Scotland
Scotland is the northernmost country in the United Kingdom and has a distinct culture and tradition. Scotland is known for its fresh water lochs (lakes), golf, whisky and kilts. Scots have a deep pride in their homeland and enjoy sharing it with others. The country has many medieval castles that draw visitors from all over the world. Historic art museums are also popular tourist destinations, located in cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Scotland is no stranger to academics with famous authors such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott as well as acclaimed engineers such as John Logie Baird and James Watt all being from Scotland. The current focus in mainstream cities like Edinburgh is on the visual and performing arts. UCF’s Study Abroad program has allowed students to study at the Edinburgh College of Art, one of the oldest art colleges in Europe. The program has run concurrently with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which has allowed students to visit Scotland while the festival was taking place. The Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival and has inspired more than 40 other festivals worldwide, including one in Orlando.
Below you’ll find fun facts, useful phrases, and links to more information about Scotland.
Fun Facts
- The unicorn is used as a heraldic symbol of Scotland.
- Scotland’s Catholic Church has the greatest number of observed Saints’ days in the world.
- The oldest working post office in Scotland is in Sanquhar near Dumfries.
- A Scottish mile is 1,984 yards compared to the norm of 1,760 yards.
- The raincoat was invented by a Scotsman.
Phrases
English is the official language of Scotland yet a large part of the population still speaks and studies Gaelic in order to stay in touch with their roots. Here are some Scottish Gaelic phrases that you might find useful.
- Hello Hallo
- Goodbye Dia leat
- Thank you Tapadh leat
- Excuse Me Gabhaibh mo leisgeul
- Where is the bathroom? Càit’ a bheil an taigh-beag?