The most interesting facts about Scotland: overview, history and sights

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:46

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

Nature

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

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

It is worth knowing that more than 600 sq. miles of the country are occupied by freshwater lakes. Including the famous Loch Ness, which stretches for 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, making this lake the seventh deepest in the 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 the inhabitants of this 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 that. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the local natural beauty, and many of them return.

Population

Listing interesting facts about Scotland, one cannot fail to note the attention of the inhabitants 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. Not surprisingly, Scotland hosted the first Redhead Parade in history.

Still few people know that in the time of the Vikings this country was presented by strangers as a dangerous and dark place. Local residents were perceived as bloodthirsty, terrible and cruel personalities. Even the Vikings, who conquered many of the Scottish islands, warned their countrymen to be careful about their desire to enter this country.

A little about the past

It is worth saying a few words about Hadrian's Val, sinceWe are talking about interesting facts about Scotland. This name is known for the defensive fortification erected by the Romans from the North Sea to the Irish Sea at the very beginning of our era - in 122-126. In length, it reaches 117 kilometers. The remains of the wall are now 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 came to rule, leading England as well. Subsequently, he became James I of England.

By the way, the country gained independence in 1314. Then Robert the Bruce, king of the state, defeated the English army in the legendary battle of Bannockburn. Independence was preserved until 1707-01-05. This is the date when Scotland joined England. Then, in fact, the United Kingdom was formed. Scotland had its own parliament only in 1999, on July 1.

An amazing story from Edinburgh

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

One sad day the man passed away. But his doggie continued to resort to the cafe. There, the employees of the institution gave him a bun, after which Bobby ran with a treat to the cemetery, to the grave of the owner. This went on for 14 years. Bobby made this journey every day. And his deathalso met at the grave of his master. The Skye Terrier was buried and given the title of the most faithful dog in the 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 city 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 Mausoleum of Hamilton, 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. It happened in 1872, and the competition was between Scotland and England.

What does the "original" source say?

It's always interesting to read what locals write about their state, how exactly they speak of their native country, which is Scotland. Interesting facts in English (with translation, of course) will help you find out.

Inhabitants of this beautifulcountries write: "They say that Scottish towns differ from the English ones". In translation, this means that Scottish cities are very different from English ones. And here are the features that people note with attention: 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 sights).

And also, when studying interesting facts about Scotland in English, 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 of lamb offal (which includes lungs, heart and liver), cooked in … the stomach of the same animal. Many, having ventured to try such an unusual delicacy, are surprised to note that it is really tasty.

Good to know

Some more interesting historical facts about Scotland deserve attention. It so happened that this country has its own judicial system, which differs from English, Irish and Welsh. Juries have the power to reach such verdicts as "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 as in the state itself. Furthermore! Approximately 5 million people in the US and Canada claimthat they have Scottish roots. Which is quite possible, by the way. Hundreds of thousands migrated from Scotland to the United States between the 18th and late 19th centuries.

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! Do not forget about Scottish and Gaelic. However, they are owned by only 1% of the population. This is about 53,000 people.

Pride of the country

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, in Edinburgh, for the first time in the world that its own city fire brigade appeared. And Scotland is the "homeland" of the raincoat, invented in 1824. This rain ward was invented by Charles Mackintosh, a Glasgow chemist.

It is also worth knowing that such famous thinkers as Adam Smith, David Hume, James Watt and John Stuart Mill were born in Scotland. 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, W alter Scott, and Lord Byron.

Also in this country was born John Logie Baird, an engineer who created the world's first mechanical television system. In fact, he is the father of television. Also in Scotland were born Alexander Graham Bell, who created the telephone, and Alexander Fleming, who owns the inventionpenicillin.

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

Other Facts

In addition to all of the above, it is also worth knowing that it was in Scotland that golf originated. It has been played here since the 15th century.

And this country is also the most beloved of the royal family. She really likes to relax on the banks of the River Dee, in Balmoral Castle.

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

Interestingly, the smallest distillery in the state, located in Pitlochry, is visited annually by more than 100,000 people. However, it produces only 90,000 liters of 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 ornaments originated in Central Europe, during the Bronze Age. And bagpipes were created in Asia.

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