Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland.
Population: 5.5 million, in 2019 8.2% of the UK population lived in Scotland.
Languages: English (99%) Scots (30%), Scottish Gaelic (1%)
Currency: Pound Sterling
Scotland has been populated for 12,000 years and has a rich and complex history.
Scotland’s recorded history began with the arrival of the Roman Empire. Despite building two impressive fortifications – Hadrian’s Wall to defend the northern border, and the Antonine Wall across Central Scotland to advance it forward – the Romans never truly conquered Caledonia.
Unable to defeat the Caledonians and Picts, the Romans eventually withdrew and over time retreated away from Britain.
The history of Scotland is fascinating and complex; there are Roman soldiers, Vikings, noble clansmen, powerful ruling monarchs and even enlightened philosophers.
Scotland has experienced extraordinary growth and change during the course of its lifetime - it’s a place that has been invaded and settled many times and that has made mighty contributions to culture and society.
ANDY MURRAY
Born 1987
British professional tennis player from Scotland.
VICTORIA DRUMMOND
1894 - 1978
The first woman to be a marine engineer in the UK, sailing to many different nations.
MARY SOMERVILLE
1780 - 1872
A Scottish science writer and polymath. She was the first female member to be elected to The Royal Astronomical Society at a time when women were largely absent in scientific circles. Oh, and she also helped to discover the planet Neptune.
King of Scotland from 1306, until his death in 1329. Hero of the Scottish War of Independence
Biologist, pharmacologist and botanist who discovered penicillin.
Scottish inventor, most notably credited with inventing the modern telephone.
ROBERT THE BRUCE
(1274-1329)
ALEXANDER FLEMING
(1881-1955)
ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL
(1847 - 1922)
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, was once the residence of Scottishmonarchs and now serves mostly as a museum.
It stands 443 feet (135 metres) above sea level and overlooks the city of Edinburgh from a volcanic crag called Castle Rock.
One of the highlights of the year is the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which is a series of military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle
Kilt
The kilt is the national dress of Scotland and worn by many.
Due to the inclement weather and treacherous terrain of the Scottish Highlands, the belted plaid had many advantages. It was warm, it allowed freedom of movement, the upper half served as a cloak against the weather, it dried out quickly and it could provide adequate over-night blanketing.
Caber Tossing
The caber toss is a traditional Scottish athletic event in which competitors toss a large tapered pole called a "caber".
It is normally practised at the Scottish Highland Games.
Irn Bru
This is the nectar of all Scottish teenagers. It is a fluorescent orange colour and looks very unappealing.
However, this is the drink of choice in Scotland – one of only five countries where coke is not the top drink of choice. It does actually contain iron in the recipe!
Hogwarts Express Scotland
The Hogwarts Express is in fact a famous (and highly photogenic) steam train, The Jacobite, taking passengers 135 kilometres through mysteriously misty lochs and the green hills of the Scottish Highlands.
It doesn't just look like the famously magical train, it is the actual vehicle used for filming the Harry Potter movies.
Unicorn - Scotlands National Animal
With its white horse-like body and single spiralling horn, the unicorn is a symbol of purity, innocence and power in Celtic mythology.
These are characteristics embedded in the Scottish psyche.
