Cultural Differences

Scotland's culture can be traced back almost a thousand years and it's just as alive today as it has ever been. From the ancient clans of the 12th century, each generation has added their own cultural thumbprint, creating a unique and vibrant country.

Modern Scotland is a tolerant country,  multicultural with diverse communities and policies.  Scots are friendly with a keen sense of humor.

Language

English is the main language spoken in Scotland today and since the 18th century. However, there are a wide range of different accents and dialects spoken across the country. These range from soft and sing-song intonations to stronger and more pronounced.

Gaelic

Shaped by Scotland's rich history and vibrant culture, the ancient Celtic language of Gaelic is still spoken throughout Scotland. Gaelic has been part of the Scottish consciousness for centuries and is considered to be the founding language of the country. The origins of Gaelic can be traced back as far as the 10th century and is believed to have been brought to Scotland from Ireland.  You will see bilingual road signage and other indicators of its heritage.

Arts and Literature 

Edinburgh is the UNESCO City of Literature and features year-round festivals and rich community engagement. From professional, amateur and community performance companies, to a multitude of dedicated festivals (including the world's largest arts festival every year in Edinburgh August), it's safe to say that Scotland is the ideal location to soak up the arts!

It's worth noting that all the museums and galleries in Scotland are free!  They run regular events and exhibitions.

Sports

Scotland's sporting traditions are legendary worldwide and our impact on the world of sport is truly massive. They lay claim to the invention, or early development, of a number of the most popular international sports,  including football (soccer), golf, hockey, rugby, and tennis. University of Stirling has amazing sports facilities and is Scotland’s top University for Sporting Excellence. There are superb facilities to use for sport and leisure activities. 

Other sports are also rooted in Scotland's history books and play a massive part in the cultural makeup of our country. Sports such as shinty, curling, and, of course, the unique Scottish Highland Games.  

There's also a wealth of opportunities for Scotland's people to become involved in sports. State-of-the-art facilities, such as at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho; a wide variety of dry slope and real snow ski centers, world-acclaimed mountain biking trails, excellent athletics complexes, and a National Sailing Centre, all combine to provide a sporting environment to rival many countries worldwide.

Scottish Music

Scotland is home to a wealth of world-renowned contemporary bands and classical musicians currently gracing stages, stereos and soundtracks around the world. From Celtic music, pop, and rock, intimate gigs to massive arenas - Scotland has got you covered!

Scottish Film

It's no surprise that Scotland attracts the world's leading actors, filmmakers, and television producers - few places are quite as photogenic as Scotland!   From edge-of-your-seat thrillers and blockbuster action movies to rib-tickling comedies and boutique art-house films, Scotland has been the setting for an eclectic range of productions. On our Highland Tour we will visit many film and TV locations for Outlander, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and drive along the famous SkyFall road through Rannoch Moor.

Scottish Traditions

Scotland has been handing down its traditions for close to a thousand years now, since the earliest days of the clans in the 12th century. These are real traditions and vibrant, living things, constantly growing and evolving, and every generation adds the thumbprint of its own particular Scottish culture to the whole.

The country's Celtic heritage is strong from Halloween (Sulhuin) and Fire Festivals to the 60 Highland Games that still take place all across Scotland annually - they are a uniquely Scottish mix of culture, sports, music, and community.

Bagpipes, Haggis and Kilts

An essential experience when in Scotland is to pop into a local bar and hear live music sessions! Another is to experience the breathtaking reality of a mass pipe band. There are street artists and buskers and also more formal opportunities to hear the mass pipes and drums in August at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and on Glasgow Green.

Scotland celebrates the birthday of Scottish national Bard Robert Burns, who wrote Auld Lang Sing (sung across the world at New Year) with a Burns Supper and a traditional fare of haggis, neeps and tatties.   

In Scotland’s diverse communities, there is good and affordable cuisine, particular from the heritage from the Commonwealth (ie Indian, East Asian, Australian) as well as varied European cuisine.  But few can surpass the Scottish larder with fresh seafood, Aberdeen Angus steaks, local grown fresh fruits and grains (some of which is used in the whisky industry).    

The traditional Scottish kilt is worn by all ages to family events such as weddings or funerals and to football or rugby matches. The kilt is making a comeback on the world stage and fashion runways as designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Glasgow's own Jonathan Saunders, take traditional Scottish dress to places the ancient clan chiefs could never have dreamed of.