Scotland

Main information Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the southwest. In addition to the mainland, Scotland includes over 790 islands including the Northern Isles and the Hebrides.

Nationals symbols Flag - The national flag of Scotland, known as the Saltire or St. Andrew's Cross, dates (at least in legend) from the 9th century, and is thus the oldest national flag still in use. The thistle is the flora emblem of Sotland

Patron Saint The Patron Saint of Scotland is Saint Andrew. He was one of the Jesus Christ apostols. His day is celebrated on the 30th of November.

The capital of Scotland - Edinburgh Edinburgh, the country's capital and second largest city, is one of Europe's largest financial centres. There are a lot of monumets like Edingurgh Castle or st.Giles Cathedral. In this city borned many famous people for example Alexander Graham Bell - inventor of the telephone.

Kilt Kilt is the national costume in Scotland. It is worn by men for special occasions. Kilt is made of tartan – a checked fabric. Every clan in Scotland has its own tartan.

Bagpipes Traditional Scottish instrument is called bagpipes. It is played during all national festivals.

Highlands Highlands is a Scottish name for mountains. They are situated in the northern part of Scotland. There is Ben Nevis – the highest mountain not only in Scotland, but in the all UK.

Loch Ness The lake Loch Ness is known as a place where a strange monster is believed to live. Now it is a big tourist atraction.

Food The traditional Scottish dish is Haggis, which is made from parts of a sheep such as a stomache, liver, kidneys. There are also onions and spices.

Sport Sport is an important element in Scottish culture. One of the traditions of Scotland are Higlands Games which consist of a few competitions e.g. Tossing the caber Higland dancing Dogs’ trial

Famous Scots in history One of the most famous people from Scotland is Alexander Graham Bell who invented telephone.

Famous people now One of the most famous people from Scotland nowadays is an actor Sean Connery. He is famous for playing the main part in James Bond films.

Whisky Scotland is also known for its alcohol drink. There is a whisky factory and museum in Edinburgh.