Fun Facts About Scotland that You Probably Didn’t Know

Fotolitera | Fun Facts About Scotland that You Probably Didn’t Know | When thinking of Scotland, some of the first things that come to mind are bagpipes, men in kilts, and the Loch Ness monster. However, this country has actually a lot more to offer and many tourists fail to fully discover it even after long visits. If you want to be well-prepared for your Scottish adventure or just to find out more about this place, here are some fun facts about Scotland that you’ve probably never heard of.

If you love watching movies, then you have actually seen Scotland plenty of times even before your visit! The gorgeous landscapes and ancient castles of this country made it a popular choice among movie directors, so it was portrayed in the Harry Potter series, Skyfall, The Da Vinci Code, and many others.

When in Scotland, keep in mind that their iconic alcohol is spelled whisky and not whiskey! Although the origins of this difference is not clear, what is known for a fact is that the Scottish have some of the best whisky in the world. There are plenty of distilleries across the country, some of which you could visit, and grabbing a bottle of Glenfiddich or Macallan at the end of your trip is a must.

Now that we’ve tackled the topic of souvenirs and gifts, the tartan pattern is just as popular in Scotland as it seems. Back in the day, the unique patterns represented different clans and regions, and today they are used to create trousers, dresses, night robes, and accessories of all kinds. If nothing in souvenir stores catches your eye, check out https://www.gaelsong.com/prod_detail_list/scottish-gifts for authentic Scottish gifts that will surely fit your style and budget.

The national dish of Scotland is haggis, a savory meat pudding made of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats, suet, and spices, all cooked in a sheep’s stomach. It is usually served with turnips and potatoes, also known as neeps and tatties, and is something every foodie should try during their stay.

Those of you who don’t know how to relax even on vacation and are always looking for new adventures would be delighted to find out that Scotland is home to the highest point in the United Kingdom, Ben Nevis. This mountain is 4,413 feet tall and can be climbed all year round, with two routes of various difficulty being available for tourists. If you are lucky enough to climb it on a sunny day, you can admire the breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, valleys, mountains, and lochs once on top.

No guide about Scotland would be complete without mentioning the iconic Loch Ness monster, affectionately known as Nessie. It is believed to live in the freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands and despite the lack of evidence that this monster has ever existed, around half a million people from all over the world visit the lake every year hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie.

Photo by Connor Mollison on Unsplash