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Facts about Scotland - Woman with umbrella looking over cityscape of Inverness

When you think of Scotland, you might think of the iconic kilt and bagpipes or even the luminous Irn-Bru. But, there are so many facts about Scotland that are waiting to be uncovered!

A wide range of wonders awaits you here, including incredible castles, geological features and unique delicacies. With its freshwater folklore and tartan fabrics, Scotland is a country rich in history, myths and interesting facts!

Keep reading to discover facts about Scotland…


1. Scotland has approximately 790 islands

Sea stacks at Mangersta Isle of Lewis

As facts about Scotland go, this one is sure to have you dreaming of a holiday! Off the coast, there are a whopping 790 Scottish islands, but only 240 of them have people living on them.

Some of the most beautiful islands include the Isle of Lewis, Harris, Mainland Shetland, and Mainland Orkney, as well as the Isle of Arran, and the Isle of Skye.

As of 2020, visitors can travel to the granite islet of Rockall, arranged by those who specialise in daring excursions to locations such as Chornobyl.

For 15-20 minutes, explorers can stand atop the volcanic plug’s mound and take in the intermittent sea views. For those seeking excitement, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience!


2. Scotland is home to the oldest tree in Europe

Fortingall Yew

Located in the geographical centre of Scotland, the Fortingall Yew is one of Europe’s oldest life forms and lies in the unassuming Fortingall graveyard.

The estimates for the ancient tree’s age vary wildly, from 3,000 years old to 9,000 years old. While it is impossible to pinpoint the tree’s exact age, most estimates place it nearer to 5,000 years old making it as old as Stonehenge!

The circumference of the yew’s numerous trunks was measured at 52 feet in 1769! This is the length of one and a half London buses!


3. Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have its own fire brigade

There are many interesting facts about Scotland, but one of the best involves facts about Edinburgh! Edinburgh was the first city in the world with a fire department. Under James Braidwood, it became the UK’s first municipal fire department in 1824.

Instead of sporting the now well-known classic yellow-striped attire, the firemen wore dark blue tunics with brass buttons and white canvas trousers and carried an axe, hose, spanner, and cord.


4. There are over 600 square miles of freshwater lakes

Loch Maree in Torridon

Next up on our fascinating facts about Scotland is sure to impress water enthusiasts!

Scotland has a coastline that stretches over 6,000 miles, as well as more than 600 square miles of beautiful lochs, including the world-famous Loch Ness.

From Harry Potter filming locations to mythical creatures, Scotland’s extensive collection of freshwater lakes provides ample opportunities for wild swimming.


5. The official animal of Scotland is the Unicorn

Scotland Unicorn

The unicorn symbolises purity, innocence, masculinity, and strength in Celtic mythology.

Since Scottish history is full of myths and legends, it makes sense that a mythical animal like the unicorn would be the country’s symbol. In Scotland’s coat of arms, a golden chain is seen going around the unicorn’s neck and around its body.

It was said that the unicorn was the most powerful, wild, and untamable animal and that only a young woman who had never been married could tame it. The entrapment of the chain represents the power of the Scottish kings, who were strong enough to tame even a unicorn.


6. The highest proportion of redheads is in Scotland

Less than 2% of the global population has red hair. But in Scotland, the percentage ranges from 6-13%!

Red-haired people can manufacture vitamin D more effectively due to their genetic ability. Vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones, teeth, neurological systems, and the immune system.

Redheads need less time and sun exposure to produce vitamin D. This offers them a genetic edge in cold, grey locations like Scotland over those with various hair hues.

Scotland started a DNA initiative to count all redheads in the country and found 650,000, or one in eight. 1.6 million Scots possess the red-haired gene, experts say.

Another fun fact about Edinburgh is that it actually has the most redheads in the world, making it the redhead capital!


7. Scotland is home to the tallest waterfall in Britain

Eas a Chual Aluinn from Loch Beag

Eas a’ Chual Aluinn is a 658-foot waterfall, three times the height of Niagara Falls. The isolated, uninhabited wildness of the Scottish Highlands continues to pique the curiosity of ardent British explorers and is the tallest waterfall in the UK.

Because of its strange location, people who want to see the falls can either walk the six-kilometre trek or travel over Loch Beag lake where the waterfall lands.


8. St. Andrew’s Links is known as the “home of golf”

Swilcan Bridge

Scotland is known for having some of the best golf courses in the world, but St. Andrews is known as the “Home of Golf.” Even though King James banned golf in 1457, the first recorded game was in 1552 in St. Andrews.

With each passing century, golf became more popular, and in 1754, 22 noblemen and gentlemen of the Kingdom of Fife started the Society of St. Andrews Golfers.

This famous company grew into the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, the game’s founding club. In 1897, the “Rules of Golf” were written by this club.

Even though there have been 29 Old Course Open Championships, the R&A is still looked up to. All the golf courses at St. Andrews Links are owned by the public, which makes it a must-see for golf fans from all over the world.


