General Information

Scotch whisky has a deep-rooted history that’s as rich and complex as its flavour. Originating from makeshift stills and techniques introduced from Ireland, the ‘water of life’ has grown to become a significant part of modern Scotland’s cultural heritage and is now a key contributor to its economy.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of Scotch whisky before taking a look at its production and how it has developed into a global phenomenon.

Scotland has a long and fascinating history, and the unicorn, the country’s national animal, is one of its most cherished symbols. But why did the Scots choose a mythical creature as their national animal, and what is the unicorn’s role in Scottish folklore and mythology?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of the unicorn in Scotland and how it fits into the culture and identity of the country in the past as well as the present day.

It’s possible that you have never seen a pine marten unless you’ve grown up in the deepest, darkest corners of Scotland’s forests. These little animals are indigenous to Scotland and although they’re difficult to see, they are essential to the well-being of the country’s woods and woodlands.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at pine martens in Scotland including their physical characteristics, behaviour, and habitats. We’ll also delve into the challenges they face and the efforts being made to protect and conserve these fascinating animals.

Scotland is rightly proud of its wildlife and thanks to the fact that vast swathes of the country are uninhabited many endangered animals are able to thrive, including the ever-popular red squirrel and the near-extinct sea eagle.

In this article, you’ll find details of some of the animals that you should keep an eye open for during a visit to Scotland, from red deer to dolphins and buzzards to basking sharks.

There are two versions of the Scottish flag, as well as the flag of the United Kingdom. So which one is the nation’s actual flag?

The answer is that the Saltire – a diagonal white cross on a blue background – is the official flag of Scotland which is used to represent the country at all events and gatherings.

Learn why we have these different flags along with a few facts that might surprise you in this complete guide to the flags of Scotland.

Visit Scotland, along with Historic Environment Scotland, Nature Scot, the Scottish Government and other organizations, have teamed up with UNESCO to create the first-ever digital UNESCO Trail, making Scotland the first country to bring all of its UNESCO sites together online.

Find out why UNESCO sites are so important and which places in Scotland have been awarded a designation in this article.

Wolves have been the subject of human persecution for thousands of years, even though they help to keep populations of grazing animals under control.

This intelligent and sociable animal is famous for its ability to thrive in the most difficult habitats, helped no end by the fact that it’s an incredibly successful pack hunter.

Find out if wolves live in Scotland – as well as other predators – in this article.

Bears once thrived in Scotland, and remains have been found everywhere from the Borders to the far north, but are there any still living in the wild today?

Discover the story of Scotland’s brown bears in this article, which includes information about where you can see them, as well as other wild animals that still live in the remotest regions of Scotland.