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Beginning of football’s popularity is connected with 15th century. It was then when Scots started playing this game. First international football match played by Scots was played in 1872 between England and Scotland and resulted in 0-0 draw. In 1872 in Glasgow legendary Rangers Football club was formed. Six years later Celtic was formed.

Next to football there is rugby, also played by many. First international match was played in 1870 between – you bet! – Scotland and England. Rugby is considered game for tough players. Lots of people tend to think it is much more entertaining to watch rugby than football.

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You can’t forget about golf, especially as its name was invented in Scotland. In 15th century it was one of most popular activities among local nobles. Authorities had even tried to prohibit it, but without any success. Rules of golf were specified in 1744 and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club  was founded ten years later. There are lots of worldwide known courses in Scotland, e. g. famous Old Course at St Andrews, Royal Troon, or Carnoustie.

Scotland is home to curling as well. It is not as popular as in Canada, but nevertheless more than in other European countries.

Mountaineering may not be very impressive to watch (who would like to watch it on TV?), but it is also very important in Scottish culture.

Fishing is second sport widely popular among locals. Fishing enthusiasts have opportunity to catch brown trout, sea trout or salmon. There are perfect spots for anglers on west coast of the country, especially rivers Tay, Dee, Spey and Tweed, where you can find salmons.

What about other popular sports? Well, there is cricket, although it is not as common as in England. A lot of outstanding snooker players come from Scotland. One of popular pub games are darts.

Sports in the modern age come and go; the Highland Games in Scotland predate written history. They originate from the earliest Clan gatherings, not only for localities to show off their strongest and most athletic young men, but for Clan leaders to get a good look at the talent available for battle. Regarding the first and best of sport in Scotland:

1. The “Haggis Toss” is not a traditional Highland game. Indeed, tossing a haggis about is a criminal waste of food, so flying haggis at true Highland Games is right out.

2. The weight and dimensions of objects used at each Highland Games vary; today, as in the past, real stones and logs are used.

3. The pine logs used in caber tosses from year to year tend to dry out. Many cabers, then, are soaked for a time in water before the games, to attempt to add the lost weight.

4. Highland Dancing is a competition that demands strength, grace, and stamina. Originally, only men danced at the games, but in the late 19th century, Jenny Douglas entered the competition. Today, 95% of all Highland Games dancers are women.

5. Lighter stones for putting the shot and the hammer throw, as well as lighter logs for the caber toss are being used by women in the Highland Games competition. Though historically murky, the women’s competition is accepted by the men. After all, who would want to argue with a woman who throws large stones and large bits of trees?

How can you celebrate Scotland and Scottish culture better than just having competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, and Scottish heavy athletics with a lot of fun, bagpipes and men in kilts? There is no better way than Highland games, events held throughout the year in Scotland but not only (i.e. USA).

In some books we can find notes about strong men in Scotland. in Middle Ages training their arms and willing to fight in wars. And after ages they were still training but not to fight on the war but to use their strength during Highland games.

There are a few athletic disciplines that are standard for those games:

* Caber toss – throwing a long, heavy tapered pine pole or log, tring to do this in the 12 o’clock position;

* Stone put – just like modern shot put in the Olympic Games but with usage of large stone;

* Scottish hammer throw – just like modern hammer throw with slight differences.

Among non athletic disicplines you can find Highland dancing that we were written about earlier.

Take a look at the video. If you are interested in finding some more information check the Wikipedia here.

When you are looking for facts about Scotland it is no surprise that the history of Scotland and Scotland tourism play a very strong part. Here are some facts about Scotland that you will find interesting.

1. History of Scotland

Scottish history can be traced back over 10,000 years when the first inhabitants arrived. The modern history of Scotland involves the many battles with their English neighbours in which the battle of Bannockburn was significant as Robert the Bruce and the Scots army defeated the English. Throughout the next few centuries there continued to be tensions and battles with the English but the act of union in 1707 united Scotland and England and they were governed by a shared parliament. However, Scotland remains a fiercely proud country and although still part of the United Kingdom the Scottish people have their own parliament and most would consider themself Scottish before British.

2. Sport in Scotland

The dominant sport in Scotland is football (Soccer to the Americans). Almost very town or city has a local team at various levels but the most famous teams are Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers. The Scotland football team enjoys strong support from a loyal group of supporters often known as the “Tartan army” who follow their team home and away.

3. Education in Scotland

There are many famous universities in Scotland including the University of St.Andrews, Edinburgh University and Glasgow University. Children attend school form the age of 4-5 and up to 16-18 years old before having the option to move onto further education.

4. Scotland population

Scotland currently has just over 5 million population and similar to most of the UK population, this is an aging population.

5. Capital of Scotland

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and has many great visitor attractions including the famous Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Tattoo show and some shopping in Princess Street.

6. Jobs in Scotland

Any member of the European union can apply for jobs in Scotland and other nationalities can apply for a visa subject to meeting requirements.

7. Scottish highlands

The Scottish highlands are regarded as one of the most stunning places to visit in the world as they offer fantastic opportunities for hill walking and other outdoor sports. Inverness is an emerging vibrant city and the Cairngorm national park is also worth a visit.

For more facts about Scotland visit History of Scotland

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