Presentation Transcript

1. Scotland

2. Scotland isGeography Scotland occupiesthe northern thirdoftheislandsof Great Britain. The river Tweed andthe Cheviot Hills form Scotland’s southern borderwith England. The Northwest Channel separates southwestern Scotland from Northern Ireland. The northwestcoastfacestheAtlanticOcean. East facesthe North Sea. The eastcoastfacesthe North Sea, which separates Scotland fromthemainlandof Europe. Scotland hasthreemainlandregions. Theyare, fromnorthtosouth, theHighlands, the Central Lowlands, andthe Southern Uplands.
3. Politics of Scotland Scotland canbestbedescribedashaving a multi-partysystem. In theScottishParliament, thecentre-left pro-independenceScottish National Party (SNP) isthepartywhichformsgovernment, currentlyholding a clearmajorityofseats in theparliament (68 out of 129). Opposition partiesincludetheScottish Labour Party (centre-left, socialdemocratic), theScottishConservative Party (centre-right, conservative), theScottish Liberal Democrats (centris, social liberal), andtheScottish Green Party (centre-left, environmentalist). Electionsareheldonceeveryfouryears, with 73 Members beingelectedtorepresentconstituencies, andtheremaining 56 elected via a systemof proportional representation. AtWestminster, Scotland isrepresentedby 12 MPs in thecurrentcoalitiongovernment(11 Liberal Democratsand 1 Conservative), 41 MPs in the OppositionLabour Party, and 6 MPs fortheScottish National Party.
4. Religion Christianityisthelargestreligion in Scotland. The Church ofScotland, oftenknownas The Kirk, isrecognised in lawasthe national churchof Scotland. Itis not an establishedchurchandisindependentofstatecontrol. Judaismhasbeenestablished in Scotland sinceat least the High Middle Ages. In recentyearsotherreligionshaveestablished a presence in Scotland, mainlythroughimmigration, though also partlythroughtheattractionofconverts. Thosewiththemostadherentsare Islam (mainlyamongimmigrantsfrom South Asia), Buddhism, SikhismandHinduism. Orthodox Christianityhas a significantpresence in mostofthe large citiesof Scotland. Althoughit was oncepresentmainlythroughtheGreek Orthodox Church
5. Education Education in Scotland isfree in publiclymaintainedlocalauthorityschoolsfromnurseryschool (3 to 5 years) throughsecondaryschool. Atabout 11 yearsofageprimaryschoolstudents enter secondaryschools. Studentsmaylegallyleaveschoolat 16 but veryfewnow do. Studentswhoearn a certificatecancontinuetothecollegesandtheuniversities. Scotland hasmanyuniversities, theoldestbeing St. Andrews, founded in 1410. Edinburgh isknownforitsschoolofmedicine. The University of Glasgow emphasizesscienceandengineering.
6. Currency Althoughthe Bank of Englandisthe central bank for the UK, three Scottish clearing banks stillissuetheirown Sterling banknotes: the Bank of Scotland; the Royal Bank of Scotland; and the Clydesdale Bank. The currentvalueoftheScottishbanknotes in circulationis £3.5 billion.
7. Languages The languagesof Scotlandarethelanguagesspokenoroncespoken in Scotland. The numerouslanguagesspoken in Scotland duringitsrecordedlinguistichistory fall intoeithertheGermanicorCelticlanguagefamilies. The classificationofthePictishlanguage was oncecontroversial but itisnowgenerallyconsidered a Celticlanguage. Today, theprimarylanguagesspoken in Scotland are English, ScotsandScottishGaelic. The dialectof English spoken in Scotland isreferredtoasScottish English. Celticlanguages Goideliclanguages Brythoniclanguages Pictishlanguage Germaniclanguages Scotslanguage Scottish English Nornlanguage Norman French, AncientGreekandLatin Scottishwritershavehadthechoiceofthreelanguages: ScottishGaelic; Lallans, orLowlandScots; and English. The 20th-century poetsSorleyMacleanand George Campbell Hay led a Gaelicrevival, but a Lallansrevivalthatdeveloped after World War I faded. After World War II a newgenerationofScottishpoets was calledtheLallansMaKars (makers). The mostnotableScottishpoetswhowrote in Lallansand English were Robert Fergusson (1750-74) and Robert Burns (1759-96).
8. City of Scotland 
9. Edinburgh Edinburgh ispackedfulloffantasticattractions, culturehotspotsandgreatshoppingopportunities. The city’scompactnaturemakesit easy to fit a rangeofwonderfulactivitiesintoonebrilliantday out in Scotland’scapital. Edinburgh Castle, hometotheiconic Stone ofDestinyis a must seeandisbesttouredfirstthing in themorningtobeatthecrowdswho flock tothisworldfamousattractioneveryday. Visitorscanenjoystunningviewsofthecityfromthecastle’spositionatopthevolcanic Castle Rock. Why not spendtheafternoonhopping on and off these tour buseswhilstexploringthecity’sother top attractions such astheiconicScottishParliament, therefurbished National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Zoo, hometotheunmissablegiantpandas? Youcanview a 360 degreepanoramaofthecityprojected via a giantperiscopeatCameraObscuraand World ofIllusions, a 150-year-old observatory on the Royal Mile. Ifyou’relookingfor an afternoonofretailtherapy, Edinburgh provides a varietyofshoppingexperiencestosuitany taste, fromthehigh-end fashionretailers on George Street totheweeklystallsoftheaward-winning Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, thelargestofitskind in Scotland. Princes Street Gardenssitbelowthemagnificentcastleandprovidetheperfectlocationfortaking a well-earned break fromyourshoppingandsightseeing.
