Scottish Facts for Children
Scotland is a land of inventions as well as myths and legends. Famous Scots include the poet, Robert Burns, and James Bond movie actor, Sean Connery. Most people know about Scotland's associations with whiskey, bagpipes and kilts. However, there is also much to learn about the geography and the country's often bitter history in its frequent wars with England.
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Inventions
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For a small nation, Scotland has produced many inventions. Some of the most famous inventors are James Watt who contributed to developments in steam engine technology and Charles Macintosh who helped develop early waterproof clothing. Other inventions in the health field include penicillin and insulin. Criminal fingerprinting was invented in Scotland, along with bicycles and tires. Whiskey is another famous product that began in Scotland. Other inventions include color photography, self-adhesive postage stamps and radar.
Loch Ness Monster
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Loch Ness in Scotland is said to be deeper than the North Sea. The myth of a monster that lives in the depths of the Loch began in the 6th century when the story goes that a monk came face to face with the monster. Since then, there have been a number of sightings. A London surgeon thought he had taken the first photograph of "Nessie" in 1933. The legend remains and many people still believe the monster exists.
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Geography
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Scotland is made up of 790 islands but 660 of those are uninhabited. Scotland contains Britain's tallest mountain -- Ben Nevis, is about 4,410 feet high. Edinburgh is the capital city and has an arts festival every year in August. The other major cities include Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. Scotland is mountainous with more than 600 square miles of fresh water lakes (or lochs). Scotland has one of the longest coastlines in Europe.
Fun Facts
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Author, Bram Stoker, is said to have taken the inspiration for his novel, "Dracula," from Slains Castle in Cruden Bay, which is wild and remote. Scotland has many myths and one is the selkie. This is a creature in the shape of a seal that can turn into a beautiful woman. On the fashion front, modern kilts have up to eight meters of material. A modern take on the kilt is to use leather, instead of traditional tartan.
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- Photo Credit scotsman image by Theresa DeAngelis from Fotolia.com
