Scotland “In My Defens”

First things first… Take out your homework and let’s discuss the interesting facts you found about Scotland.

Important Facts: Capital City Although London is the capital of the United Kingdom, Scotland has its own capital city. Does anyone know what it is?

Edinburgh

Important Facts: Flag The flag of Scotland is called the cross of St. Andrew. It is a white diagonal cross on a blue background, and is part of the Union Jack used by the United Kingdom. St. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Important Facts: Government Scotland is part of the UK, so it is represented in the UK Parliament. It does, however, have its own parliament, which is allowed to decide some, but not all, issues affecting only Scotland.

Important Facts: Population Scotland has 5,200,000 people living in it. That means that one out of every 12 people in the UK lives in Scotland. The main cities are Edinburgh and Glasgow, but there are also Aberdeen and Inverness up north.

Important Facts: History As we know, Scotland remained a separate kingdom, with its own ruler, until 1603. In 1603, James VI became king of both Scotland and England, after the death of his mother and then his cousin. Who were his mother and cousin?

James VI Family Why, Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I, of course!

Important Facts: History Although Scotland and England had shared a monarch since 1603, they did not unite to form Great Britain until 1706 and 1707. Although they had fought in the past, the formation of the Parliament of Great Britain was a peaceful one, and one of the great transformations of Europe.

Important Facts: Languages Although English is the official language in Scotland and the one that is generally used, Scottish Gaelic is also spoken. It is a language that takes its roots from the Celtic languages, and not the Anglo-Saxons. My name is Paul.  S mise Pol.

Trivia: What DO you know? What is the Gaelic name for Scotland? How many islands does Scotland have? Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have what?

The answers The Gaelic name for Scotland is Alba. Scotland has 790 islands, and only 130 are inhabited. It was the first city in the world to have a fire brigade.

Places To Go: John O’ Groats Although people say it’s the furthest north you can go in the UK, that’s a lie: Dunnet Head is. John O’ Groats is, however, one of the longest points between two inhabited points in the UK. Good enough!

Places To Go: Loch Ness If a monster isn’t a good enough reason to visit Loch Ness, then what is? It’s a beautiful lake, and contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

Things To Do: Wear A Kilt A kilt is a knee-length garment worn by boys and men of the Scottish Highlands. It’s usually made of wool and has a tartan pattern on it. It was usually worn on special occasions or sporting events. Rumor has it that a true Scotsman wears nothing under his kilt…

Things To Do: Play The Bagpipes Classified as a woodwind instrument, just like the clarinet or oboe, the bagpipes have been famous in Scotland since their use in the military in the 15th century. The bagpipes have one bag, and FIVE pipes to blow!

Things To Do: Eat Haggis If you don’t know what haggis is, it’s like a sausage, filled with the heart, lungs and liver. It is the most famous Scottish dish, although tourists can’t always bring themselves to eat it…

Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kUZNQASL_8

Key Vocabulary crucified – killed on a cross monarch – king or queen inhabited – to have people living there garment – piece of clothing dish – food that has been prepared