10. Dundee Dundee isperfectfor a city break asithasthe ideal balanceofattractions, shopping, dining out andentertainment. Begin yourlongweekendormidweek break with a triptoattractions such as RRS Discovery, theshipwhichtookCaptain Scott on hisremarkablevoyagetoAntarctica. Continuethesailingthemewith a visitto HMS FrigateUnicorn, a preservedwarshipwhich was firstlaunched in 1824 andisthesixtholdestship in theworld. Other fantasticattractions in Dundee include Sensation, thecity’ssciencecentrewhichhasunusualexhibitstointeractwith, and Mills Observatory, whereyoucanseeincredibleimagesofthemoonandstarsattheUK’sonlyfull-time observatory. Enjoy a fantasticfewhours in theshopsof Dundee, whichhastwoshoppingcentres, theOvergateandWellgate, connectedby a pedestranisedstreetfullofhighstreetnamesandfabulousstores. Relax in oneofthecity’smanycafésandrestaurantsand pick a dishshowcasingtheregion’ssumptuousproduce such asmeatorfreshseafood, and a dessertmadewithjuicylocalberries. After a deliciousmeal, take in a performanceatoneofthecity’svenues, withfilms, music, comedyandtheatre all available.  Dundee Rep ishometoScotland’sonlyfull-time dramaticcompany so there’s a fullprogrammeofperformance all yearround. Take in a film at Dundee Contemporary Artsorsimplyheadtooneofthebarsorcharmingpubsfor a quietdrinktoround off yourperfectcity break in Dundee
11. Inverness Invernessis a compactcitythatcanbeeasilyexplored on foot. Exploretheart, historyandheritageoftheHighlandsattheInverness Museum and Art Gallery withitsexhibitsofJacobitememorabiliaandauthenticHighlandweaponry. Youcan visitInvernessFloral Hall andenjoythestunningflowerdisplaysandindoorwaterfall. The city’sVictorian Market istheplaceto pick upsomeuniquegiftsandInverness also hasoneofScotland’slargest second-hand bookshops, Leakey’s. YoucanseebothInverness Castle and St Andrew’sCathedral. Youcanstrollalongthebanksofthe River Ness, crossingthesuspensionbridgeforsomepeaceandrelaxation on the Ness Islands. Night-time in Invernessbrings an arrayofoptions. Youcanwatch on a live traditional musicgig, choose a nightatthetheatreat Eden Court ordine in a top localrestaurant. Whenlegendarychef Albert Roux was lookingto open hisfirstrestaurant in Scotland he optedforInverness. BesidesChez Roux, atthestylishRocpool Reserve Hotel, thecityhasplentyofotherfineeateries.

12. Special Occasionsand Holidays

13. St Andrews Day - iscelebrated on 30th November everyyear. Christmas Traditions- a Scottish Christmas isverysimilarto Christmas throughouttheworld. Hogmanayand New Year - HereweScotshaveourveryownuniqueHogmanayCustoms. The practiceof 'First-Footing' andhaving a Ceilidhis still so populartodayandofcoursethesingingofAuld Lang Synehasbeenonethathasbeenadoptedthroughouttheworld. Burns Night- the 25th JanuaryisthedaywhereScotsthroughouttheworldcelebratethelifeandworkofourfamouspoetRabbie Burns with a Burns Supper. Valentine's Day - is on 14th February. Itisinterestingtonotethattheremainsof St Valentine arebelievedtobe in Glasgow. Mothers' Day orMotheringSunday" iscelebrated on thefourthSundayofLent (exactlythreeweeksbeforeEasterSunday) in Scotland andtherestofthe UK. Easter- iscelebratedhereasitis in every Christian country. Onetraditioistohave a specialfamilymeal on EasterSunday, themaincoursealmostalwaysbeingroastlamb.
14. Foods of Scotland Scotland isfamousforitsgameandsalmon, the national dishishaggisandneeps(innardsandoffalchoppedupwithspicesandcooked in a sheep'sstomach, servedwithmashedturnip).
15. Whatishaggis? Haggisismadefromlamb’soffal (lungs, liverandheart) mixedwithsuet, onions, herbsandspices, all packedinto a skinbagtraditionally, but not usuallynow, madeof a sheep’sstomach. Haggisisoftenservedwithmashedpotatoesandmashedswedeorturnips. Itistraditionallyserved on Burns’ Night.
