Scotland is an autonomous kingdom within Great Britain. It is located on almost 800 islands, of which only 300 are inhabited. The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. The country is famous for its rich history, culture and picturesque nature.
Instructions
Step 1
The first settlements in Scotland appeared 6 thousand years ago. And the history of the Scottish kingdom begins in 843, when two peoples united into a single state - the Scots and the Picts. Until 1707, the kingdom was an independent state. And at the beginning of the 18th century, Scotland and England signed an act of unification.
Step 2
The nature of Scotland is mesmerizing. Here mountains, sea, lakes, forests, fields and meadows intertwine in an incredibly beautiful landscape. Scotland is home to the highest point in Great Britain, Mount Ben Nevis. It is in this country that Loch Ness is located, famous for the legend that the monster Nessie lives in its waters.
Step 3
Scotland is also rich in its fortresses, palaces, castles. For example, Edinburgh Castle - the abode of monarchs, Stirling Castle - erected not far from the largest family in the country of Glasgow, at the top of a volcano, the Queen's residence is Balmoral Castle. All the ancient buildings of Scotland are shrouded in secrets and legends about ghosts.
Step 4
Scotland is the birthplace of whiskey. From the Celtic language, the name of this drink is translated as "water of life". Whiskey has been made here using a special technology for several centuries.
Step 5
Attention is drawn to the national Scottish men's suit - the kilt. It appeared around the 15th century, and at first it was worn only by the highlanders. The first kilt was a warm checkered blanket, 13 meters long. During the day they wrapped him around the body, and at night they covered him like a blanket.
Step 6
At the beginning of the 18th century, the kilt fashion spread throughout Scotland, and over time it turned into a plaid skirt. From the pattern on the kilt, you can determine which clan a person belongs to. Also, the national costume includes a tweed jacket, stockings, a beret and a small handbag with a narrow strap.
Step 7
The Scots folk musical instrument - the bagpipes - is also known all over the world. It is an air reservoir made of sheep or goatskin with tubes and holes. They used bagpipes to intimidate enemies, as well as a ritual and signaling instrument.
Step 8
The thistle is considered one of the unofficial symbols of Scotland. The image of this plant can be seen in monetary units, there is also the Order of the Thistle. According to legend, thanks to the thistle, the Scots were able to win one of the battles with the Vikings. The enemy tried to silently make his way to the sleeping camp of the Scottish warriors, but stepped on a thicket of thorny weeds. Some of the Vikings screamed, pricked his leg, and declassified a military operation.
Step 9
Another symbol that the Scots attach particular importance to is the Apostle Andrew. According to historical data, the relics of the apostle are buried in the Scottish city of St. Andrews. According to legend, he was crucified on a cross in the shape of the letter X. The unusual shape, called Andreevsky, is the main element on the national flag of Scotland.
