Scotland

Scotland is Geography

• Scotland occupies the northern third of the islands of Great Britain. The river Tweed and the Cheviot Hills form Scotland’s southern border with England. The Northwest Channel separates southwestern Scotland from Northern Ireland. The northwest coast faces the Atlantic Ocean. East faces the North Sea. The east coast faces the North Sea, which separates Scotland from the mainland of Europe.

• Scotland has three main land regions. They are, from north to south, the Highlands, the Central Lowlands, and the Southern Uplands.

Politics of Scotland• Scotland can best be described as having a multi-party system. In the

Scottish Parliament, the centre-left pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) is the party which forms government, currently holding a clear majority of seats in the parliament (68 out of 129). Opposition parties include the Scottish Labour Party (centre-left, social democratic), the Scottish Conservative Party (centre-right, conservative), the Scottish Liberal Democrats (centris, social liberal), and the Scottish Green Party (centre-left, environmentalist). Elections are held once every four years, with 73 Members being elected to represent constituencies, and the remaining 56 elected via a system of proportional representation. At Westminster, Scotland is represented by 12 MPs in the current coalition government(11 Liberal Democrats and 1 Conservative), 41 MPs in the Opposition Labour Party, and 6 MPs for the Scottish National Party.

Religion

• Christianity is the largest religion in Scotland. The Church of Scotland, often known as The Kirk, is recognised in law as the national church of Scotland. It is not an established church and is independent of state control.

• Judaism has been established in Scotland since at least the High Middle Ages. In recent years other religions have established a presence in Scotland, mainly through immigration, though also partly through the attraction of converts. Those with the most adherents are Islam (mainly among immigrants from South Asia), Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism.

• Orthodox Christianity has a significant presence in most of the large cities of Scotland. Although it was once present mainly through the Greek Orthodox Church

Education

• Education in Scotland is free in publicly maintained local authority schools from nursery school (3 to 5 years) through secondary school. At about 11 years of age primary school students enter secondary schools. Students may legally leave school at 16 but very few now do. Students who earn a certificate can continue to the colleges and the universities. Scotland has many universities, the oldest being St. Andrews, founded in 1410. Edinburgh is known for its school of medicine. The University of Glasgow emphasizes science and engineering.

Currency• Although the Bank of England is the central

bank for the UK, three Scottish clearing banks still issue their own Sterling banknotes: the Bank of Scotland; the Royal Bank of Scotland; and the Clydesdale Bank. The current value of the Scottish banknotes in circulation is £3.5 billion.

Languages

• The languages of Scotland are the languages spoken or once spoken in Scotland. The numerous languages spoken in Scotland during its recorded linguistic history fall into either the Germanic or Celtic language families. The classification of the Pictish language was once controversial but it is now generally considered a Celtic language. Today, the primary languages spoken in Scotland are English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic. The dialect of English spoken in Scotland is referred to as Scottish English.

• Celtic languages Goidelic languages Brythonic languages Pictish language

• Germanic languages Scots language Scottish EnglishNorn language

• Norman French, Ancient Greek and Latin Scottish writers have had the choice of three languages: Scottish Gaelic; Lallans, or Lowland Scots; and

English. The 20th-century poets Sorley Maclean and George Campbell Hay led a Gaelic revival, but a Lallans revival that developed after World War I faded. After World War II a new generation of Scottish poets was called the Lallans MaKars (makers). The most notable Scottish poets who wrote in Lallans and English were Robert Fergusson (1750-74) and Robert Burns (1759-96).

City of Scotland

Edinburgh • Edinburgh is packed full of fantastic attractions, culture

hotspots and great shopping opportunities. The city’s compact nature makes it easy to fit a range of wonderful activities into one brilliant day out in Scotland’s capital.

• Edinburgh Castle, home to the iconic Stone of Destiny is a must see and is best toured first thing in the morning to beat the crowds who flock to this world famous attraction every day. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from the castle’s position atop the volcanic Castle Rock. Why not spend the afternoon hopping on and off these tour buses whilst exploring the city’s other top attractions such as the iconic Scottish Parliament, the refurbished National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Zoo, home to the unmissable giant pandas? You can view a 360 degree panorama of the city projected via a giant periscope at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, a 150-year-old observatory on the Royal Mile.

