Knife Scottish

Scottish Culture and Traditions

Just back from the Scottish tour, things are so fresh in my mind that I felt like sharing a few information here. What is it that makes the Scots Scottish? Or if you think of Scotland or its inhabitants what is the first thing that springs to mind? Men in skirts? The history and the clans perhaps? The beautiful landscape? The castles? The bagpipes? The Highland Games? Or is it whisky? Fact is that you are likely to find some unique features in Scotland and its people that you won’t find easily, and originally, anywhere else in the world. And this fact that used to pull me towards the land and I got fortunate enough to visit this country sometime back. 

The Scottish Skirts:

At formal occasions the Scots proudly wear their Highland Dress which consists of a kilt and other pieces of clothing depending on the occasion. The Scottish kilt is usually worn with kilt hose (woollen socks), turned down at the knee, often with garter flashes, and a sporran (a type of pouch), which hangs around the waist from a chain or leather strap. A kilt pin and a black knife worn in the top of the right hose. So, you don’t have to feel lucky if see some men in skirts, because it’s all very common among the Scots with the interest of putting their tradition on show.

The Scottish Bagpipe:

 Scotland is often associated with bagpipes but the interesting fact is that bagpipes aren’t originally from Scotland. Bagpipes originate from southern Europe and appear in Scotland around 1400 AD. The Scottish Bagpipe became established in the British military and achieved the widespread prominence it enjoys today, whereas other bagpipe traditions throughout Europe, ranging from Spain to Russia, almost universally went into decline by the late 19th and early 20th centuries. If you’re interested you can visit the annual Glasgow International Piping Festival which is held in August.

The Scottish Haggis:

Haggis is Scotland’s national dish. Haggis is a dish containing sheep’s ‘pluck’ (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally simmered in the animal’s stomach for approximately three hours. If it’s prepared properly it’s a real treat!

Now that I have written about the image most tourists have of Scotland, it’s time to realize that Scots are also just people like you and me and are not running around over the hills in kilts all day. They are a usually very friendly bunch and are fortunate to live in a beautiful country of which they are very proud of, and for a good reason I might add. The rich history, the unpredictable climate and the dramatic landscape plays an important part in daily life, especially if you consider that many Scots earn their living in the tourism industry. Scotland is not costly as such so can plan a very nice and luxurious trip in budget. Flights from US or Canada to Scotland often sells for half the rate or even lower for 1st class travels. 

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Scottish Party Leaders at daggers drawn on knife crime