Scotland
General information
Scotland is the most northern of the countries that constitute the United Kingdom. It is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and west and by the North Sea in the east.
Scotland currently has a population of 5,466,000.
The main language spoken in Scotland is English, while Scots and Scottish Gaelic are minority languages.
Religion:
· 53% - Christianity:
· 36% - No religion
· 6% - Religion not stated
· 5% - Other Religions
Scotland is the most northern of the countries that constitute the United Kingdom. It is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and west and by the North Sea in the east.
Scotland currently has a population of 5,466,000.
The main language spoken in Scotland is English, while Scots and Scottish Gaelic are minority languages.
Religion:
· 53% - Christianity:
· 36% - No religion
· 6% - Religion not stated
· 5% - Other Religions
Capital
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. The city is built on a series of hills and rocky ridges. It has a port on a part of the North Sea.
The oldest section of Edinburgh is called the Old Town. It developed around Castle Rock, which rises high above a valley floor. At its top stands Edinburgh Castle, the home of Scottish kings and queens in ancient times.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. The city is built on a series of hills and rocky ridges. It has a port on a part of the North Sea.
The oldest section of Edinburgh is called the Old Town. It developed around Castle Rock, which rises high above a valley floor. At its top stands Edinburgh Castle, the home of Scottish kings and queens in ancient times.
Edinburgh’s other main section is the New Town. Despite its name, it is more than 200 years old. Today it is the city’s main business area.
Between the Edinburgh Castle and New Town is Princes Street. The city’s main street, it is lined with hotels, banks, and shops. To the south are the Princes Street Gardens. In East Princes Street Gardens stands a monument to Sir Walter Scott, the great novelist from Edinburgh.
Between the Edinburgh Castle and New Town is Princes Street. The city’s main street, it is lined with hotels, banks, and shops. To the south are the Princes Street Gardens. In East Princes Street Gardens stands a monument to Sir Walter Scott, the great novelist from Edinburgh.
The city has become known for its festivals since the establishment in 1947 of the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which runs alongside it.
The term Edinburgh Festival is commonly used, but there is no single festival; the various festivals are put on by separate, unrelated organizations. However they are widely regarded as part of the same event, particularly the various festivals that take place at the same time in August each year.
The term Edinburgh Festival is commonly used, but there is no single festival; the various festivals are put on by separate, unrelated organizations. However they are widely regarded as part of the same event, particularly the various festivals that take place at the same time in August each year.
National symbols
The flag of Scotland, also known as St Andrew's Cross or the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland. The Saltire flag is blue with a white diagonal cross. It represents Saint Andrew who is said to have been crucified on a cross in Greece.
The flag of Scotland, also known as St Andrew's Cross or the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland. The Saltire flag is blue with a white diagonal cross. It represents Saint Andrew who is said to have been crucified on a cross in Greece.
The Royal Banner of Scotland, a banner showing the Royal Arms of Scotland, is also frequently to be seen, particularly at sporting events involving a Scottish team. Often called the Lion Rampant, the banner is property of the monarch and use without authority can constitute a criminal offence.
The thistle is one of the most famous symbols of Scotland. According to legends, this wild flower once saved sleeping soldiers from invading Vikings. One Viking attacker stepped on a thistle and his cries woke the Scots who then bravely defeated enemies.
The unicorn, a mythological creature was first adopted as the national animal of Scotland by King Robert back in the late 1300s, but has been linked to Scotland for hundreds of years before. It was a symbol of innocence and purity as well as power and masculinity. Now the unicorn can be found all over the towns and cities of Scotland.
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National dress
One of the things that people associate with Scotland is the kilt. The kilt is a relic of the time when the clan system existed in the Highlands. Everybody in the clan had the same family name, like MacDonald and or MacGregor (Mac means ‘son of’). Each clan has its own tartan. The tartan is a checked cloth used to make the kilt, Scotland’s national dress. Both men and women wear kilts. Men also wear a leather money bag called a sporran with a kilt.
When one of the big clans has a big meeting (such as a weeding), people come from many countries, and many of them wear kilts when they come.
