Scottish Bagpipes & Drums

Here is the legend of the thistle and how it became our national symbol! “Thistles can be found right across Scotland, from the Lowlands to the Highlands, and even on the islands! There are a number of different types which grow in the UK, and a variety of thistles can be found in the wild around Scotland, the most common being the spear thistle, the creeping thistle, and the marsh thistle. It is the native spear thistle, Cirsium vulgare, which is thought to have been used as the national emblem

This is the legend of how the thistle came to be the national emblem of Scotland. No-one is truly sure of how the thistle came to be Scotland’s national flower. However, a well-known story attributes the thistle being chosen as the emblem of Scotland to the Battle of Largs (a coastal town in Ayrshire) in the 13th century. A Norse army journeyed to Scotland, intent on conquering the land. The legend has it that they left their ships under cover of night, and were planning to ambush the sleeping S

Spend the night in a Scottish Castle

O, chì, chì mi na mòrbheanna - Scottish folk (arr. James MacMillan)