top of page
Writer's pictureThe Highland Club Team

10 fun facts about Scotland!

Updated: May 6, 2023

You all probably know about Scotland, about its beautiful scenery and its wild lands with nature at its best, you might also know about its history but there might be something you still don’t know!

We delved a little deeper and discovered a few interesting and funny trivia pieces you ought to know before travelling to the Highlands! Here are the best Scottish fun facts!

1. The official animal of Scotland is the unicorn. In Celtic mythology it’s a symbol of purity and power.

Fun Fact 1 - Unicorn

2. Scotland is home to the world’s tallest hedge. It is located near Meikleour on the A93 Perth-Blairgowrie road. The hedge is over 1,700 feet in length and 100 foot high.

Fun Fact 2 - Tallest Hedge

3. Did you know the first ever Nessie sighting was in 565AD by St Columba? According to legend, a “water beast” attacked the Irish monk’s servant.

Fun Fact 3 - Loch Ness

4. Talking about Nessie, you might now meet Morag, the monster of Loch Morar. This large and elusive female is said to have attacked two fishermen in August 1969. They saw a creature described as around 30ft long with rough brown skin, three large humps and a snake-like head.

Loch Morar is even deeper than Loch Ness, and with its 1,077 feet it is, in fact, the 17th deepest lake in the world!

Fun Fact 4 - Morag Monster of Loch Morar

5. The oldest known tree in Europe is the Fortingall Yew in Perthshire, Scotland. It is between 2,000 and 3,000 years old.

Fun Fact 5 - Oldest Tree

6. At the famous Highland Games, first celebrated in the 11th century, contestants show off their skills at hammer throw and even haggis-hurling.

Fun Fact 6 - Highland Games

7. ‘Braveheart’ was actually the nickname of Robert the Bruce and not William Wallace. Despite this, Mel Gibson used the name for Wallace in his Hollywood movie.

Fun Fact 7 - Robert The Bruce Statue

8. At least 40% of Scots have the red hair gene in their DNA.

Fun Fact 8 - Ginger Heads Parade

9. The little town of Bonnybridge has more than 300 reported UFO sightings every year.

Fun Fact 9 - UFO

10. Scotland is well renowned for its whisky but what few people know is that whisky was invented in China and first distilled by monks in Ireland in the early 15th century before reaching Scotland 100 years later.


This post was first published 17th July 2019

Fun Fact 10 - Whisky
7,577 views4 comments

Recent Posts

See All

4 Comments


babape8193
Dec 05

This is a fantastic compilation of quirky and surprising facts about Scotland! From its mythical unicorn symbol to the intriguing stories of Nessie and Morag, the article beautifully captures the nation's blend of natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. I particularly loved learning about the world's tallest hedge and the Fortingall Yew, which ties Scotland’s ancient past to its vibrant present. These fun facts are sure to spark curiosity and make readers even more excited to explore the Highlands! suika game

Like

elliot zucker
elliot zucker
Nov 13

The world is really perfect based on pictures fish eat fish

Like

Adam Smith
Adam Smith
Oct 21

Overwhelmed with academic writing? https://www.thesiswritingservice.com/uk-ghostwriting-services/ offers reliable ghostwriting services in the UK. Our skilled writers, all degree holders, can guide you through writing, editing, and revising your thesis. We guarantee confidentiality, secure transactions, and high-quality work tailored to your needs. Let us help you reach your academic goals effortlessly!


Like

Waters Charlie
Waters Charlie
Aug 06

That’s so fitting for Scotland’s magical and mythical aura. A great symbol of purity and power indeed! geometry dash

Like
bottom of page