Scottish culture and history

Gaelic

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is one of Scotland’s native languages and has played a crucial role in the country’s arts and culture scene from musical influences and place names to even popular TV series including Outlander. Today Gaelic is still spoken by around 70,000 Scots.

Discover the history behind Scottish Gaelic

Whisky

It wouldn’t be a trip to Scotland without trying our national drink, whisky. You’ll find over 130 active distilleries with many offering a range of tours. Get a behind-the-scenes look into the whisky making process and taste some of the finest drams.

Sample a dram of whisky

Haggis

Accompany your dram of whisky with Scotland’s national dish, haggis. Typically served with turnip (neeps) and potatoes (tatties), you’ll find this classic dish across many pubs and restaurants. Many Scots will have haggis as their main meal during Burns Night and St Andrews Day.

Dig into a hearty meal of haggis, neeps and tatties

Where can I learn about Scotland's history?

Scotland is home to a plethora of museums to help ignite your curiosity with special exhibitions and displays running throughout the year. Head to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh which covers everything from Scottish history and science to popular culture. Discover a world-class collection of aircraft and hear fascinating stories of the people who built them at the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian. Go on an island adventure in Shetland and discover its world-renowned collections through interactive displays at Shetland Museum and Archives. Or visit the Highland Folk Museum, Britain’s first open air museum. You’ll get the chance to step into the shoes of what life was like for a Highlander from the 1700s to the 1950s.

For Ancient Scottish history 

Antonine Wall, Central Scotland – this 37-mile-long barrier was once the Roman Empire’s most northerly frontier. Built on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, its main purpose was to control trade and protect against Caledonian tribes. It was the last linear frontier built by the Romans until it was eventually abandoned in AD 160. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an important part of Roman military architecture and frontier defence where you’ll find lots of Roman-themed sculptures and interactive exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. 

For Myths and legends 

Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire – legend has it that you’ll hear things go bump in the night at Crathes Castle. Famously known as ‘The Green Lady’, this 16th century ghost made a dazzling appearance with her green mist and was often seen next to a fireplace carrying a young baby. Believed to be a servant for the Burnett family, her ghostly spirit is even more believable when her bones were found during renovation works in the 19th century. 

Find out more about Scotland’s myths and legends 

What is Scotland’s national animal? 

The unicorn, yes you read that right! This mythical creature has been linked to Scotland for many centuries. First used in the 12th century on the Scottish royal coat of arms by William I, the unicorn symbolises purity and innocence, as well as masculinity and power in Celtic mythology.

While the unicorn is mythological, its strong attributes make it the perfect fit to be Scotland’s national animal. When Scotland and England unified under the reign of James VI of Scotland in 1603, the Scottish Royal Arms had two unicorns supporting a shield. When James VI became James I of England and Ireland, he replaced the unicorn on the left of the shield with the national animal of England, the lion, to show that the countries were united. Today, you can go unicorn-spotting at iconic attractions including St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh and at Delgatie Castle, one of the oldest and most historic castles in Scotland. 

What is Scotland’s national flower? 

Scotland’s national flower is the thistle. The origins of how this purple flowered thistle rose became an emblem of Scotland remain a mystery. Legend has it that a sleeping party of Scots warriors were saved from ambush by an invading Norse army when one of the enemies stepped on the spiky plant. His anguished cry had awoken the warriors who then defeated the invaders and adopted the thistle as their national emblem. If you’re visiting Scotland, you’ll find the thistle across many of our gardens, parks and countryside. 

What languages are spoken in Scotland?

In Scotland, there are four main languages. They are English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic and British Sign Language which have helped to shape our rich and vibrant culture. Scottish Gaelic is mostly spoken within the Highland & Islands communities and features heavily within our road signs and place names when travelling further north of the country. In the lowlands of Scotland, Scots was the adopted language and is officially recognised as a regional language by the UK government. It is often divided into four main Scots dialects: 

• Insular Scots – spoken in the islands of Orkney and Shetland, heavily influenced by Scandinavian countries. 
• Northern Scots – primarily spoken in the North East of Scotland for e.g. the city of Aberdeen. 
• Central Scots – the widest spoken dialect which includes locations in the central belt for e.g. Edinburgh and Glasgow. 
• Southern Scots – this dialect is primarily spoken in the Scottish Lowlands for e.g. the Scottish Borders. 

Mary Queen of Scots 

Born on 8 December 1542 at Linlithgow Palace, it’s fair to say Mary Queen of Scots had a turbulent life. With the death of her father, James V in 1542, Mary Queen of Scots took to the throne at just nine months old. Smuggled to France at aged five, she lived there until she was 18 years old and would later give birth to her only child. He would later become James VI of Scotland and I of England. Mary Queen of Scots marriage to her third husband, James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, who was the main suspect of murdering her second husband Lord Darnley, caused a huge uproar amongst Scottish nobles. Her demise soon followed as she was forced to abdicate from the throne and was imprisoned in Lochleven Castle but escaped almost a year later. Her last hours in Scotland were spent in Dundrennan Abbey in Dumfries & Galloway before journeying to England to seek protection from her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. After being confined in England for 18 years, Queen Elizabeth I sanctioned Mary Queen of Scots death and was later beheaded on 8 February 1587. 

Read the fascinating timeline of Mary Queen of Scots’ life 

Robert Burns 

Each year on 25 January, Scots celebrate the life and legacy of Scotland’s National Bard Robert Burns, typically marking the occasion with a Burns Supper. Haggis, neeps and tatties is traditionally served, accompanied alongside whisky and some classic poetry recitations which include ‘Address to a Haggis’. This literary great has composed some of the world’s most instantly recognisable lines of poetry and song lyrics. 

Discover the history behind Scotland’s National Bard