istory of Scotland
Scotland has been inhabited since Roman times. Its chequered history is long and also closely linked to religion. In fact, by the middle of the 18th Century, the country had a population of just over a million people all living in a relatively poor agricultural society. At that time Edinburgh was the country’s administrative and intellectual centre, while Glasgow was the base for the tobacco and sugar trade as well as an emerging textile industry.
18th century
When Scotland and England became politically and economically aligned, the British Empire’s growing markets also opened up to the Scots. However, the Scots were divided about their union with England. There were the Jacobites, who supported James the Second of England and the Stuart pretenders, led by Charles Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, who was a devout Roman Catholic. In 1745 the Jacobites rebelled in what was known as the Forty Five Uprising. Bonnie Prince Charlie defeated Scotland’s government army but England was not happy about this; the British Empire was not keen to support a Roman Catholic Stuart Monarch.
Quick fact!
Some world changing Scottish inventions: TV, telephone, tyres, penicillin, steam engine, refrigerators, waterproof raincoat.
19th century
By the 19th Century the population of Scotland had grown to almost 4.5 million – but there were insufficient jobs, and as a result about two million Scots emigrated to North America and Australia, and another three quarter of a million Scots relocated to England. In 1846 the country was in dire financial straits, suffering from the results of the 10-year Highland Potato Famine.
In the late 19th Century religion once again took centre stage. The fundamentalist Calvinists and theological liberals rejected a literal interpretation of the Bible and this resulted in a further split in the Free Church. Then, in 1893 the rigid Calvinists broke away to form the Presbyterian Church.
Education was also in the limelight, as in 1872 Scotland changed its schooling system to the same education system used in England. For the first time in Scotland, education was now compulsory for children aged between five and 13 years old.
Quick fact!
Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have its own fire-brigade.
20th century – present
In the years leading up to the First World War, Scotland’s fishing trade boomed. Inshore fisheries were hugely successful and the country dominated the herring trade in Europe – this was because of the use of productive steam-powered boats, while the rest of Europe’s fishing fleets were still powered by sails.
Scotland played a major role in the British effort to win the First World War. Then, after the war, the fishing industry suffered in the 1922 Depression. In fact, only the chemicals and whisky industries prospered in the Depression. Around that time, Scottish literature experienced a surge of activity when Hugh MacDiarmid attempted to revive the Scots language as a medium for serious literature.
At the start of the Second World War, Scotland again played a major role alongside Britain. However, the Scots suffered heavy bombing, resulting in great destruction and loss of lives.
After the war, the country celebrated the first Edinburgh International Festival and in 1957. Another highlight in the country’s history was when Scottish Television started broadcasting. 1999 was a major turning point for Scotland – this was when the Scottish parliament sat for the first time in 272 years..
Scottish language and culture
Culture of Scotland
Scotland is a beautiful country with an intense cultural history. Travelers are welcomed into Scotland by friendly faces, aged Scotch, a warm meal, and delightfully lively folk music. Traveling to Scotland is great for tourists who are seeking a mixture of ancient traditions and energetic culture.
Sport
Scottish people are extremely passionate about sports. Football and rugby are currently the most popular sports within the country. The Rugby Union and the Rugby League are the two associations in Scotland that manage national and regional teams. The Scottish National Rugby Team participates in the Six Nations rugby tournament as well as the Rugby World Championships.
Scotland is also known as the birthplace of golf. Golf was played for the first time in Leith Links in 1457. Scotland has some of the foremost golf players in the world.
Cuisine
Food and spirits are an extremely important part of Scottish culture. Traditional Scottish cuisine consists of dairy products, fish, vegetables and meat. Spices are normally quite simple, with a reliance on stews and slow cooking for flavor.
Haggis is a famous Scottish dish that is made from the heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep that is minced with onions, oatmeal, spices, salt and is enclosed in the sheep’s stomach. One of the most common meals consists of haggis, neeps (rutabaga), and tatties (potatoes). Scotch (malt whiskey) and whiskey from Scotland are also world-renowned. Some scotch recipes are centuries old.
Music
Scotland is known for traditional folk music and lively musical celebrations. Scottish folk music, unlike many other parts of the world, is still extremely popular throughout the country.
Bagpipes are some of the most recognizable Scottish instruments and are used in the majority of Scottish folk music. Fiddles, pipes, accordions and harps are also common in traditional music. Modernized folk bands are also quite popular, with the use of electric guitars and modern drum sets, Scottish folk was introduced into mainstream popular music.
Festivals and Traditions
Traditions and customs are based in a rich religious and historical background. Pagan Celtic traditions as well as Christian holidays are widely celebrated.
A tradition called “First-Footing” takes place right after midnight on New Years Eve, where people visit their neighbors with gifts and food. Fastern’s E’en takes place the last day before Lent, with festivals and feasts throughout the country.
April 1st brings about Hunt the Gowk, where people play tricks on one another, hunting the gowk is a term for sending someone on a fool’s errand. The Celtic Festival of Samhain takes place on November 1st to celebrate the Celtic New Year. The Scots believe that the Celtic New Year allows evil spirits to be freed, so fires and lanterns are lit to ward off evil spirits.
Languages of Scotland
Scotland has three official languages: English, Scottish Gaelic and Scots. English is by far the most spoken language with almost all of the Scottish population able to speak it; although in Scotland it is more commonly known as ‘Scottish English’.
Scotland weather
Situated at the top of the United Kingdom, Scotland is typical of regions classified in the upper ‘Temperate Climate’ zone. The weather is famously unpredictable but as a general rule finer in May, June and September. North Sea breezes can chill things down at any time of year. Though it’s the favourite talking point for locals, Scotland’s climate has never discouraged tourists, in fact it’s considered an integral part of its scenic charm!
Spring in Scotland
Brave still frosty temperatures in April and May for the rewards of seeing spring flowers. While things are starting to thaw out, average lows of just 2°C to 6°C are the norm. The south is slightly warmer than the highlands, where the last remnants of winter can still be found with snowy-capped mountains, lingering frosts and mists. Wrap up warmly, in the mornings and evenings!
Summer in Scotland
You’ll enjoy long summer evenings regardless of what the temperature’s doing, the sun doesn’t set this far north ‘til 11pm! July and August are Scotland’s warmest months, and the busiest in terms of events and festivals. Expect average highs of 18°C and, on rare occasions, a heatwave! Don’t count on it though, pack an umbrella and rain jacket along with your t-shirts!
Autumn in Scotland
Brilliant autumn colours are one of the reasons to visit Scotland in this season. The weather though variable can still average highs of 15°C in September. After this, the mercury starts plummeting towards the single digits. By November temperatures vary between 3°C and 9°C. New winter coats come out, along with gloves and scarves, and fires are being lit!
Winter in Scotland
Hardy souls who visit Scotland in winter will want to hunker down in the warmest accommodation they can find. Though clear, fine days can happen, sunshine rarely makes an appearance. Expect to experience lashings of rain, fog, hail, sleet, and snow! Layers of warm clothing, sturdy boots and a thick waterproof jacket will keep the cold at bay!
Average temperatures in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen
Average rainfall in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen
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