10 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Scotland
Scotland. A land where the weather changes faster than you can say “sun’s oot”, where castles perch dramatically on cliffs, and where a wee cup of tea can fix almost anything.
But while you might already know about kilts, whisky, and the mysterious and elusive Nessie, there’s a whole lot more hiding in the heather. So, grab yourself an Irn-Bru, put your feet up, and let’s explore ten things you probably didn’t know about Scotland.
1. Our National Animal is a Unicorn
Of all the animals native to our land, majestic stags, hairy highland coos and even the dreaded midges that will have even the most hardy of outdoor adventure think twice about wandering the hills, Scotland’s national animal is… the unicorn!
Now, you might say that’s daft and proclaim that there is no such thing. But think about it, unicorns are strong, proud, and famously impossible to tame, sounds more than just a wee bit Scottish, doesn’t it?
But there is a deeper meaning behind the majestic creature that we claimed as our own. Back in medieval times, unicorns were thought to be the natural enemy of lions. And who’s got a lion on their royal crest? Aye, that would be England. Suddenly that choice looks a wee bit less whimsical and a lot more like tactical banter.
2. We Invented the Raincoat
They say necessity is the mother of all invention, and if you’ve spent more than five minutes in Scotland, you’ll know that a good raincoat is an absolute necessity! Our weather’s a bit… unpredictable to say the least. Sunshine one minute, horizontal sleet and gale force winds the next.
In 1824, Charles Macintosh decided enough was enough and invented a waterproof fabric, giving birth to the raincoat or as it’s still called today, a “Mac”. A practical solution to an unrelenting problem because really, who’s wants to be wandering around looking like a drowned rat?
In the immortal words of the Scottish comedian Billy Connolly “There is no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothing so grab yourself a sexy wee raincoat and live a little”
3. The World’s Shortest Flight is in Orkney
Forget long-haul flights and cramped legs. In Orkney, you can hop on a plane between the islands of Westray and Papa Westray, and the whole thing takes about 47 seconds. That’s quicker than boiling the kettle.
There’s barely time to sit down before you’re landing again. Cabin crew don’t even bother with tea service and if they did, you’d be hard pushed to take a sip before you hit the tarmac again.
4. Bagpipes Didn’t Start Here
Aye, it hurts to admit it, but it is known that babpipes probably originated in the Middle East before marching their way into Europe with the Romans.
But Scotland took them, made them louder, and then used them to terrify enemies in battle. Can you imagine charging into a fight while a piper bellows a tune that sounds like a cross between an angry goose and a screaming war cry? No wonder the opposition turned and ran the other way.
Now, of course, they’re a symbol of celebration, from weddings to Hogmanay. And love them or loathe them, there’s no mistaking that sound for anything else.
5. Loch Ness Holds More Water Than All of England’s Lakes Combined
Loch Ness isn’t just famous for Nessie — though let’s be honest, she always steals the spotlight. It also holds more water than every single lake in England put together.
That’s seven trillion gallons of icy, mysterious depths. Which makes Nessie’s game of hide and seek much easier. You could drop an entire city in there and still not hit the bottom.
It’s wee facts like this that make you realise, Scotland isn’t just a nation of great thinkers and inventors. Even our lochs are overachievers.
6. There Are Nearly 800 Islands
When folk think of Scotland, they often picture the Highlands or Edinburgh’s cobbled closes. But here’s a fact: Scotland has over 790 islands.
Not all are inhabited, but the ones that are brim with personality. Skye, with its fairy pools and jagged Cuillin mountains, is like a postcard come to life. Islay is home to more whisky distilleries than you could reasonably tour in a weekend (though some brave souls try). And Orkney, with its Neolithic ruins older than the Pyramids, proves Scotland’s history stretches far beyond kilts and castles.
7. Golf Was Invented Here… Then Banned
Scotland took a walk in the park, hitting pine cones with stick and turned it into a game and gave the world golf. But in 1457, King James II banned it because his soldiers were spending too much time on the green and not enough time practising archery.
Imagine inventing something, only to ban yourself from it because you’re having too much fun. To this day, you can still tee off at the Old Course in St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”. And thankfully you are no longer breaking the law doing so.
8. The Deep-Fried Mars Bar is Ours (Sorry/You’re Welcome)
Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, is the proud birthplace of the deep-fried Mars bar. A culinary experiment that began in a chip shop in the 1990s has since become both legend and punchline.
And you know what? They’re actually not that bad. Sweet, gooey, crunchy and possibly calorific enough to power a the Waverley Steamer for a week. Best enjoyed with a big dollop of vanilla ice-cream and a very forgiving dentist.
9. The Worlds Oldest Football Was Found Here
That’s right, the worlds oldest football (that would be soccer ball to my American friends) was found in rafters of the queens bedroom at Stirling Castle. Discovered in 1981 during renovations it is believed to have been hiding up there since around the 1540’s.
The pigs bladder ball is believed to have been used by castle staff or soldiers to engage in a game of kick-about. Personally, I like to believe that Mary Queen of Scots was a sensational striker with a wicked right kick.
10. Our Motto Basically Means: Don’t Mess With Us
Scotland’s official motto is “Nemo me impune lacessit”, which translates to “No one provokes me with impunity”. In plain Scots: if you start something, you’d better be ready for us to finish it (or FAFO as the youngsters might say).
It sums up Scotland perfectly — a land that’s fiercely proud, fiercely independent, and always ready to defend itself, preferably with a dram in hand.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, ten things about Scotland you maybe didn’t know.
It’s easy to get swept away by the big headlines like whisky, tartan, & castles. And aye, they’re brilliant. But it’s these smaller, stranger stories like unicorns, 47-second flights, and desserts dunked in chip-shop oil are what give Scotland its unique flavour.
Come for the scenery, stay for the banter. And if you leave knowing nothing else, remember this, never underestimate a nation that proudly declares the unicorn its mascot.