[plenty.r.]

First cloned mammal

Do you remember Dolly the sheep? It was first cloned mammal in the world and it happened in 1996 at Roslin Institute near Edinburgh. Dolly lived for next six years and died of lung disease. Her name was inspired by Dolly Parton.

Golf

This ball sport was invented in Scotland. Modern game originated in 15th century, although some tend to think, that similar game was played in ancient Rome. There is no doubt that first written rules of golf originated in Scotland.

Mackintosh Raincoats

It’s no wonder – rainiest spot in whole Europe is found in Highlands.Waterproof raincoat was invented by Charles Mackintosh, chemist born in Glasgow. To make it waterproof, Mackintosh used rubber. For the first time it was used in 1824 in Arctic expedition.

Penicillin

Group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi. Very useful even now, although some bacteries become resistant. It was discovered in 1928 by sir Alexander Fleming, famous bacteriologist. It saved more lives than the number lost in all the wars in history!

Refrigerator

Invented by James Harrison. He was born in Scotland, but he emigrated to Australia. He invented innovative cooling system for brewery there in 1851. It became popular household innovation in 20th century.

Steam engine

Invented in 18th century by James Watt. It is one of the most important inventions ever. Watt improved engine built by Thomas Newcomen, so that it used 75% less coal and was much cheaper. Steam engine became greatest power of Industrial Revolution.

Telephone

Invented by Alexander Graham Bell, who was teacher of deaf children and experimented in order to help them with communication. Telephone was patented in 1876 and it revolutionized communication between people.

Television

In 1925 John Logie Baird produced first TV picture. He managed to demonstrate moving silhouette, and one year after that monochromatic images. In 1935 Baird started to work with German company Fernseh.

Flush toilet

Yes, we should be grateful for this one to Scots. Flush toilet is this kind of toilet, that disposes of human waste by the use of water. It was invented in 1775 by Alexander Cummings. He invented “s-trap”, still being used nowadays.

Whisky

Many men would consider it greatest Scottish invention. Whisky was probably invented between 10th and 13th century. Scotland had almost no grapes, so barley was used instead in the process of distillation. First written record of this drink comes from 1405.

[David Freeman]

At the head of the clan stands Clan chief. Beneath him were the chieftains, heads of individual houses forming this particular clan. Some clans are called an armigerous clans. At the moment they haven’t got chief recognized as such by Lyon Court. And what is mysterious “sept”? Sept is plainly big, powerful family within a clan.

How do one gain clan membership?

That’s very simple! You become clan member through your surname, although married woman takes that of her husband.

What’s in Scots name?

Well, a lot! Scottish surnames can be derived from:

• father’s first name, e.g. Allison, Thomson,
• places, such as Heriot (town), Law (meaning “hill”),
• nicknames, e.g. Meikle (large), Hastie (impetous),
• occupations, e.g. Tranter (hawker), Brewster (brewer).

Each clan has its symbols. What are they?

• tartan – tartan is iconic Scottish pattern. What is interesting, its name is derived from French. Wearing clothes with this pattern is way to emphasize clan’s members identity. Clan tartan has to be approved by the Lord Lyon and recorded in Lyon Court Books.
• crest badge – it is heraldic badge. It’s primary task is to show connection to specific Scottish clan. Usually crest badge consist of crest and clan motto. These elements are protected by law.
• clan badge – usually clan badge is worn in a bonnet behind crest badge, sometimes attached at the shoulder of a lady’s tartan sash.

[wolfsavard]

For a long, long time Christmas were rather unpopular holiday in Scotland. That was strongly connected with Church of Scotland – the Presbyterian Church, which has never placed strong emphasis on it. For years until 1950′ it was banned and people who went against this ban were punished. Christmas wasn’t even public holiday before 1958!

Preparations for Christmas in Scotland begin after Halloween. Children start writing letters to Santa Claus then and many Scots decorate their houses with garlands and lights. Some of them even roll fake snow across the roofs and put Santa Claus figure in the garden! When it comes to indoor decorations, people like to hang holly in their houses. Children love advent calendars and each day the open one window to find sweet or little toy in there. Everyone sends cards with Christmas greetings.

Traditional Scottish Christmas is celebrated on 25th December. Day after it is called Boxing Day, and day before – Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve ordinary food is eaten and everything is more or less the same as on normal day.

Presents are traditionally found on 25th December in the morning under the Christmas Tree or in the stockings. Christmas lunch is usually big and consists of turkey with trimmings. What is interesting, on Christmas many Scots burn twig of rowen tree to clear away bad feelings between family members.

