SCOTLAND
Highlands'golf
with Harry Potter's train
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Good to know
The Kingdom of Scotland has been an independent state until 1 May 1707, when the Acts of Union resulted in a political union with the Kingdom of England (England and Wales) to create the Kingdom of Great Britain (GB).
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island (shortened to UK or Britain is the sovereign state, member of United Nations and European Union.
A system of devolution has been adopted in 1997 by referendum in Scotland and Wales which consequently have their own parliament for home rules. Sir Sean Connery is an active member of the Scottish Parliament.
St Andrews is saint patron of Scotland and 30th of November is the national day. The Scottish Parliament raises regularly a campaign to create a national holiday.
The Flag of Scotland , the Saltire or St Andrew's Cross, flies all over Scotland. It dates (at least in legend) from the 9th century and is thus the oldest national flag The Saltireforms part of the design of the Union Jack, combination of the crosses of St Andrews (Scotland), St Georg (England) and St Patrick (Ireland). It is the flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The thistle is the floral emblem of Scotland featuring in many Scottish symbols and logos, and on UK currency.
The Order of the Thistle was founded in 1540.
The Flower of Scotland is the National Anthem of Scotland and is played at international events involving the Scotland national team.
Tartan is a specific woven textile pattern that often signifies a particular Scottish clan , as featured in kilt . Wearing Clan tartans kilt was forbidden after the Culloden defeat but never has been forgotten by the Scots who are proud to wear at any good occasion their ancestors' marks of distinction. Tartan Day is a recent innovation from Canada .
Currency is the sterling Pound and daily costs of living are generally expensive as everywhere in the United Kingdom (due to the over evaluation of the Pound) but more or less in the Highlands where the sunny season is normally short. This is a good reason to make bookings as early as possible.
No Smoking - On June 30, 2005, the Scottish Parliament voted by a majority of 97 to 17 in favour of the Act 2005 came which into effect on March 2006, in all public places and buildings (restaurants; bars, shops, hotels (some hotels have bedrooms that can be smoked in), taxis, etc, etc… (even in some private vehicles who stick it in their car!) For non smokers (which are the majority), it is a real pleasure to enter a taxi or an hotel room which doesn’t stinks cold tobacco thanks to the Scottish population who respects strictly the ban.
Whisky - Scotch Whisky (or simply "Scotch") is certainly the best known Scottish drink, distilled from a barley liquor and flavoured with peat tainted water, known as the Water of Life . Many of the distilleries lie along "Whisky Trails" and welcome visitors to offer free guided tours and exhibitions and, a tasting of their product. Fore more information, type only "scotch whisky"!
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Scottish Royal coat of arms
UK's flag is a combination of crosses
 The prickly thistle
Highlands symbols: old castle and bagpiper
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