Bagpipes are undoubtedly one of Scotland's most powerful icons both in sound and in sight. What kind of instrument is the bagpipe? A bagpipe consists of a reed pipe with finger holes and a leather bag which provides a reservoir of air for the pipe. There are many types of bagpipes. The Great Highland Bagpipe is the most common bagpipe in Scotland. It is a very loud instrument and is therefore often played outside. The origins of the bagpipe are not uniquely Scottish, but presumably Asian. But even though the Scots did not invent the bagpipes, they kept them alive as part of their musical tradition. The instrument is preferably played by the Scottish military in formal ceremonies. Bagpipe competitions are also very common in Scotland. The most popular competition is the World Pipe Band Championships, which is annually held in Glasgow every August.

 

Acknowledged as Scotland's national drink, whisky has also become a national icon. In Gaelic -the Celtic language of Scotland- whisky means water of life. Whisky is a strong alcoholic drink made from malted grain. The type of whisky produced in Scotland is called Scotch. Scotch has been produced for hundreds of years. One can only speak of real Scotch, if it has been distilled in Scotland and aged in wooden barrels for at least three years. Today the whisky industry is the main pillar of the Scottish economy.

 

The Scottish kilt and the fabric it is made of are also two important iconic images of Scotland. The kilt is the national dress in Scotland and is traditionally worn by Scottish men at official celebrations such as weddings, Highland Games or Hogmanay (Scottish New Year's celebration). In the Scottish army the kilts are used as part of the ceremonial uniform. Sometimes the kilt is also part of the school uniform or is part of the scout uniform.

 

The kilt is made of tartan fabric. The specific woven textile is undoubtedly one of Scotland's major brands and is therefore recognized worldwide as uniquely Scottish. In Scotland there are different Highland clans. A Scottish clan is a group of families who are related to each other. Each clan has its own tartan fabric. Members of the clan often wear kilts, skirts or scarves made of their personal tartan fabric. Even Queen Elizabeth has her own personal tartan called the Royal Stewart Tartan.

 

The thistle is the national flower of Scotland and can also be seen as an important national icon. It is a wild plant with prickly leaves and purple flowers. The national flower features in many Scottish symbols and logos, and on UK coins. Why has this plant been adopted as Scotland's national emblem? Legend has it that a sleeping party of Scottish soldiers were almost attacked by Vikings and were only saved, because one of the warriors trod on a wild thistle. Thus the flower became known as the "Guardian Thistle" and out of gratitude a national emblem of Scotland.

 

The flag of Scotland is another important national icon. According to legend, the flag dates from the 9th century and is therefore the oldest national flag in Europe. The Scottish flag features the cross of St. Andrew, also known as the Saltire. St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. Tradition has it that the Saltire flag originated in a battle fought in East Lothian in the Dark Ages (832 AD). It is said that Saint Andrew came to king Angus the previous night of the battle telling him that the battle would be a successful one. The following morning a white diagonal cross appeared in the blue sky. The King did win the Battle of East Lothian and the Saltire therefore became the national flag of Scotland.

 

English is not the only language that is spoken in Scotland. 86,000 people who live in the north of Scotland and on the Western Isles speak Scottish Gaelic. Gaelic is the Celtic language of Scotland. Since it is a very old language, it has a very rich song and oral tradition. In Scotland there are groups of people who are fighting hard to keep Gaelic alive. They are really successful. Whereas by the middle of the 20th century Gaelic was slowly dying out, the minority language is now slowly being reintegrated into public life. Today official bodies including national organizations, local authorities and commercial organizations have adopted a Gaelic name. Moreover there are numerous Gaelic playgroups, vocational Gaelic courses for pupils and even some television programmes in the Gaelic language.

 

Haggis is such a traditional Scottish dish that it can also be considered a national icon. The dish looks like a round sausage. It is made from the heart, the lungs and the liver of a sheep. The ingredients are finely chopped, mixed with oats and herbs and finally boiled in a bag that is traditionally made from part of a sheep's stomach. The traditional dish is eaten on special occasions such as Burns Night. Burns Night is a special dinner to commemorate the life of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet. The traditional Burns Night supper is held on January 25th, because this is the birthday of the famous poet. There is even a special poem called 'To a Haggis' that is read when the national dish is served. Nowadays there are even vegetarian versions of the meal so that everyone can join in the party! Would you like to try Haggis? For those who are courageous enough - you'll find the recipe of Scotland's national dish in the links below!