Black buns are Scottish tradition. Black bun is very rich fruit cake with almonds, spices and whisky. Dundee cake is also popular in whole Britain as Christmas sweet, although it is not as rich as black bun. Nowadays most Scots eat turkey, but traditional Christmas dish is venison stew.

Christmas may have been forgotten in Scotland, but end of the old and start of New Year has always been celebrated with enthusiasm. There are some interesting traditions connected with it. For example, who doesn’t know first footing? It is symbolic start of the new year. There are lots of funny superstitions, e.g. fair haired visitor was considered bad luck. Other traditions are Redding the House (annual cleaning, that helps to prevent home from bad luck), fire festivals and group performances of “Auld Lang Syne” with lyrics by Robert Burns.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

[qthomasbower]

Nazareth

Legendary hard rock band from Scotland. Nazareth was founded in 1968 in Dunfermline, town in Fife. They become known all over the world after they covered “Love Hurts” in 1975. They are still playing.

Fish

Fish (also known as Derek Dick) became famous as lead vocalist of rock band Marillion. In 1988 he decided to leave Marillion and started solo career. Fish also appeared in few films.

Annie Lennox

One of the most brilliant vocalists of our times, Annie Lennox is also songwriter, campaigner and activist. Over 80 million record sales – this number makes great impression. You may say, that her career began in 1971. 17 – years old Lennox left Scotland for Royal Academy of Music then. In 1979 she and Dave Stewart formed legendary band Eurythmics. Annie started her solo career in 1990 with release of album “Diva”. She performed beautiful song “Into the West” from The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

Mogwai

It is one of the best post – rock bands. Formed in 1995 in Glasgow, Mogwai’s name comes from creature from “Gremlins”. In Cantonese it means “evil spirit”. Music played by the band is dark and disturbing. In 2011 they released their seventh studio album “Hardcore will never die, but you will”.

Primal Scream

Alternative Scottish rock band formed in 1982 in Glasgow. They became famous with the release of their third studio album “Screamadelica” in 1991. Current lineup consists of Bobby Gillespie (vocalist from the beginning), Andrew Innes (guitarist), Martin Duffy (keyboards) and Darrin Mooney (drummer).

Texas

Scottish pop band. Texas was founded in 1986 by Johnny McElhone. Two years later Sharleen Spiteri became band’s vocalist. Texas is connected by most people with her. Band achieved success in 1989, when they released their first album with single “I don’t want a lover”.

Franz Ferdinand

This post – punk band was formed in 2002 in Glasgow. Since then they were very successful in whole Europe. Franz Ferdinand won a lot of awards, for instance NME Award. They also have been nominated for Brit Awards and Grammy Awards.

Travis

It is one of most popular Britpop bands of the world. Their first album, “Good Feeling”, was released in 1997 and immediately gained big popularity. Most successful was third studio album “The Invisible Band”.

[Hector Garcia]

Some would say best souvenir from Scotland would be whisky. If not whisky, what about Scottish food? Yes, it sounds a little bit revolutionary, but why not? So if you’d like to surprise someone buy some Scottish food.

Haggis could be good idea. It is sold in cans, so you can transport it easily. If haggis is too disgusting for you, let’s think of something else.

[Meri Tosh]

You may not know about it, but some of world’s finest cheeses are made in Scotland. Consider buying cheddar, crowdie, caboc or strathkinness. Maybe something sweet? Shop for fudge or shortbread!

[quinn.anya]

Of course you cannot forget about kilts. There are a lot of specialized shops in which you can buy this traditional Scottish outfit. All you have to worry about is price and pattern, and the choice can be hard. If your budget is low, you can buy some accessories such as kilt flashes, kilt hose, belts or sporran.

When you see tartan, you think of Scotland. It is distinctive of Scotland and worldwide connected with Scottish Highlands. Tartans are nowadays registered by clans, families and institutions. Patterns are more or less similar: crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands, although they vary by colour and density of bands.

Scottish cashmere is renowned all around the world. Craftsmanship in cashmere production have been mastered in Scotland from 1797. In production process finest hair of goats is used, so that the cloth would have best quality. Remember that knitwear made of cashmere may be very, very pricey.

Another good choice is Scottish jewellery. In most cases Scottish jewellery is connected with traditional marks and symbols. Beautiful rings, earrings and pendants often have something in common with history and Scottish heritage.

If you are really low on money, but nevertheless you want to buy some gifts, you can pick something from trinkets. Lots of them can be found all around tourists attractions. Funny hats, Scottish flags, figurines, keyrings or t-shirts. Some of them are really trashy, but among all you may be able to find something interesting.