Scottish Culture

Scotland’s culture is both distinctive and varied. Scottish people are proud of their heritage and very passionate about being Scottish.

To be Scottish is completely unique, depending upon the individual. Scotland blends a rich array of cultures from around the world and identities have been shaped over time. From remote communities to the heart of the cities you will discover this culture in the museums and galleries, legends and folklore, local customs and events and festivals.

As you visit different regions you will hear a range of lilting accents and may hear people speaking the Gaelic language, particularly on some of the islands off the west coast. Talk to friendly locals and learn more about what it means to be Scottish.

Many icons and symbols are typically associated with Scotland including the national drink - whisky - as well as bagpipes, ceilidhs, Loch Ness, haggis, the thistle, Highland games, tartan, clans and the Saltire, Scotland’s flag.

	Tartan and Kilts One of the most iconic symbols of Scottish culture is the kilt. Almost as famous as the kilt is the distinctly patterned material used to create it - Tartan.
	Bagpipes A sound that swells patriotic hearts, listen out for Scotland’s national instrument wherever you go. From city centers to events and festivals held across the country, the unique music of the pipes is a spine tingling experience that you will never forget.
	Ceilidhs There is no better way to enjoy traditional Scottish culture than at a ceilidh. Put your dancing shoes on and join in the fun or simply sit back and watch as the dancers show off their skills.
	Loch Ness and Nessie Perhaps one of Scotland’s most famous legends is that of the Loch Ness Monster. Discover the beautiful Loch Ness for yourself, from the ruined Urquhart Castle to the wonderful wildlife, and maybe you will be lucky to catch a glimpse of Nessie!
	Clans Few aspects of our history are as colorful - or as bloody - as the Scottish clan system. If you have a clan connection, why not trace the history of your clan and its tartan and walk in your ancestors’ footsteps when you visit Scotland.
	Whisky Scotland’s whisky is world-renowned and over the years our favorite dram has become established as a cultural icon. In Scotland you can follow the world’s only whisky trail, watch this iconic drink be created and even have a go at blending your own.
	Highland Games Between May and September Scotland is alive with the celebrations of the Highland games. From sports such as tossing the caber to music and dancing, the majestic games are set against the beautiful Scottish scenery, some are even in the grounds of castles. They’re such a spectacle, even the Royal Family traditionally attend a Highland games each year.
	Haggis Have you sampled Scotland’s national dish? Combining meat with oatmeal, salt and spices, haggis is a richly flavored dish. Featuring on menus all across the country, the haggis is so special that our national bard Robert Burns even wrote a poem about it.
	The Thistle The thistle may only be a humble weed, but it is both beautiful and the emblem of the Scottish nation. The prickly-leaved, pink or purple-flowered ‘Scotch’ Thistle is, along with tartan, perhaps the most identifiable symbol of all things Scottish. But how did the thistle earn its place in the proud hearts of the Scots?
	Gaelic Gaelic is the Celtic language spoken in Scotland and boasts one of the richest song and oral traditions in Europe. The Gaelic language is still present in Scottish culture and society particularly in the communities of the Outer Hebrides. Many Scottish mountains have Gaelic names and many place names throughout Scotland are of Gaelic origin. Head to the west coast of Scotland and you will see bilingual road signs in Gaelic as well as English.
	The Saltire The Saltire is the Scottish national flag. With its origins steeped in history and legend dating back to the 9th century, the Saltire proudly flies everywhere across Scotland.