Hello! I’m back. I missed you so much! 

I have just come back from a 3 day trip to the North of Scotland with my family, who came specially in order to take part in this journey but also to see precisely where I live in. 

As a consequence, this great little excursion to the Scottish Highlands - out of town - brings me to the subject of social rituals in Scotland. 

In other words, I would underline that all of that helped me to understand Scottish culture better in its different aspects. 

Let us start with the customs, traditions and symbols which arouse great interest throughout the world: 

Considered as the Scotland’s national instrument, the bagpipes are among the most emblematic aspects of the Scottish culture. 

In Edinburgh, for instance, street musicians in original costume parade through the streets of the city centre and play traditional music. 

I now invite you to listen to the anthem of Scotland by clicking on the player below: 

 

If you walk down the street, you will definitely hear and recognize the distinctive sound without even seeing it first! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During my visit to the castle of Edinburgh, I was surprised to learn that bagpipe players were in front line in wartime. Actually, it was essential to maintain and boost the troop morale. 

The kilt. There's no missing it. For generations, this traditional dress is worn daily by some people of Scotland. In fact, this is the traditional men's clothing in Highlands since the 16th century. It is associated, more broadly, with the culture of Scotland and its legacy. 

  

Nowadays, Scotland is mostly an English-speaking country, but it was not always so. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Highlands, in particular in the West and the North, the Gaelic is the dominant language and you can even hear it today. You can, for example, find signposts with names of places in English and in Gaelic, which provide strong evidence that intensive efforts are made to maintain the use of this language, both written and spoken. 

 

Figure of the day: The city of Edinburgh counts more than 700 pubs. For the Scots, pub nights are a moment of fun and conviviality, and the perfect place to relax and recover from all the stresses of daily life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you ask people what comes to mind when they think about Scotland, whisky will probably be the most popular answer. Recognized as the national drink of Scotland, whisky or “uisge beathe” in Gaelic means “the water of life”. There is even a festival devoted solely to the whisky: Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.  It invites visitors to celebrate Scotland’s national drink during the first weekend in May through a wide range of events. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each year on 30 November, St Andrew's Day is celebrated and is Scotland's national day.  To mark St Andrew’s Day, events and activities including traditional Scottish food, music and dance are enjoyed. 

The Saltire or Scotland's national flag consists of white bars on a rectangular blue background. Besides, the diagonals form a cross that represents Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burns Night celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns - the national poet of Scotland - on January 25. Indeed, it is a significant and meaningful date for Scots. It is a way to pay warm tribute to his work, poetry and songs. 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a story that was told to me and that I would like to tell you now : Legend holds that during the battle of Largs (1263) in which Haakon, King of Norway, attempted to invade Scotland, Viking soldiers in order to move more discreetly throughout the field at night removed their shoes. Nevertheless, they have set foot upon thistles and screamed. Without meaning to do so, they alerted the Scots of the danger. Because of this incident, Scots were able to win the battle. The important role that the thistle had played was recognized and finally chosen as Scotland’s emblem.  

This is interesting, is it not? To this day, it is not the only legend in Scotland, there are thousands. One particularly well-known story is the story of the Loch Ness Monster, called Nessie. It is true that people have been fascinated by lochs which have aroused considerable interest over time. 

 

The traditional Scottish society operated in the mode of clans. Clan membership is characterised by the patronymic name and the particular colours of the tartan that is the design which one finds on kilts. As you can see below on the map, and there were a lot clans and they were once at war with one another.

 

 

 

 

 

Scotland is especially known for its historic inheritance and hosts incredible castles which have each their reputations: haunted, romantic, tragic and so on. Eilean Donan Castle, for instance, is one of the most iconic historic sites of Scotland and enjoys international recognition. But, how can I explain it? I was not lucky with the weather... I'll let you find out by yourself. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, in my opinion, traditions and customs form an important role in our lives, because they show parts from the entity of a nation. 

See you soon folks!