Celtic History : Scotland

Scotland is approximately 275 miles long and 155 miles wide at its widest points. Scotland has quite a jagged coastline and if it were straightened out it would be approximately 6,000 miles long. You could go from Washington D.C. to San Francisco and back.

Edinburgh (pronounced EDINBURRO....with the "R"s rolled) is the capital of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle sits atop a volcanic peak that can be seen all over town. "The Royal Mile" is the oldest part of Edinburgh and leads to the castle. It is lined with some of the most beautiful old architecture.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. It is the industrial/manufacturing center of Scotland. In recent years Glasgow has been cleaned up and is becoming a world-renown cultural center.

The "Rampant Lion" was Scotland's coat-of-arms before it became part of Great Britain. It is one of the traditional symbols of Scotland.

St Andrew was crucified on a cross shaped like an "X". This is where the design of the Scottish flag, "The St. Andrew's Cross" came from. It is also known as The Saltire".

The "Thistle" is Scotland's national emblem. Legend has it that Danish marauders were sneaking up on a Scottish encampment when one of them stepped on a thistle and cried out in pain. His cry awoke the sleeping Scots who were able to overcome the Danes and emerge victorious.