One of the things that people associate with Scotland is the kilt. The kilt is a relic of the time when the clan system existed in the Highlands. Everybody in the clan had the same family name, like MacDonald and or MacGregor (Mac means ‘son of’). Each clan has its own tartan. The tartan is a checked cloth used to make the kilt, Scotland’s national dress. Both men and women wear kilts. Men also wear a leather money bag called a sporran with a kilt.
When one of the big clans has a big meeting (such as a weeding), people come from many countries, and many of them wear kilts when they come.
Scotland’s national instrument is the bagpipes. The bagpipes make a very loud sound and you can hear the pipes a long way away. They say Scottish soldiers played them before a battle, and the noise scared the soldiers on the other side.
Patron saint
St Andrew is Scotland's patron saint and on 30 November we celebrate St Andrew's Day. He officially became Scotland’s patron saint in 1320, when Scotland’s independence was declared. Since then St Andrew has become tied up in so much of Scotland. The flag of Scotland, the St Andrew’s Cross, was chosen in honour of him. Also, the ancient town of St Andrews was named due to its claim of being the final resting place of St Andrew.
St Andrew is Scotland's patron saint and on 30 November we celebrate St Andrew's Day. He officially became Scotland’s patron saint in 1320, when Scotland’s independence was declared. Since then St Andrew has become tied up in so much of Scotland. The flag of Scotland, the St Andrew’s Cross, was chosen in honour of him. Also, the ancient town of St Andrews was named due to its claim of being the final resting place of St Andrew.
National anthem
As Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, the British national anthem "God Save the King" is used in Scotland on royal occasions, for example, or when Scottish athletes participate at the Olympics. However, at most international sporting event Scotland uses "Flower of Scotland" as its unofficial national anthem.
The Flower of Scotland
O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward’s Army,
And sent him homeward,
To think again.
The Hills are bare now,
And Autumn leaves
lie thick and still,
O’er land that is lost now,
Which those so dearly held,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward’s Army,
And sent him homeward,
To think again.
Those days are past now,
And in the past
they must remain,
But we can still rise now,
And be the nation again,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward’s Army,
And sent him homeward,
To think again.
As Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, the British national anthem "God Save the King" is used in Scotland on royal occasions, for example, or when Scottish athletes participate at the Olympics. However, at most international sporting event Scotland uses "Flower of Scotland" as its unofficial national anthem.
The Flower of Scotland
O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward’s Army,
And sent him homeward,
To think again.
The Hills are bare now,
And Autumn leaves
lie thick and still,
O’er land that is lost now,
Which those so dearly held,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward’s Army,
And sent him homeward,
To think again.
Those days are past now,
And in the past
they must remain,
But we can still rise now,
And be the nation again,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward’s Army,
And sent him homeward,
To think again.
Government system
The head of state of the United Kingdom is the monarch, who is King Charles III.
The Scottish Government is divided into 49 directorates which execute government policy in specified areas. Unlike in the British government, senior ministers do not lead government departments and have no direct role in the operation of the directorates.
The Scottish Government consists of the Scottish Ministers, which is used to describe their collective legal functions. The Scottish Government is accountable to the Scottish Parliament, and the first minister – Nicola Sturgeon – appointed by the monarch following a proposal by the Parliament.
Ministers are appointed by the first minister with the approval of the Scottish Parliament and the monarch from among the members of the Parliament.
Most executive power is exercised by the Scottish Government, led by the First Minister of Scotland.
The Scottish Parliament is the unicameral legislature of Scotland. The Parliament is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), elected for five-year terms.
The judiciary of Scotland, dealing with Scots law, is independent of the legislature and the executive. Scots law is primarily determined by the Scottish Parliament.
Politics of Scotland operate within the constitution of the United Kingdom. Scotland is a democracy, being represented in both the Scottish Parliament and the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Limited self-governing power, covering matters such as education, social services and roads and transportation, is devolved from the Scottish Government to each subdivision. But Foreign policy, the armed forces and security systems, economic and social policy, public service and energy are the exclusive competence of the British Parliament.
The head of state of the United Kingdom is the monarch, who is King Charles III.
The Scottish Government is divided into 49 directorates which execute government policy in specified areas. Unlike in the British government, senior ministers do not lead government departments and have no direct role in the operation of the directorates.
