface of the water to the bottom is 328 meters, so this lake is the seventh deepest in the whole world.

By the way, if you pay attention to interesting facts about Scotland in English, you will notice that all the lists in which they are indicated begin with the most significant information for residents of a given state: “Today Scotland is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountainous countries in the world." This phrase says that today Scotland is one of the most beautiful mountainous countries. And it’s hard to disagree with this. Every year tens of thousands of tourists come here to admire the local natural beauty, and many of them return.

Population

While listing interesting facts about Scotland, one cannot help but pay attention to the residents of this state. In its southern part, 40% of people have red hair and pale skin. In the northern regions, every eighth is distinguished by a natural carrot shade. It is not surprising that it was in Scotland that the first ever Redhead Parade was organized.

Few people know that in the times of the Vikings this country was seen by foreigners as a dangerous and dark place. Local residents were perceived as bloodthirsty, terrible and cruel individuals. Even the Vikings, who conquered many of the Scottish islands, warned their fellow countrymen to be careful about their desire to enter this country.

A little about the past

It’s worth saying a few words and we’re talking about interesting facts about Scotland. Under this name is known the defensive fortification erected by the Romans from Northern to the very beginning of our era - in 122-126. It reaches 117 kilometers in length. Now the remains of the wall are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You should know that until 1603 this state had its own monarch. After the death of Elizabeth I, James VI of Scotland began to rule, leading England as well. He later became James I of England.

By the way, the country gained independence in 1314. Then the king of the state defeated the English army in the legendary Battle of Bannockburn. Independence remained until 05/01/1707. This is the date of Scotland's annexation to England. Then, in fact, Great Britain was formed. Scotland only got its own parliament in 1999, on July 1st.

An amazing story from Edinburgh

It would not be amiss to remember the story about a Skye terrier from the capital of Scotland named Greyfriars Bobby. This was in the middle of the 19th century. Bobby, like many other dogs, had an owner who had the habit of going to the same cafe every day. He took his four-legged friend with him.

One sad day the man died. But his dog continued to come running to the cafe. There, the establishment's employees gave him a bun, after which Bobby ran with the treat to the cemetery, to the owner's grave. This went on for 14 years. Bobby made this journey every day. And he also met his death at the grave of his master. The Skye Terrier was buried and given the title of the most faithful dog in the whole world. In Edinburgh, by the way, there is a fountain with a sculpture of Bobby. It was erected in 1872.

Local "records"

They are also worth mentioning when listing interesting facts about Scotland. Few people know, but the shortest regular flight takes place in this country. And the journey lasts only 74 seconds. This is a flight from a town called Westray to the small island of Papa Westray. Its area is only 9.18 km², and only a few dozen people live there.

And it was in the Hamilton Mausoleum, located in South Lanarkshire, that the longest echo on the planet was recorded. It lasts 15 seconds.

The oldest bank in the UK is also located in Scotland. It was founded in 1695. In addition, the Bank of Scotland (as its name sounds) is the first bank in all of Europe to issue its own banknotes.

It was also in this country that the first official international football match was played. This happened in 1872, and the competition took place between the national teams of Scotland and England.

What will the “original” source tell you?

It’s always interesting to read what local residents write about their country, and how exactly they speak about their home country, which is Scotland. Interesting facts in English (with translation, of course) will help you find out.

Residents of this beautiful country write: “They say that Scottish towns differ from the English ones.” Translated, this means that Scottish cities are very different from English ones. And here are the features people pay attention to: cobblestone streets (paved streets), medieval style houses (houses made in the style of the Middle Ages), green parks (green parks), plenty of historic architecture (many historical architectural attractions).

Also, studying interesting facts about Scotland on English language, one cannot help but pay attention to this phrase: “Scotland is well-known for its delicious haggis.” It translates as follows: “Scotland is famous for its delicious haggis.” This is true, the treat is widely known. The fact is that haggis is a national local dish made from lamb offal (which includes lungs, heart and liver), boiled in... the stomach of the same animal. Many, having risked trying such an unusual delicacy, are surprised to note that it is really tasty.

Good to know

Some more things about Scotland deserve attention. It so happens that this country has its own judicial system, which differs from the English, Irish and Welsh. The jury has the power to return the following verdicts: “not proven guilty”, “not guilty” and “guilty”.

It is also worth remembering that now in North America There are approximately the same number of Scots living as in the state itself. Moreover! Approximately 5 million people in the United States and Canada claim Scottish ancestry. Which is quite possible, by the way. Between the 18th and late 19th centuries, people migrated from Scotland to the United States in the hundreds of thousands.

However, these are not all interesting facts about Scotland. English is now spoken in this state by all local residents without exception. But there are three official languages! Don't forget Scottish and Gaelic. However, only 1% of the population owns them. This is about 53,000 people.

Pride of the country

When studying interesting facts about Scotland for children and adults, it would not be superfluous to mention the achievements to which this country is related.

Few people know, but it was in its capital, Edinburgh, that for the first time in the world its own city fire brigade appeared. Scotland is also the “homeland” of the raincoat, invented in 1824. This “amulet” against rain was invented by a chemist from Glasgow.

It is also worth knowing that it was in Scotland that such famous thinkers as Adam Smith, David Hume, James Watt and John Stuart Mill were born. It is impossible not to mention the greatest representatives of literature, whose homeland was also this country! We are talking, of course, about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Walter Scott, and Lord Byron.

Also in this country, John Lowie Baird was born, an engineer who created the world's first mechanical television system. Essentially, he is the father of television. Also born in Scotland was Alexander Graham Bell, who created the telephone and who invented penicillin.

Despite such significant achievements of an intellectual nature, there are not many higher educational institutions. There are 19 institutes and universities in total. The most famous is the University of St Andrews, where the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge, Kate and William, met.

Other facts

In addition to all of the above, it is also worth knowing that golf originated in Scotland. They started playing it here back in the 15th century.

This country is also the most beloved by the royal family. She really likes to relax on the banks of the River Dee, at Balmoral Castle.

The Scottish city is also the oil capital of Europe. It's called Aberdeen. This is the main fishing and sea port in the country, and also the Granite City.

Interestingly, the smallest distillery in the state, located in Pitlochry, is visited by more than 100,000 people annually. However, it produces only 90,000 liters of the drink during the same period.

It is impossible not to mention a few words about things traditionally associated with Scotland. Kilts, for example, were invented in Ireland. Checkered patterns originated in Central Europe, during the Bronze Age. And bagpipes were actually created in Asia.

Finally, I would like to note the fact that Scotland is approximately the same in area as the United States. United Arab Emirates, Panama, Czech Republic, the Japanese island of Hokkaido and the state of Maine in America.