About Scotland Шейко Полины Ивановны студентки 1 курса, 9 группы специальность «Романо-германская (английская) филология»  

Located in the northern part of the United Kingdom, Scotland is a country of a rich and ancient history, strikingly beautiful landscape and proud, hardy people.

This country is full of romantic stories: Scottish courage and aspiration for freedom, unicorn as a national symbol, the Loch Ness monster, and the love to legends and myths. But what do you know about the home of the kilt and castles besides these facts?

BREAKING STEREOTYPES

Kilt is not a skirt Kilt is a part of Scottish costume, convenient, comfortable and designed to be worn, during the cold season as well. Initially kilt was a warm blanket, which was wrapped around the hips. It was functional clothing, easily to dry up, which did not restrict movement. In the cold night time the kilt could be used as a blanket.

By the way… There is another myth that Scotland invented the kilt and the bagpipe. Kilts originated from Ireland and the bagpipe from the Roman Empire

The Scots are not wild highlanders The Scots are often considered to be the old-fashioned villagers dressed in tartan and kilt, adoring bagpipes and haggis, rustic but practical, leading measured life in a rainy country, covered with heather, with grazing sheep and shaggy cows.

The Scots are not wild highlanders In fact, they are modern Europeans, who just love and keep their best national traditions. The Scots love their country, but at the same time they see all its problems. These well-educated, humorous and friendly people are always pleased to see the curious foreigners and chat with them with pleasure.

«All-Scottish» whisky It turns out that the Scottish whisky (or the Scotch) was invented in China. In the XV century it appeared in Ireland and only in the XVI in Scotland. By the way: Irish whiskey, but Scottish whisky.

Black cat is not a bad omen In Scotland, it is believed that a black cat running across the road, will bring good luck. And if you're lucky to find a cat on your porch, there will be prosperity in your house.

Some more interesting facts

The Fortingall Yew Located in the churchyard of the village of Fortingall in Perthshire, it is estimated to be 3,000 – 5,000 years old which means it could be the oldest tree in Europe. With its massive trunk of 52 feet (16 meters) in diameter, the yew is still in good health and may last for many more centuries.

Morag monster The Loch Ness monster is not the only legendary creature allegedly living in Scotland. Hiding deep in waters of Loch Morar in Scottish Highlands, the Morag monster is another mythical beast of the country. The alleged witnesses have reported it as a large snake-like creature about 30 feet (9 meters) long.

Callanish Stones Located in the Outer Hebrides, the Callanish Stones are an arrangement of standing stones placed in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle. Built in the late Neolithic era, they were probably a center of ritual activity during the Bronze Age. Numerous other ritual sites can be found within just a few miles from there.

Isle of Skye is situated on the West Coast of Scotland Isle of Skye is situated on the West Coast of Scotland. It has an amazing landscape of grassy hills, picturesque hillsides, rocky places and castles where magic abounds with folklore. Almost everywhere there secret places, and usually there are folk traditions that support this impression. Sky is the pearl of Scotland. It is the abode of myths and legends. It is home to many historical and archaeological sites, castles, lush gardens and landscapes, and they all offer a wide variety of experiences and a wonderful time that will give a lot of excitement. With landmarks on the map as the Fairy Pools, or the Fairy Glen, as well as the Fairy Bridge, Skye Island will impress anyone.

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