Scotland - A very short guide to Scotland, for Americans by an Englishman
Yes, that is a slightly niche headline.
This is an ambitious post that aims to help Americans understand Scotland a little bit better than before.
Scotland is a small nation that encompasses the northern third of the British Isles. Until the Act of Union in 1707, it was an independent nation.
Around 5 million Scots live in Scotland.
The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh.
Scotland has seven official cities: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee Sterling, Aberdeen, Perth and Inverness.
Scotland can be split into the Lowlands (Borders, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway) The central belt (Glasgow, Edinburgh and the surrounding commenter belt towns) The Highlands, The Isles, The north east and Tayside.
King Charles is king of the Kingdom of Scotland and England.
In 1707 the Act of Union was signed, which unified the Crowns of Scotland and England.
Scotland competes in Football, Cricket and Rugby as a separate nation, but competes at the Olympics as part of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Scotland's national barb is Robert Burns.
Scotland's book town is Wigton in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Bicycle was invented in Scotland.
Kilts are a ceremonial dress worn by some Scots, not all Scots.
Most Scottish people speak English, although there are many dialects and accents in Scotland. The other main languages spokes are Scots, Gaelic and Doric.
The major sport in Scotland is Football (Soccer) the major league is called the Scottish Premiership. The Five big teams in Scottish Football are Glasgow Rangers, Glasgow Celtic, Hearts, Hibernian (both from Edinburgh) and Aberdeen.
Aberdeen is the Houston of Scotland, being the centre of the Offshore Oil and Gas industry.
Holyrood is the name of the new Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Bagpipes are like Kilts. They make an appearance at Weddings mainly.
Not all Scottish people have "clans" the Clan system operated in the Highlands.
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (Turnips and potatoes) is the national dish of Scotland.
The Saints Day of Scotland is St Andrews's day.
It is safe to drink the tap water in Scotland. Many people call it Council Juice.
The national drink of Scotland is Whisky and Irn Bru.
Irn Bru is great for a hangover. And the only drink to put sell Coca-cola.
The currency in Scotland is the British Pound, although Scottish banks print their own notes, so both British pound and Scottish pound notes are in circulation.
999 is the Emergency number for Police, Fire and Ambulance.
This will be added to an expanded over time.