• If you’re looking for an afternoon of retail therapy, Edinburgh provides a variety of shopping experiences to suit any taste, from the high-end fashion retailers on George Street to the weekly stalls of the award-winning Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, the largest of its kind in Scotland. Princes Street Gardens sit below the magnificent castle and provide the perfect location for taking a well-earned break from your shopping and sightseeing.

Dundee• Dundee is perfect for a city break as it has

the ideal balance of attractions, shopping, dining out and entertainment.

• Begin your long weekend or midweek break

with a trip to attractions such as RRS Discovery, the ship which took Captain Scott on his remarkable voyage to Antarctica. Continue the sailing theme with a visit to HMS Frigate Unicorn, a preserved warship which was first launched in 1824 and is the sixth oldest ship in the world.

• Other fantastic attractions in Dundee

include Sensation, the city’s science centre which has unusual exhibits to interact with, and Mills Observatory, where you can see incredible images of the moon and stars at the UK’s only full-time observatory.

• Enjoy a fantastic few hours in the shops of

Dundee, which has two shopping centres, the Overgate and Wellgate, connected by a pedestranised street full of high street names and fabulous stores.

Relax in one of the city’s many cafés and restaurants and pick a dish showcasing the region’s sumptuous produce such as meat or fresh seafood, and a dessert made with juicy local berries. After a delicious meal, take in a performance at one of the city’s venues, with films, music, comedy and theatre all available. Dundee Rep is home to Scotland’s only full-time dramatic company so there’s a full programme of performance all year round. Take in a film at Dundee Contemporary Arts or simply head to one of the bars or charming pubs for a quiet drink to round off your perfect city break in Dundee

Inverness• Inverness is a compact city that can be easily

explored on foot. Explore the art, history and heritage of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery with its exhibits of Jacobite memorabilia and authentic Highland weaponry.

You can visit Inverness Floral Hall and enjoy the stunning flower displays and indoor waterfall. The city’s Victorian Market is the place to pick up some unique gifts and Inverness also has one of Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshops, Leakey’s.

You can see both Inverness Castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral. You can stroll along the banks of the River Ness, crossing the suspension bridge for some peace and relaxation on the Ness Islands.

Night-time in Inverness brings an array of options. You can watch on a live traditional music gig, choose a night at the theatre at Eden Court or dine in a top local restaurant.

When legendary chef Albert Roux was looking to open his first restaurant in Scotland he opted for Inverness. Besides Chez Roux, at the stylish Rocpool Reserve Hotel, the city has plenty of other fine eateries.

Special Occasions and

Holidays

• St Andrews Day - is celebrated on 30th November every year.• Christmas Traditions - a Scottish Christmas is very similar to Christmas

throughout the world.• Hogmanay and New Year - Here we Scots have our very own unique

Hogmanay Customs. The practice of 'First-Footing' and having a Ceilidh is still so popular today and of course the singing of Auld Lang Syne has been one that has been adopted throughout the world.

• Burns Night - the 25th January is the day where Scots throughout the world celebrate the life and work of our famous poet Rabbie Burns with a Burns Supper.

• Valentine's Day - is on 14th February. It is interesting to note that the remains of St Valentine are believed to be in Glasgow.

• Mothers' Day or Mothering Sunday" is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent (exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday) in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

• Easter - is celebrated here as it is in every Christian country. One traditio is to have a special family meal on Easter Sunday, the main course almost always being roast lamb.

Foods of Scotland

• Scotland is famous for its game and salmon, the national dish is haggis and neeps(innards and offal chopped up with spices and cooked in a sheep's stomach, served with mashed turnip).

What is haggis?

• Haggis is made from lamb’s offal (lungs, liver and heart) mixed with suet, onions, herbs and spices, all packed into a skin bag traditionally, but not usually now, made of a sheep’s stomach. Haggis is often served with mashed potatoes and mashed swede or turnips. It is traditionally served on Burns’ Night.

Other Scottish foods include:• Bannocks (or Oatcakes)

Bannock is a a form of flat cake baked on a griddle. Generally made of oatmeal, it takes the form of a large oatcake biscuit. Some Scots use the term Bannock to refer to a wheat flour

cake similar to a large thin scone.• Stovies

Similar to the French Pot au Feu,the dish usually consists of tatties (potatoes) and onions and some form of cold meat (especially sausages or leftover roast.)