The Scottish Government consists of the Scottish Ministers, which is used to describe their collective legal functions. The Scottish Government is accountable to the Scottish Parliament, and the first minister – Nicola Sturgeon – appointed by the monarch following a proposal by the Parliament.
Ministers are appointed by the first minister with the approval of the Scottish Parliament and the monarch from among the members of the Parliament.
Most executive power is exercised by the Scottish Government, led by the First Minister of Scotland.
The Scottish Parliament is the unicameral legislature of Scotland. The Parliament is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), elected for five-year terms.
The judiciary of Scotland, dealing with Scots law, is independent of the legislature and the executive. Scots law is primarily determined by the Scottish Parliament.
Politics of Scotland operate within the constitution of the United Kingdom. Scotland is a democracy, being represented in both the Scottish Parliament and the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Limited self-governing power, covering matters such as education, social services and roads and transportation, is devolved from the Scottish Government to each subdivision. But Foreign policy, the armed forces and security systems, economic and social policy, public service and energy are the exclusive competence of the British Parliament.
King Charles III Nicola Sturgeon
Monarch First Minister
Since 2022 Since 2014
Monarch First Minister
Since 2022 Since 2014
Bute House is the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland located within Charlotte Square in Edinburgh.
The Scottish Parliament Building is the home of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in central Edinburgh.
Nature and climate
The climate of Scotland is mostly temperate and oceanic, and tends to be very changeable, but rarely extreme. Scotland occupies the cooler northern section of Great Britain, so temperatures are generally lower than in the rest of the British Isles.
Winter’s months are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usually around 5°C (41°F). The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 100 days of falling snow.
The climate of Scotland is mostly temperate and oceanic, and tends to be very changeable, but rarely extreme. Scotland occupies the cooler northern section of Great Britain, so temperatures are generally lower than in the rest of the British Isles.
Winter’s months are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usually around 5°C (41°F). The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 100 days of falling snow.
You can expect average maximum temperatures to range from approximately 7°C (45°F) to 13 °C (55°F) during spring. A beautiful time to visit, this season sees daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons bursting into bloom.
Summer’s months are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F). Scotland's high latitude means that we enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight.
In the Autumn (or Fall), Scotland is likely to experience temperatures ranging from around 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F) from September to November. The colours of autumn are eye-catching and vibrant, as the trees change from green to fiery reds, oranges and yellows.
Scotland is a country of romantic landscapes. Its hills, glens and lochs have inspired many songs, poems and legends.
Scotland has three land regions. The Highlands, in the north, have rocky mountains and many lakes. The Central Lowlands are hilly and have Scotland’s best farmland. The Southern Uplands have narrow, flat valleys between low mountains.
Scotland has three land regions. The Highlands, in the north, have rocky mountains and many lakes. The Central Lowlands are hilly and have Scotland’s best farmland. The Southern Uplands have narrow, flat valleys between low mountains.
Many valleys between the hills are filled with lakes, called lochs. The best-known is Loch Ness where people think a large monster lives.
Heather, grasses, and shrubs cover much of Scotland. Peat bogs are common, too. These are swampy areas with wet, spongy soil.
Heather, grasses, and shrubs cover much of Scotland. Peat bogs are common, too. These are swampy areas with wet, spongy soil.
Scotland's wildlife is typical of the north-west of Europe. There are important populations of seals and a variety of seabirds such as gannets.
On the high mountain tops, species including ptarmigan, mountain hare and stoat can be seen in their white colour phase during winter months.
On the high mountain tops, species including ptarmigan, mountain hare and stoat can be seen in their white colour phase during winter months.
Attractions
Scotland is a country full of beautiful medieval castles and historic sites. With lively cities sprinkled among unspoiled landscapes of beaches, lochs, peaks, and valleys, Scotland has plenty to offer visitors of all ages and interests.
Scotland is a country full of beautiful medieval castles and historic sites. With lively cities sprinkled among unspoiled landscapes of beaches, lochs, peaks, and valleys, Scotland has plenty to offer visitors of all ages and interests.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle in Edinburgh, which sets atop an extinct volcano. It takes the title of Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction, and is, of course, one of the most popular tourist sites in Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle in Edinburgh, which sets atop an extinct volcano. It takes the title of Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction, and is, of course, one of the most popular tourist sites in Scotland.
