Typical Scotland!

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Scotland are men in tartan skirts and the question of what do they carryunder the tartan skirt? For the most part, this will be the secret of the proud Scots, who are not all red-haired, by the way. This skirt is called Kilt because it is artistically folded (kilted) on the hip of the man and fastened with a belt.

Besides, everyone will come up with the Bagpipe. The Bagpipes were originally developed in India during the 1st century. They are a classic shepherd's instrument. Traditionally, Scottish armies went to war with the sounds of the Bagpipe. There are some stories of Bagpipers who despite their own severe wounding cheered their men with the Bagpipe.

A Bagpipe and Kilt guarantee is available at the Highland Games, which takes place throughout the summer in many locations. Disciplines such as hammering, rope pulling and Tossing the Caber, in which you push a tree trunk so high that he lands according to the rules again, the difficulty of the throw and the subsequent situation is evaluated.

Highland Games were originally part of the "Gatherings", meeting of Scottish clans in the Highlands. There a clan system has developed. A clan is a traditional, social association mostly members are at least remotely related and they live in a particular area. First and foremost is the Clan Chief, who is recognized by all members of the clan as their Lord and Judge, and in return he undertakes to defend the interests of his followers with the weapon.

The clans had their own territories and each clan wanted to increase them by attacking other clans. And expand its livestock by nocturnal cattle-theft.

Typically Scottish is tartan, a weaving pattern for fabrics that uses threads of different colors to weave. In the 16th century began a clear assignment to clans. So each clan had its own special sequence of colors and shades, which could only be worn by the members.

If you think of Scotland you inevitably come to the export hit whisky. It is translated as "water of life" from the Gaelic "Uisge Beatha". In 2017, 111 whisky distilleries were registered in Scotland, exporting over 347 million liters of whisky per year.

Learn more about Scottish whisky styles and making at the distilleries, where you can take guided tours, or visit "The Scotch Whisky Experience" in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile.

Scots are also particularly superstitious, which is easily recognized by the fact that the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland and the fairies have occupied their own valleys, where they live. Especially on the Isle of Skye you can look for fairies in the Fairy Glen and the Fairy Pools and if you are very quiet and lucky you might also see the little mythical creatures.

There are many clichés about Scotland and the Scots, and to be honest, many are true, yet it is a fascinating destination that I can warmly recommend to anyone, as Scotland is by no means boring.