9. The raincoat was invented in Scotland

Senior Man on a Rainy Day, Scotland

If you’ve ever been outside on a rainy UK festival day, snuggled into a thick raincoat, you have Charles Macintosh to thank!

Adding to the growing list of facts about Glasgow, Macintosh was actually born there in 1766 and is a Scottish scientist and creator of waterproof fabrics.

In 1818, Macintosh found dissolved indiarubber while analysing the waste from a factory producing coal gas. After using this mixture to glue two pieces of fabric together, he let them dry and found the resulting material was resistant to rain.

Macintosh, in collaboration with chemist George Hancock, established a system for successfully creating waterproof sheets and outerwear.


10. Scotland is home to the shortest commercial flight in the world

Jet plane flying over Glasgow city buildings

The world’s shortest flight travels from Westray to Papa Westray, taking about one minute from one Scottish island to another. As you can guess, it’s pretty cheap to travel between these two Orkney Northern Isles.

Hop on this eight-seater Britten-Norman Islander for an unforgettable flying experience and come home with your own certificate as a souvenir.

The small islands host a selection of marvellous attractions including sandy beaches, historical delights and natural spectacles. So whether you’re seeking a getaway by the coast or a walking holiday, this short glide will bring you to a range of wonders.


11. Scotland has three languages

Highway sign for Wild Atlantic Way in two languages, Gaelic and English

Hello! Halò! The official languages of Scotland are English, Scottish Gaelic, and Scots.

Scottish Gaelic is an old Celtic language that developed from Old Irish, whilst Scots is a Germanic language that is close to English but is regarded as its own language.

Try and brush up on some classic Scottish greetings before your visit to the country!


12. Bonnybridge is the UFO capital of the world

UFO Road Sign

Next on our list of facts about Scotland is all about the supernatural. The sleepy community of Bonnybridge in Scotland is now widely recognised as the UFO centre of the world.

Every year, residents of the town claim to see over 300 unidentified flying objects in the sky above them. Why not visit and see if you can spot one yourself on a trip to a central Scotland cottage?


13. Edinburgh is one of the most haunted cities in the UK

Edinburgh Castle

Aside from its credibility as a cultural hub, the city of Edinburgh is also known to be one of the spookiest locations in the UK. In a country with a wealth of heritage, it’s no surprise that spooky stories encompass these historic streets.

Edinburgh Castle holds the status of being one of the most haunted of its kind. Many people hear the headless drummer playing a tune, and people claim that the castle’s prisoners roam the dungeons. This truly is one of the spookiest facts about Scotland!

There are rumours that there are more than 44 abandoned places in the city, so there are a lot of scary places waiting to be found. If you want more, it’s worth travelling around the UK to uncover a plethora of abandoned places!


14. Chicken Tikka Masala originated in Scotland

curry

Apparently, the world-famous dish of chicken tikka masala was first discovered in Glasgow, despite curry being a traditional Indian cuisine.

Ali Ahmed Aslam, a Pakistani chef, is said to have made the curry by adding tomato soup and spices to a mix of yoghurt, and cream. This was after a customer said his food was too dry!

Since 1971, it’s clear that no one knows where the dish came from, and the mystery of the masala is not likely to be solved. Even though it is one of the most popular dishes in the world, haggis, battered Mars bars, and whisky is what Scotland is best known for.

Offering something for every unique taste, the cuisines of Scotland are well worth exploring, and our selection of traditional Scottish foods is sure to cater to all.


15. Scotland is famous for its Whisky

Whisky barrells in isle of skye

We all know the Scots are famous for their love of booze! With 130 whiskey distilleries, Scotland has the highest concentration of whiskey production in the world.

One of the most famous traditional Scottish products is “water of life” – uisge beatha in Gaelic.

A true hallmark of Scottish whiskey is its variety! Peated, smoky notes characterize Islay whiskey, while sweeter notes are found in Speyside whiskey. However, the foundation of all of these products is malted barley.

However, Scottish whiskey is no longer the only popular alcoholic beverage in Scotland. It might surprise you to know that Scotland is also a major gin producer, with more than 90 gin distilleries to explore.


16. Edinburgh has one of the highest proportions of listed buildings in the UK & Ireland

Concluding our guide to facts about Scotland guide is a treat for history lovers! Discover magnificent listed buildings throughout Edinburgh, as well as a vibrant theatre scene, museums, galleries, and other things to do.

Two apartment buildings in Edinburgh have been listed status in Category A since 2017. They were the 50th and 51st buildings built after World War II to receive this honour.

Scotland’s capital is a true phenomenon, rich in history and with magnificent structures.

If you’re seeking a luxurious escape, historic holiday lets are perfect for a destination with a difference. And, whilst you’re exploring the cultural hub of Edinburgh, visit as many Edinburgh food and drink places as you can!


If these facts about Scotland have you dreaming of a Scottish holiday, browse a selection of unusual places to stay in Scotland. Take a look at our Scotland Travel Guide for more inspiration and get holiday planning!


Image Credits: Colin Price(CC BY-SA 2.0)

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