For nearly a thousand years, Scotland has been handing down its traditions from generation to generation. Unlike their southern cousins, they are living and evolving, adding a new thumbprint to the overall culture. Scottish culture is so rich and vibrant that 60 Highland Games still take place across the country each year. These annual events feature sport, music, dance, and culture that is uniquely Scottish. The history of Scottish culture is fascinating and a trip to Scotland’s highlands is a must for any tourist. Its traditions are as alive and vibrant as ever, thanks to a long and rich history. From clans that predate the 12th century to modern-day musicians and filmmakers, Scotland has long attracted artists from all over the world. The rugged landscape and unspoilt wilderness also attract many of the world’s top artists and filmmakers.
The Highlands are characterized by their unique topography, and traditional lifestyles revolved around farming and fishing. Commoners lived off the land, pulling salmon from rivers, and foraging for shellfish and wild plants. The housing arrangements varied according to culture, with ancient families living in lake-island crannogs, stone towers, and wicker roundhouses. Then, as the number of people grew, thatched cottages and farmsteads became more common. Rural Highlanders developed the national outfit of Scotland: the kilt.
Scottish culture and traditions promote the culture and heritage of Scotland through song, dance, and music. It has been offering classes for traditional music since 1997, with an average attendance of two to three thousand people. The classes aim to foster social interest in Scottish music and culture. The program began as occasional events for children, but its founders felt that adults were missing out on a similar experience. Therefore, they began to offer weekly classes for adults. The classes are held all year round, and the community has benefited from this change.
Another celebration in Scotland is Guy Fawkes Night, which commemorates the attempted blowing up of Parliament during the 1600s. As with all Scottish traditions, this holiday is celebrated by making an effigy of the famous renegade, Guy Fawkes. The scarecrow wheel is an ongoing tradition in which children and adults alike wheel around the scarecrow collecting pennies to purchase fireworks. The evening is capped off with a fireworks show.
Although Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, it is a religiously diverse country. Many prominent philosophers were born here. The European Reformation, a conflict between Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century, also left an impact on Scotland. Although Scotland’s population is predominantly Christian, many people practice other religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and atheism. It is still unclear what kind of religion people follow in Scotland, but the aristocracy and urban working class are strongly associated with Christianity.