16. Other Scottishfoodsinclude: Bannocks(orOatcakes)Bannockis a a form of flatcakebaked on a griddle. Generally madeofoatmeal, ittakesthe form of a large oatcakebiscuit. SomeScotsusethetermBannocktoreferto a wheatflourcakesimilarto a large thinscone. StoviesSimilartothe French Pot au Feu,thedishusuallyconsistsoftatties (potatoes) andonionsandsome form ofcoldmeat (especiallysausagesorleftoverroast.) Scottish BeefThe Aberdeen-Angus breedofbeefcattlearefamousfortheirrichandtastymeat, whichmakesexcellentsteaks. Scotch BrothorHotch-PotchA rich stock traditionallymadebyboilingmutton , beef, marrow-boneorchickenwithdicedvegetables.The final consistencyshouldbethickandservedpipinghot. Black BunA veryrichfruitcake, madewithraisins, currants, finely-choppedpeel, choppedalmondsandbrownsugarwiththeadditionofcinnamonandginger. ColcannonMade fromboiledcabbage, carrots, turnipandpotatoes. ScottishSalmonThe Rivers Tayand Tweed aremajorsalmonfisheries.
17. Sport
18. Scotland’s sporting traditions are legendary worldwide. This country can lay claim to the invention of a number of popular international sports, including golf, rugby and tennis. Other sports are also rooted in Scotland’s history books, such as hockey (which originates from shinty), curling, and, of course, the Scottish Highland Games. Football is one of the nation’s most popular spectator sports. It was a Scotsman, William McGregor, who set up the first English football league and it was in Scotland in 1872 that the first international match was played in Partick, Glasgow, where England and Scotland drew 0-0. Today, a passion for football is played out in villages, towns and cities across Scotland, where you’ll discover amateur through to world-beating professional matches, leagues, cups and championships.
19. Famouspeople Thereare many famous 20th centuryScots. Throughouthistoryweremanymenandwomenwhohavedonewonderfulthings, died in bravery, excelled in science, sports, orthearts. Somehaveleft a richlegacywiththeirdiscoveries, travels, andinventionswhichhasenhancedtheworld.
20. Andrew Carnegie OneofthegreatestandmostFamous 20th Century Scots was Andrew Carnegie who was born in thetownofDunfermline, Fife. His life was a true "ragstoriches" story. Carnegie became a powerful businessmanand in the American steelindustry. Today, he isrememberedas an greatphilanthropist.
21. Gordon Brown Gordon Brown isBritain'snew Prime Minister. He was born in 1951, andbroughtup in Fifeandeducated in Kirkcaldy High School. Gordon was appointedasChancelloroftheExchequer on 2 May 1997. He hasbeenthe MP forKirkcaldyandCowdenbeathsince 2005 and was the MP forDunfermline East from 1983 to 2005.
22. Jack Vettriano AnotherFamous 20th Century ScotsfromtheKingdomofFifeisthepainterJack Vettriano. He grewup in theindustrialseasidetownofMethil in Fife. He onlytookuppaintingas a hobby in histwentieswhenhisgirlfriendboughthim a setofwatercolours. Thisiswhen Jack found his artistic talent.
23. Charlie and Craig Reid The ProclaimershailfromAuchtermuchty in Fife, thesmalltownwhere I live. These twobrothers, Charlie and Craig Reid havehadgreatsuccessincludingrecordingthe title song in the film ‘Benny andJoon’ withthesong “500 miles” orsometimesknownas “I’mgonnabe.”
24. Jimmy Shand Jimmy Shand, thewonderfulmusician also becameoneoftheFamous 20th Century Scots. Jimmy withhisaccordionandhisrenowned band putScotland’scountrydancemusic on theworldmap. He was born in East Wemyss in Fife, but hishomeformanyyears was also myownadoptedAuchtermuchty.
25. Ian Rankin Ian Rankin was born in Cardenden in theKingdomofFife. He isoneofthebest-sellingcrimewriters in the United Kingdomandoneoftheworld'sforemostwriters in thegenre. He ismostrecognisedasthewriteroftheInspector Rebus novels.
26. James Dewer James DewercamefromthetownofKincardineand was mostfamousforinventingthevacuumflask, whichisusedthroughouttheworldtoday.
27. Barbara Dickson Anotherfamous 20th centuryScotwhohailsfromFife, fromthetownofDunfermline, thelovelysingerandactressBarbara Dickson.
28. Flags and Symbols
29. Flag Something unique in Scottishcustomsandtraditionsisthattherearetwoflags. The Blue and White Cross ofthe St Andrews Flag (knownastheSaltire) isrecognisedthroughouttheworld, andit also makesuppartofthe Union Jack of Great Britain.
30. Symbols But ofcourse, in Scotland thereis also the Lion RampartFlag. Other symbolsrecognisedasuniquelyScottisharetheCeltic Cross (oftenmadeintobeautifuljewellerytoday) andofcourseourfamousflowersofheatherandthebluebell.
31. Folklore, MythsandLegends Youcan'tmentionScottishcustomsandtraditionswithoutmentioningsomeofotherthingswhichmakethiscountryfamous. Fromsightingsofthe Loch Ness Monster, orfamousHaggis, talesofghostsandother bizarre stories, Scotland isfulloffolklore, mythsandlegends.
32. THE END