Kilts, bagpipes, tartan, whiskey and biscuits are what comes to mind when you think of this country. Let's take a look at some interesting details:
1. Kilt - unique clothing of the Highlanders of Scotland
Few people know, but in ancient times a kilt - a wardrobe item that resembles a short women's skirt - could reach 7 meters in length. During cold weather, they could wrap the whole body like a blanket. The designs on the kilt varied depending on the Scottish clan. Therefore, by the pattern on the kilt, it was possible to determine where the person came from.
2. Scottish actors
Hollywood actors from Scotland have made a significant contribution to world cinema. You can recall such celebrities as Billy Boyd, Evan McGregor, James McAvoy, Scott Dougray, Sir Thomas Sean Connery and star of the movie "300 Spartans" Gerard Butler,
3. The land of unicorns!
Yes, it didn't seem to you. The national animal is the unicorn. But this is not surprising, given the Scots love for mystical creatures and legends.
4. Nessie or the Loch Ness Monster!
Another example of Scottish love for magical creatures is Nessie, a terrifying monster, according to legend, living in the famous Loch Ness in the city of Inverness. The first photograph of the alleged monster was published in 1933, and since then thousands of people have come here hoping to see this miracle.
5. The golfers are from Scotland!
Scotland is home to golf, the game was invented here in the 15th century. It gained popularity so quickly that King James II banned this entertainment, as men spent much more time playing than preparing for wars.
6. The country of redheads!
Scotland has the highest percentage of redheads. About 14% of the population has golden brown hair. There is even a Redhead March every year in Scotland, where you can see thousands of redheads at the same time!
7. What? Independent country?
Yes. Before joining the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1907, Scotland was independent.
8. Free drinking water!
And it is true. You will not have water bills if you live in Scotland. Water is free for the population of the country.
9. The oldest tree in Europe grows here!
One of the oldest trees in Europe grows in the small village of Fortingall, Perthshire. The yew tree is located in the village cemetery behind its own fence. According to experts, the age of the yew tree ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 years. According to local legend, Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Jesus Christ to crucifixion, was born under the shade of a tree and often played there as a child.
10. The largest arts festival in the world!
It takes place every summer in Edinburgh and is called the Fringe. It is also the world's largest festival. The largest event of 2015, which brought together 49 countries of the world, which lasted 3 weeks. There were 3,314 concerts organized at 313 venues throughout Edinburgh.
11. Homeland of Britannica!
The world's oldest and most "all-knowing" encyclopedia, Britannica, was first published in Edinburgh between 1768 and 1771.
12. One of the oldest banks!
The Bank of Scotland was founded in 1695 and is almost the oldest surviving in Great Britain.
13. The shortest flight in the world!
The shortest flight between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. The journey takes 1 minute 17 seconds and covers a distance of 17.7 kilometers.
14. The largest oil reserve in Europe!
Aberdeen, also known as Granite City, is the center of the European oil industry. Often referred to as the "Oil Capital of Europe", Aberdeen is the main supplier of energy to Europe.
15. First fire brigade!
In 1824 Edinburgh was the only city in the world to have a fire brigade.
16. Whiskey as a national drink!
Yes, you heard right. Scotland's national drink is whiskey. The best alcohol on the planet is produced here (Johnny Walker, Glenfidditch). The latter was the leading single malt whiskey outside of Scotland and is now the world's best-selling and best-known among its competitors.
17. The first international football match!
We all know football is England's national game. But did you know that the world's first international competition was held in Glasgow on November 30, 1872, between Scotland and England, 0-0?
