Scotland is blessed with unspoiled natural terrain that ranges from rural lowlands to unpolluted uplands, offering habitats for native wildlife such as moorlands, forests, and wetlands.
Scotland was at the epicenter of modern thought during its Scottish Enlightenment – ideas generated there shaping philosophy, chemistry, geography, history, geology, architecture literature and poetry alike – figures such as David Hume Adam Smith and Robert Burns are celebrated around the globe for their contributions.
History
Scottish history is full of surprises. From its founding as a kingdom to modern-day independence, Scotland is unique and this book by Alistair Moffat reveals some lesser-known episodes that may have been overshadowed by time.
From its inception, Scotland has long been a place of culture, conflict and controversy. The country achieved its unique identity in the ninth century AD when Picts and Scots united under one king to form an independent kingdom that survived interference from England while becoming internationally recognised as an independent state.
At the start of the Neolithic period, people started cultivating land and building permanent shelters. Pottery and stone axes found during this time period demonstrate how social hierarchies were beginning to form; at Brodick Castle’s reconstructed settlement you can learn how early Scottish people lived during this era.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, warfare between Scotland and England intensified as each sought to dominate the other, commonly known as “The Wars of Independence.” One such leader was William Wallace of Scotland; you can discover his exploits at Stirling Bridge reconstructed battlefield or Bannockburn Battlesite.
In Scotland during the 17th and 18th centuries, trade and manufacturing led to an enormous surge in economic development, particularly Glasgow becoming an international city while agriculture flourished throughout its Highland regions.
1914 to 1918 – Scottish soldiers signed up in huge numbers during World War I to combat Kaiser Wilhelm’s armies, led by Edinburgh-born Field Marshal Haig who led British troops in breaking stalemate on the Western Front.
At the turn of the 20th century, Scottish culture made an international impactful statement through films like Trainspotting and Braveheart that achieved worldwide acclaim, along with books written by J K Rowling that became worldwide best sellers. Scientists at Roslin Institute in Ayr became famous when they successfully cloned Dolly the Sheep; it marked an incredible scientific feat! By 1997 scientists at Roslin Institute achieved another major scientific feat when they successfully cloned Dolly The Sheep; this marked a milestone scientific accomplishment which Scotland continues to flourish as an international force: with industries such as whisky production, computer software development and renewable energy fuelling economic expansion.
Culture
Scotland’s culture is an intricate mix of music, landscapes, events, writers, actors and historical landmarks woven together with world-class museums and galleries that span Scotland’s geography.
Scottish culture and people are well known for their warm hospitality and strong sense of community. Politeness is highly prized; punctuality is also highly prized. When greeting strangers it is customary to offer both firm handshakes and direct eye contact to show welcome and respect. Scots take great pride in sharing their rich history and traditions with visitors who come their way.
In the 1st century AD, Roman Britain expanded into southern Britain through an expansion known as Britannia. Unable to subdue fierce tribes in the north however, they erected Hadrian’s Wall that ran across all of Britain – known as Caledonia at this point; those living here later called themselves Picts due to their practice of painting themselves.
Clans were the primary social structure in the Highlands, and each one was led by its own chief who held significant influence over political decisions as well as being accountable for his clan members’ welfare.
Scotland was at the centre of one of history’s greatest intellectual outpourings during its 17th and 18th century Age of Enlightenment period, producing many leading thinkers such as philosopher Francis Hutcheson, philosopher David Hume, economists Adam Smith and John Millar, among many others. Edinburgh produced many such thinkers including Hutcheson, Hume and Millar in particular.
Scotland was at the forefront of innovation during this era in both physical and social sciences, including mathematics (Colin MacLaurin) and geology (James Hutton); pioneers such as Joseph Black in chemistry; and Adam Ferguson who pioneered sociological data gathering were all pioneers.
Since devolution, Scotland has made great strides toward meeting its cultural goals and giving young people a platform for creative work. Our 2022 Cultural Strategy details this with increased investment to ensure children and young people from across Scotland can access all its benefits for wellbeing, attainment, and fulfilling their full potential.
Landscapes
Scotland is home to breathtaking landscapes ranging from Loch Shin to the mist-wreathed Cairngorms, rich with myth and natural wonder. Home to charming Georgian and Victorian town centres (Melrose and Hawick), stunning abbey ruins at Abbotsford Abbey (pictured), rolling hills that nurture famous salmon rivers such as River Tweed (pictured), as well as grand country mansions that made an appearance in Harry Potter and other blockbuster movies, like Glenfinnan viaduct (pictured below).
Scotland is best known for its stunningly diverse and rugged landscape, which can be traced back to Precambrian period rocks. Later during Cambrian period tectonic plates shifted under pressure, and Scotland once existed as part of continental Europe.
Geological history has given way to an ever-evolving landscape that is truly extraordinary. Take, for instance, Scotland’s Highlands with their mountainous terrain; Ben Nevis stands as Scotland and Britain’s highest peak while Skye features notable jagged Cuillin peaks that stand out against this background.
In the 19th century, landscape paintings of Scottish glens and lochs illustrated the romantic vision fostered by writers such as Sir Walter Scott. Artists like John Thomson of Duddingston and Horatio McCulloch painted recognisable places while imbuing them with drama; this imagery contributed to Scotland being perceived as an unspoiled wilderness.
At the close of the 19th century, grandiose views of castles and lochs had become outdated; naturalism had taken root. Drawing inspiration from French counterparts, Robert Herdman and Waller Hugh Paton began favoring truthful observations of nature as well as more modest subjects like rural villages or crofts.
Recent works by contemporary artists have taken various approaches – ranging from Nathan Coley’s use of models to Carol Rhodes’s works that combine reality with imagination – helping bring Scotland more clearly into focus for modern audiences. This diverse array of artists has contributed to making our modern vision of Scotland clearer.
Legends
Scotland is known for its rich folklore. From monster-filled lochs, mist-covered mountains and crumbling castles to lost spirits haunting battlefields or legendary creatures residing within its landscapes – its landscapes have long inspired rich legends that have captured imaginations worldwide.
The Kelpie is an enigmatic creature of Celtic folklore, an aquatic spirit believed to presiding over Scotland’s Highland lakes and rivers. Said to have a powerful connection with water, its presence can bring happiness or bring death and misfortune depending on who angers it.
Each-uisge is an unsettling shapeshifter that inhabits Scotland’s lakes and seas. A fearsome beast, this deadly serpentine creature takes many forms such as horse, giant bird or man; riding it safely while on land only is safe; otherwise the rider risks becoming stuck to their back and being taken underwater by it, possibly leading to their drowning.
Another legendary creature from Scotland is the Boobrie, an evil shapeshifter found on Shetland Islands. This monstrosity can take the form of anything from human, fish or boat; according to legend it even has vicious fangs capable of inflicting incredible pain if caught. Once caught it will remain confined within its form forever more.
Other creatures found in Scottish folklore include trolls, the haggis and witches. Faeries (taenawas) were believed to replace babies left on hilltops with one belonging to themselves at an earlier time when infant health and developmental issues weren’t fully understood.
Other forms of fairies include the Caoineag, a female figure reminiscent of a banshee who weeps for those about to die and can often be found weeping near water features (lochs, glens or waterfalls) or standing by someone’s door as they pass away due to illness.