• Scottish BeefThe Aberdeen-Angus breed of beef cattle are famous for their rich and tasty meat, which

makes excellent steaks.• Scotch Broth or Hotch-Potch

A rich stock traditionally made by boiling mutton , beef, marrow-bone or chicken with diced vegetables.

The final consistency should be thick and served piping hot.• Black Bun

A very rich fruit cake, made with raisins, currants, finely-chopped peel, chopped almonds and brown sugar with the addition of cinnamon and ginger.

• ColcannonMade from boiled cabbage, carrots, turnip and potatoes.

• Scottish SalmonThe Rivers Tay and Tweed are major salmon fisheries.

Sport

• Scotland’s sporting traditions are legendary worldwide. This country can lay claim to the invention of a number of popular international sports, including golf, rugby and tennis. Other sports are also rooted in Scotland’s history books, such as hockey (which originates from shinty), curling, and, of course, the Scottish Highland Games.

• Football is one of the nation’s most popular spectator sports. It

was a Scotsman, William McGregor, who set up the first English football league and it was in Scotland in 1872 that the first international match was played in Partick, Glasgow, where England and Scotland drew 0-0.

• Today, a passion for football is played out in villages, towns and

cities across Scotland, where you’ll discover amateur through to world-beating professional matches, leagues, cups and championships.

Famous people • There are many famous 20th century Scots.

Throughout history were many men and women who have done wonderful things, died in bravery, excelled in science, sports, or the arts.

• Some have left a rich legacy with their discoveries, travels, and inventions which has enhanced the world.

Andrew Carnegie One of the greatest and

most Famous 20th Century Scots was Andrew Carnegie who was born in the town of Dunfermline, Fife. His life was a true "rags to riches" story. Carnegie became a powerful businessman and in the American steel industry. Today, he is remembered as an great philanthropist.

Gordon Brown Gordon Brown is Britain's

new Prime Minister. He was born in 1951, and brought up in Fife and educated in Kirkcaldy High School. Gordon was appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer on 2 May 1997. He has been the MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath since 2005 and was the MP for Dunfermline East from 1983 to 2005.

Jack Vettriano Another Famous 20th

Century Scots from the Kingdom of Fife is the painter Jack Vettriano . He grew up in the industrial seaside town of Methil in Fife. He only took up painting as a hobby in his twenties when his girl friend bought him a set of water colours. This is when Jack found his artistic talent.

Charlie and Craig Reid• The Proclaimers hail from

Auchtermuchty in Fife, the small town where I live. These two brothers, Charlie and Craig Reid have had great success including recording the title song in the film ‘Benny and Joon’ with the song “500 miles” or sometimes known as “I’m gonna be.”

Jimmy Shand Jimmy Shand , the

wonderful musician also became one of the Famous 20th Century Scots. Jimmy with his accordion and his renowned band put Scotland’s country dance music on the world map. He was born in East Wemyss in Fife, but his home for many years was also my own adopted Auchtermuchty.

Ian Rankin• Ian Rankin was born in

Cardenden in the Kingdom of Fife. He is one of the best-selling crime writers in the United Kingdom and one of the world's foremost writers in the genre. He is most recognised as the writer of the Inspector Rebus novels.

James Dewer James Dewer came from

the town of Kincardine and was most famous for inventing the vacuum flask, which is used throughout the world today.

Barbara Dickson• Another famous

20th century Scot who hails from Fife, from the town of Dunfermline, the lovely singer and actress Barbara Dickson.

Flags and

Symbols

Flag Something unique in

Scottish customs and traditions is that there are two flags. The Blue and White Cross of the St Andrews Flag (known as the Saltire) is recognised throughout the world, and it also makes up part of the Union Jack of Great Britain.

Symbols

But of course, in Scotland there is also the Lion Rampart Flag. Other symbols recognised as uniquely Scottish are the Celtic Cross (often made into beautiful jewellery today) and of course our famous flowers of heather and the bluebell.

Folklore, Myths and Legends

You can't mention Scottish customs and traditions without mentioning some of other things which make this country famous. From sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, or famous Haggis, tales of ghosts and other bizarre stories, Scotland is full of folklore, myths and legends.

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