It is unlikely that many people know interesting facts about Scotland. Most people only know that this is the land of green hills, pipers and great whiskey. That is why it is worth delving into the study of this topic, and talk about the most interesting facts that can demonstrate Scotland from a new, few known side.
Nature
In the very center of the country is a village called Fortingall. And in it there is a church, in the courtyard of which the Fortingel yew grows - one of the oldest trees in all of Europe. It is estimated that he is 5, 000 years old!
Also, listing interesting facts about Scotland, one cannot but say that this state occupies 790 islands, of which 130 are uninhabited.
It is worth knowing that more than 600 square meters. miles of country are freshwater lakes. Including the famous Loch Ness, which stretches 36 kilometers southwest of the port city of Invenress. And the deepest Scottish lake is called Loch Morar. Located in the northwestern part of the country. The distance from the surface of the water to the bottom is 328 meters, so this lake is the seventh deepest in the whole world.
By the way, if you pay attention to interesting facts about Scotland in English, you can see that all the lists in which they are listed begin with the most significant information for residents of this state: “Today Scotland is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountainous countries in the world. " This phrase says that today Scotland is one of the most beautiful mountainous countries. And it’s hard to disagree. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the local natural beauties, and many of them return.
Population
Enumerating interesting facts about Scotland, one cannot but note the attention of the inhabitants of this state. In the southern part, 40% of people have red hair and pale skin. In the northern regions, one in eight has a natural carrot flavor. Not surprisingly, it was in Scotland that the first ever Red-haired Parade was organized.
Few people know that during the time of the Vikings this country was presented by strangers as a dangerous and dark place. Locals were perceived as bloodthirsty, terrible and cruel personalities. Even the Vikings, who conquered many of the Scottish islands, warned their fellow countrymen that they were careful with their desire to get from this country.
A bit about the past
It is worth saying a few words about Val Hadrian, since we are talking about interesting facts about Scotland. Under this name is known the defensive fortification erected by the Romans from the North to the Irish Sea at the very beginning of our era - in 122-126 years. In length, it reaches 117 kilometers. Now the remains of the wall are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You should know that until 1603 this state had its own monarch. After the death of Elizabeth I, James VI of Scotland, who also ruled England, began to rule. Subsequently, he became Jacob I of England.
By the way, the country gained independence in 1314. Then Robert Bruce, king of the state, defeated the English army in the legendary Battle of Bannockburn. Independence remained until 05/01/1707. This is the date Scotland joined England. Then, in fact, the United Kingdom was formed. Scotland did not have its own parliament until 1999, on July 1.
Amazing story from Edinburgh
It will not be superfluous to recall the story of a sky terrier from the capital of Scotland named Greybrayers Bobby. It was in the middle of the XIX century. Bobby, like many other dogs, had an owner who had the habit of going to the same cafe every day. He took his four-legged friend with him.
One sad day, a man died. But his doggie continued to run into the cafe. There, employees of the institution gave him a bun, after which Bobby ran to the cemetery with a treat, to the owner’s grave. This went on for 14 years. Bobby made such a journey daily. And he also met his death on the grave of his master. The Sky Terrier was buried, and awarded him the title of the most faithful dog in the world. In Edinburgh, by the way, there is a fountain with a sculpture of Bobby. It was erected in 1872.
Local "records"
They are also worth mentioning, listing interesting facts about Scotland. Few people know, but the shortest regular flight takes place in this country. And the journey lasts only 74 seconds. This is a flight from a city called Westray to the small island of Papa Westray. Its area is only 9.18 km², and only a few dozen people live there.
And it is precisely in the Hamilton Mausoleum, located in South Lanarkshire, the longest echo on the planet is recorded. It lasts 15 seconds.
The oldest bank in the UK is also located in Scotland. It was founded in 1695. In addition, the Bank of Scotland (as its name sounds) is the first bank in Europe to issue its own banknotes.
Also, it was in this country that the first official football match of international level was played. It happened in 1872, and the competition was held between the national team of Scotland and England.
What will tell the "original" source?
It is always interesting to read what the locals write about their state, how they respond about their home country, which is Scotland. Interesting facts in English (with translation, of course) will help to find out.
Residents of this beautiful country write: "They say that Scottish towns differ from the English ones." Translated, this means that Scottish cities are very different from English. And here are the features that people pay attention to: cobblestone streets (cobbled streets), medieval style houses (houses made in the style of the Middle Ages), green parks (green parks), plenty of historic architecture (many historical architectural sights).
And also, studying interesting facts about Scotland in English, one cannot but pay attention to this phrase: "Scotland is well-known for its delicious haggis." It is translated as follows: "Scotland is famous for its delicious haggis." This is true, the treat is widely known. The fact is that haggis is a national local dish of lamb offal (which includes the lungs, heart and liver), cooked in … the stomach of the same animal. Many, venturing to try such an unusual delicacy, are surprised to note that it is really delicious.
Good to know
Some other interesting historical facts about Scotland deserve attention. It so happened that this country has its own judicial system, which is different from the English, Irish and Welsh. The jury has the right to make such verdicts: “guilt is not proven”, “not guilty” and “guilty”.
It is also worth remembering that now in North America there are about the same number of Scots, as in the state itself. Moreover! Approximately 5 million people in the United States and Canada claim to have Scottish roots. Which is quite possible, by the way. In the period from the 18th to the end of the 19th century, hundreds of thousands migrated from Scotland to the USA.
However, these are not all the interesting facts about Scotland. English is now spoken in this state by all local residents, without exception. But there are three state languages! Do not forget about Scottish and Gaelic. However, only 1% of the population owns them. This is about 53, 000 people.
Pride of the country
Studying interesting facts about Scotland for children and adults, it will not be superfluous to mention the achievements to which this country is related.
Few people know, but it was in its capital, in Edinburgh, for the first time in the world that its own city fire brigade appeared. And Scotland is the "home" of a raincoat, invented in 1824. This "amulet" from the rain was invented by Charles Mackintosh, a chemist from Glasgow.
It is also worth knowing that it was in Scotland that such famous thinkers as Adam Smith, David Hume, James Watt and John Stuart Mill were born. It is impossible not to mention the greatest representatives of literature, whose homeland was also this country! This, of course, is about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Walter Scott, and Lord Byron.
Also in this country was born John Loughy Byrd - an engineer who created the world's first mechanical television system. In fact, he is the father of television. Also in Scotland was born Alexander Graham Bell, who created the phone, and Alexander Fleming, who owns the invention of penicillin.
Despite such significant successes of an intellectual nature, there are not many higher educational institutions in the state. A total of 19 institutes and universities. The most famous is the University of St Andrews, which met the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge - Kate and William.
