10 fun facts about Scotland - the land of kilts, whiskey and kangaroos

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Scotland has such a rich history, ancient traditions, interesting architecture and fascinating nature that the language simply does not dare to call it a province of Great Britain. And even if for someone the names of Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns and Rob Roy sound like an empty phrase, then the proud spirit of William Wallace from the popular film "Braveheart", which still lives in every Scotsman today, rocky shores, majestic castles, will impress many. And those who will not be impressed by this will be finished off by golf (a Scottish invention, by the way) and whiskey.

Fact 1: Scots take revenge even after death

The Saga of the Orcneans tells the story of how, in one of the battles of the 9th century, the Viking Sigurd Eysteinsson chopped off the head of the Scottish leader Mael and tied it to his saddle as a trophy. But during the race, the head of the Scotsman scratched the jarl's leg with his teeth. Less than a week later, Sigurd died of an infection that had entered the wound.

Fact 2: In World War II, a Scotsman fought with a bow, sword and bagpipes

Scotsman Jack Churchill is known as one of the most extravagant officers of the Second World War. He raised his fighters to the attack, armed with a longbow, Scottish broadsword and playing the bagpipes. It was rumored that back in May 1940, he gave the signal to attack with a bow shot, which shot one of the enemies. This is the only known use of a bow during World War II.

Fact 3: Statue with a traffic cone on its head

There is a statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback in Glasgow. The townspeople constantly put traffic cones on the head of the bronze duke. In 2013, the municipality announced that the budget spends £ 10,000 each year on work to remove the cones. Plans were even made public to increase the height of the pedestal. But the inhabitants of the city organized controversy and came up with the slogans "Save the cone", after which the authorities were forced to abandon the restoration.

Fact 4: People are horses

Samuel Johnson, an English writer, indulged in disparaging comments about the Scots. In 1766, in his Explanatory Dictionary, he described oats as "a grain given primarily to horses in England, but consumed by humans in Scotland." To which the Scottish writer James Boswell retorted: "That is why you raise wonderful horses in England and we raise wonderful people."

Fact 5: Scottish kangaroos

Do you still think that in the wild, kangaroos can only be found in Australia? But in fact, small colonies of wallaby - reddish-gray kangaroos - exist in Scotland. However, there are also some other countries. The wild population emerged when several pairs of kangaroos fled from European zoos.

Fact 6: The Mystery of the Stripes on Kilt

In Scotland, there was a differentiation of kilts. The set of bands depended on the dignity of a person. So, only the king could wear a 6-color kilt. By the set of colors on the kilt, it was possible to find out where a person came from, since the weavers in a certain area had a limited choice of plants for dyeing fabrics.

Fact 7: How to wear a kilt correctly

The kilt, the traditional dress of Scottish men, is worn with or without underwear. But it is believed that "real Scots" should wear a kilt on a naked body. Previously, special checks were arranged in the shelves. The officer used a special mirror to look under the skirts of his soldiers.

Fact 8: Honorary Citizen of Glasgow

In 2007, the Glasgow City Council included Scrooge McDuck as an Honorary Citizen.

Fact 9: The shortest street in the world

The Scottish town of Vic is known for having the shortest street in the world. In 1883, a hotel was built in this city, the windows of which looked out onto 2 streets, and the entrance to their narrow intersection. Not deciding which street to assign the address to, the city authorities decided to create a new street - Ebenezer Place. Its length is just over 2 meters.

Fact 10: A black cat is a sign of good luck

In most cultures, it is believed that if a black cat crosses the road, expect trouble. But the Scots are sure that the black cat brings good luck. Moreover, they are sure that if a stray black cat comes into the house, it will lead to prosperity.

Especially for those who are interested in Scotland and who almost decided to pack their suitcase to go on a trip, a story about why do scots wear skirts.