Scotland &
The Hebrides
The Thistle is Scotland's emblem. But how, you may ask, did such a thorny flower become a national emblem ?
Well, so the story goes: a very long time ago when Scotland was ravaged by Viking invaders (to read the short-story entitled Tartan in the "Textbook" section which offers more about this subject, just click here), a group of Scottish fighting men were resting overnight in a field. The Vikings sought to surprise the Scots be creeping up stealthily, and barefoot and overwhelming them as they slept. Their ruse might have succeeded had not a leading Viking trod upon the spiky thistle and cried out in agony, thereby alerting the Scots.
Well, so the story goes: a very long time ago when Scotland was ravaged by Viking invaders (to read the short-story entitled Tartan in the "Textbook" section which offers more about this subject, just click here), a group of Scottish fighting men were resting overnight in a field. The Vikings sought to surprise the Scots be creeping up stealthily, and barefoot and overwhelming them as they slept. Their ruse might have succeeded had not a leading Viking trod upon the spiky thistle and cried out in agony, thereby alerting the Scots.
The Scottish flag is St. Andrew's Cross, also known as The Saltire. It is said to be one of the oldest national flags of any country, dating back at least to the 12th century.
Scotland's (unofficial) national anthem : Flower of Scotland.
Written by Roy MB Williamson (1936-1990) of The Corries.
O flower of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again.
Written by Roy MB Williamson (1936-1990) of The Corries.
O flower of Scotland
When will we see
Your like again
That fought and died for
Your wee bit hill and glen
And stood against him
Proud Edward's army
And sent him homeward
Tae think again.
Scotland & The Hebrides
Not only is the Scottish West Coast extremely indented, with land and sea mingling into sea lochs, but there are numerous islands. The Hebrides are grouped into the Outer Hebrides or the Western Isles and the Inner Hebrides.
The Outer Hebrides are made up of the following islands (from North to South): Lewis, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra.
The Inner Hebrides (from North to South): Skye, Rhum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Islay, Jura and Colonsay.
Not only is the Scottish West Coast extremely indented, with land and sea mingling into sea lochs, but there are numerous islands. The Hebrides are grouped into the Outer Hebrides or the Western Isles and the Inner Hebrides.
The Outer Hebrides are made up of the following islands (from North to South): Lewis, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra.
The Inner Hebrides (from North to South): Skye, Rhum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Islay, Jura and Colonsay.
