About Scotland

Scottish Culture, Food and Diet

Scotland, also known as Alba in Scots Gaelic was established in 843 by Kenneth MacAlpin. Scotland has a very rich culture and has produced some of the world's most renowned individuals, such as William Wallace (patriot), Robert Burns (poet), Sir Walter Scott (writer), Adam Smith (economist), Sir Sean Connery (actor), Andrew Carnegie (philanthropist) and John Muir (naturalist). Scottish music is highly recognised world over.

Festivals
Scotland celebrates the Edinburgh_International_Festival Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh_Fringe Edinburgh Fringe Festival (which is now the largest festival in the world), and Edinburgh_Festival many other festivals in Edinburgh, Isle of Bute Jazz Festival, Girvan Folk Festival, South Ayrshire, Eaglesham Roots and Bluegrass Festival, Dundee Jazz Festival etc.

Bagpipes
Bagpipes forms a part of Scottish culture. The Scottish bagpipe is unique, having three drones. It is mainly used for military music by Scottish regiments.

Bagpipe has the following parts a chanter, used to play the tune. It has 9 notes three big drones, each of which plays a singles constant note (2 treble, one bass). A leather bag is held under the arm and filled with air by blowing into a pipe to the pipers mouth. The piper fills the bag with air, which causes the drones to skirl constantly, and the tune is played on the chanter.

The Highland Fling
The Highland Fling is one of the well known Scottish Highland dances. Originated on the shield of a clansman in Scotland,is now a very stylised and is the classic Scottish solo dance at competitions. The highland fling requires a great amount of technique, skill and timing.

The Sword Dance
Earlier during battle, the Sword dance was danced on the evening before a battle. According to the rule, the soldier dancing should not touch the swords, or ill fortune would follow him into battle. The sword dance is a natural for Highland Games, and can invariably been seen at these gatherings.

The Stone Put
Stone put is similar to shot put. Only difference is that a stone is used instead metal. Men throw a 17 pound stone, women a 11 pound stone. The putter should keep one foot stationary while throwing the stone and he can not he move across the throwing circle.

Weight For Height
In this form of game, a metal weight (56 pounds for men, 28 pounds for women) has to be tossed, using one hand only, over a high cross bar

Weight For Distance
In this form of game the participant is asked to throw a hammer type of weight (28 pounds), using one hand as long as possible. The thrower is only allowed one and a half revolutions of his body before releasing the hammer.

Some of the famous Scottish recipe are:

Haggis
Haggis is considered to be most popular dish all around the Scotland. It is believed that Haggis was very popular in English cookery until the 18th century. Haggis is prepared from the heart, lungs, and liver of a sheep, calf, etc., minced with suet and oatmeal, seasoned with salt, pepper, onions, etc., and boiled like a large Sausage.

Arbroath Smokie
A wood-smoked Haddock from Arbroath popular in the East coast.

Oatcakes
Oatcakes are made up of Barley and oat-flour biscuit baked on a gridle, often eaten with Cheese.

Bannock
Bannocks are a kind of round bread with dried fruit through it.

Scottish Beef
Beef are generally prepared form The Aberdeen-Angus breed of Beef cattle. The Beef is reknowned world over as rich and tasty meat.

Black bun
Made with Raisins, currants, finely-chopped peel, chopped almonds and brown sugar Black bun is a very rich fruit cake. cinnamon and ginger are added to make it more tastier.