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Did you know that the unicorn has been a symbol of Scotland for centuries? The reason behind this, perfectly captures the Scottish spirit. England has always been represented by a lion. And you probably know that England and Scotland have been at odds (and sometimes literally at war) throughout history. In old myths, guess which animal was said to be the only one that could defeat a lion? Yup, a unicorn.
Unicorns are associated with purity, strength and power.
They’re also proud and untamable – two words many people would use to describe Scots throughout history.
Since the 15th Century, many monarchs of Scotland have used the unicorn in their coat of arms. Kings favouredNatio the mythical beast because they considered it to be the best representation of power.
In fact, unicorns were believed to be so strong that only Kings and virgin maidens could keep them captive. Kings were able to do this due to their divine right to ruler-ship and virgins are as pure and innocent as the unicorns themselves.
National Unicorn Day is a thing – it’s celebrated on 9th April in a variety of ways.
While many people are happy to simply don their favourite sparkly horned headband, Scotland has been known to take a more reverent approach. On Unicorn Day in 2017, artist Woody Fox created a seven-foot sculpture of a unicorn made from willow for Crawick Multiverse in Dumfries and Galloway.
If you’re fair puckled! (it’s Scottish slang for out of breath) take a short break in Strathaven a few miles ahead and check the Spectacle E’e Falls, the name has a story behind it.
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