National Flag of Scotland known as Saltire or St. Andrew’s Cross.(It’s made up of a great white cross which spans diagonally across the flag on a blue background.) It’s Scotland’s floral emblem the

Natoinal Symbols

National Flag of Scotland known as Saltire or St. Andrew’s Cross.(It’s made up of a great white cross which spans diagonally across the flag on a blue background.) It’s Scotland’s floral emblem the thistle. It’s Royal Banner of Arms, which name is Royal Standard of Scotland or Lion Rampant of Scotland. Animal known as Scotland’s symbol is unicorn.

Scottish kilts are known as “The National Dress of Scotland” and are a highly recognized form of dress throughout the world. Kilts have deep cultural and historical roots in the country of Scotland and are a sacred symbol of patriotism and honor for a true Scotsman. The word “kilt” is a derivation of the ancient Norse word, kjilt, which means pleated, and refers to clothing that is tucked up and around the body.

Languages

Official language is Scottish English. There’re also two recognised regional languages Scots (a relative of English) and Scottish Gaelic (a completely different language).

Geography

The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, the largest city is Glasgow. Aberdeen and Dundee are amongst the other major cities in the country.

Scotland is a country of lakes, islands and mountains.

Lakes in Scotland are known as lochs. 90% of the standing fresh water volume of Great Britain lies within Scotland. Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Britain by area and Loch Ness is the most voluminous. The water in Loch Ness is nearly double that of all the lakes of England and Wales combined.

Scotland contains the most mountainous terrain in Great Britain. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland and Great Britain.

Scotland has some 790 islands, 130 of which are inhabited. most of which are located off the northern and western coast of the country. Lewis and Harris is the largest island surrounding Scotland.

Scotland music

Scotland is internationally known for its traditional music. Many outsiders associate Scottish folk music almost entirely with the Great Highland Bagpipe, which has indeed long played an important part of Scottish music. Although this particular form of bagpipe developed exclusively in Scotland, it is not the only Scottish bagpipe, and other bagpiping traditions remain across Europe.

Scotland is well known all over the world for whisky, known outside Scotland as Scotch Whisky.

Most famous Scottish dish is haggis. normally made with sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, salt, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately an hour.

Interesting facts about Scotland.

Scotland is considered the home land of golf.

Did you know that almost three quarters of European visitors say that one of the main reasons for visiting Scotland is its people? Scottish people have a worldwide reputation for warmth and friendliness.

Scotland has the highest propotion of redheads in the world.

Most famous Scottish writers are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, Robert Louis Stevenson and J.K. Rowling.

The world's first international football match, Scotland v England, took place on 30 November 1872 in Glasgow.

The motto of Scotland is ‘No one provokes me with impunity’.

Celebrate Scotland

St Andrew’s Day

30 November, is the national day and an official flag day in Scotland. St Andrew's Day is marked with a celebration of Scottish culture with traditional Scottish food, music and dance. Schools across Scotland hold special St Andrew's Day events and activities including art shows, Scottish country dancingdance festivals, storytelling, writing poems, cooking traditional Scottish meals, and bagpipe-playing.

Hogmanay

Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner. An important element of Hogmanay celebrations is to welcome friends and strangers, with warm hospitality and of course a kiss to wish everyone a ‘Guid New Year’. Historically, Christmas was not observed as a festival and Hogmanay was the more traditional celebration in Scotland. The winter solstice holiday tended to be at New Year when family and friends gathered for a party and exchange presents, especially for the children.

Burns Night

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-04