Loch Ness
Most travelers visit Loch Ness with one thing in mind: They want to see Nessie, the legendary lady of the lake. You probably won’t see the Loch Ness Monster, but a cruise on the lake is a fun way to search. Loch Ness is quite deep, more than 230 meters (750 feet) in some places, offering plenty of hiding places for Nessie. It’s huge too, holding more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
Most travelers visit Loch Ness with one thing in mind: They want to see Nessie, the legendary lady of the lake. You probably won’t see the Loch Ness Monster, but a cruise on the lake is a fun way to search. Loch Ness is quite deep, more than 230 meters (750 feet) in some places, offering plenty of hiding places for Nessie. It’s huge too, holding more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)
Set on Edinburgh's Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and precious objects. It's one of the most popular attractions in the UK outside of London and offers a great, year-round program of temporary exhibitions.
Set on Edinburgh's Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and precious objects. It's one of the most popular attractions in the UK outside of London and offers a great, year-round program of temporary exhibitions.
Luskentyre sands
Luskentyre is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on Harris. Named one of the UK’s best beaches, Luskentyre sands boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water. Nearby activities include hill walking, cycling and much more.
Luskentyre is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on Harris. Named one of the UK’s best beaches, Luskentyre sands boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water. Nearby activities include hill walking, cycling and much more.
Edinburgh Zoo
With over 1,000 animals from every corner of the globe a visit to Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic family day out. At this top attraction in Edinburgh you can meet the penguins at the famous Penguin Parade and get closer than ever before to chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail.
With over 1,000 animals from every corner of the globe a visit to Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic family day out. At this top attraction in Edinburgh you can meet the penguins at the famous Penguin Parade and get closer than ever before to chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail.
Holidays
Walpurgis Night – 30th of April
Legend has it that on Walpurgis Night, witches fly their broomsticks to meet the devil. In towns and villages people make bonfires, dress in devil or witch costumes and dance into the new month of May.
Walpurgis Night – 30th of April
Legend has it that on Walpurgis Night, witches fly their broomsticks to meet the devil. In towns and villages people make bonfires, dress in devil or witch costumes and dance into the new month of May.
Viking festival or Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is a type of fire festival held annually from January to March to mark the end of the Yule season. Each festival involves a torches procession by squads of costumed participants that culminates in the burning of an imitation Viking galley.
Up Helly Aa is a type of fire festival held annually from January to March to mark the end of the Yule season. Each festival involves a torches procession by squads of costumed participants that culminates in the burning of an imitation Viking galley.
Highland Gathering or Highland games
Highland games are events held in spring and summer as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture. One of the most impressive events at the Games is ‘tossing the caber’. A caber is a long log and it’s very heavy so it’s difficult to throw it a long way. Other events include hammer throw, stone put, rope pulling, as well as running and jumping. The atmosphere is great. You can also see people playing Scottish music on the bagpipes and dancing traditional Scottish dances.
Highland games are events held in spring and summer as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture. One of the most impressive events at the Games is ‘tossing the caber’. A caber is a long log and it’s very heavy so it’s difficult to throw it a long way. Other events include hammer throw, stone put, rope pulling, as well as running and jumping. The atmosphere is great. You can also see people playing Scottish music on the bagpipes and dancing traditional Scottish dances.
Hogmanay – 1st of January
Hogmanay is the name of the Scottish New Year’s Eve. It’s more important than Christmas in Scotland.
People go ‘first footing’ – they visit a neighbor’s house after midnight and give them a piece of coal, some bread, some salt, and a coin for good luck. Many people believe that you will have good luck for the coming year if the first person to enter your house after midnight is a ‘tall dark stranger’. There is much dancing and singing until the early hours of the morning.
Hogmanay is the name of the Scottish New Year’s Eve. It’s more important than Christmas in Scotland.
People go ‘first footing’ – they visit a neighbor’s house after midnight and give them a piece of coal, some bread, some salt, and a coin for good luck. Many people believe that you will have good luck for the coming year if the first person to enter your house after midnight is a ‘tall dark stranger’. There is much dancing and singing until the early hours of the morning.
