Scotland
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The birth of scotland
10,000 BC
The Palaeolithic Era
The period of earliest known occupation of Scotland by man is from the Palaeolithic era – also known as the Stone Age. Hunter-gatherers hunted for fish and wild animals and gathered fruit, nuts, plants, roots and shells.
3,000 BC
Neolithic Age
The earliest prehistoric tools found still surviving in Scotland date from 3000 BC – during the Neolithic age Scotland was home to nomadic hunter-gatherers as well as the first farmers who built permanent dwellings. The remains of domestic and ritual buildings from this time make up The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Visit UNESCO for more information
124 AD
The Roman Empire
Scotland’s recorded history began with the arrival of the Roman Empire. Despite building two impressive fortifications – Hadrian’s Wall to defend the northern border, and the Antonine Wall across Central Scotland to advance it forward – the Romans never truly conquered Caledonia. Unable to defeat the Caledonians and Picts, the Romans eventually withdrew and over time retreated away from Britain. Much of the 60km Antonine Wall survives and it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, one of six in Scotland, since 2004.
800 AD
Arrival of the Vikings
Vikings were accomplished sailors at this point in history, and around 800 AD they began migrating from Norway and Denmark, crossing the treacherous North Sea to trade and settle in Scotland. While Vikings began to settle in the west, the Picts were forging a new kingdom; the Kingdom of Alba.
1040 AD
Macbeth rules Scotland
Immortalised forever in Shakespeare’s fictitious retelling, Macbeth is perhaps one of the best-known early Scottish kings. Macbeth ruled as King of Alba from 1040 to his death in battle in 1057.
THE UNION OF THE CROWNS
1450
Renaissance in Scotland
The cultural, intellectual and artistic movement that took hold around Europe brought significant changes to Scotland; education, intellectual life, literature, art, architecture, music and politics all advanced in the late 15th century.
1542
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary, newly born at Linlithgow Palace, was just six days old when her father, James V, died and she was crowned Queen of Scots. Her reign was marked by Catholic-Protestant conflict and civil unrest in a period known as the ‘rough wooing’. In England, worried about the possibility of a Catholic plot against her, Elizabeth I imprisoned Mary and later, after almost 19 years of captivity, had her executed at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire in 1567 at the age of 44.
1603
The Union of the Crowns
James VI succeeded the throne at just 13 months old after Mary was forced to abdicate. When Elizabeth I died with no children, James VI succeeded to the English throne and became James VI & I – a historic move that’s now known as the Union of the Crowns.
What is scotland known for
Many of Scotland's most famous inventions – kilts, tartans and bagpipes - were actually developed elsewhere.
One of Scotland's most famous products, whisky, was actually invented in China
Languages they speak
Religion
Religion in Scotland. Christianity is the largest religion in Scotland. In the 2011 census, 53.8% of the Scottish population identified as Christian
Natural features
Towering mountains, glittering lochs, dense woodlands and miles upon miles of golden beaches - Scotland's landscapes really will take your breath away
Politics/ Government
The Scottish Government uses a government structure that has a dual executive structure of a Cabinet that invokes collective decision-making, as well as non-cabinet members as Junior Ministers.
Food
Sport
A sport which is slightly reminiscent of the javelin, caber tossing is another show of sheer strength. Athletes launch huge and heavy wooden cabers up into the air so that they turn end over end. The main difference between tossing the caber and other Olympic sports is that competitors have to wear a kilt at all times, and the distance the caber is thrown is irrelevant.
A handy way to settle any decision or argument, the tug o’ war has been played for centuries. Two teams are pitted against each other to try a haul a piece of rope in opposite directions.
Watching gymnastics is truly mesmerising, and makes me think that Highland dancing comes pretty close with its enticing combination of poise, rhythm and stamina. Whether it’s the Highland Fling or the Sword Dance, you can watch intricate dances performed at several Highland games across the country, by dancers from all over the world.
did you also know that Scotland’s national dish (Haggis) can be part of special Scottish sport? Whoever hurls the haggis the furthest, wins.
Geography
Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom (UK) and occupies the northern third of Great Britain.
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