Scotland is a land of myths and legends. We're known for our tales of ghosts, magic and witches. You might be familiar with Scotland's most famous unsolved mystery, the Loch Ness Monster, or the legends surrounding the mythical kelpie, a water horse said to haunt Scotland's lochs and rivers.
But you might be less familiar with the story behind Scotland's national animal, the unicorn. This mythological creature is strongly associated with Scotland and even features on the coat of arms.
Why is the national animal of Scotland a unicorn?
It may seem unusual that the national animal of Scotland is a mythological creature, but the unicorn has been an enduring symbol throughout history - many believed that unicorns were living creatures.
In Celtic mythology, unicorns are believed to be a symbol of purity and power. The legendary creature symbolises bravery, strength and determination which may be why it was chosen as our national animal! And it's not just symbolic in Scotland, the influence of unicorns is everywhere from social media to film and fashion. There's even a National Unicorn Day which is celebrated on 9 April!
History of the unicorn in Scotland
In Scotland, the unicorn has served as a symbol for centuries. Unicorns first featured on the royal coat of arms of Scotland around the 12th century.
Where can you see unicorns in Scotland?
If you're wondering whether you'll spot any unicorns in Scotland, you might be surprised. There's no escaping the influence of these mythological creatures. The symbol of the national animal of Scotland can be spotted in many places across the country.
You'll see unicorn heraldry in various places from the Palace at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh to the King's Fountain at Linlithgow Palace.
Find out more about where you can see unicorns in Scotland (visitscotland.com)
Scotland's myths and legends
The unicorn is only one example of Scotland's love for myths and legends. There are many more to uncover from the tales of Selkies, said to have originated on the Orkney Islands, to the legends of Fingal's Cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides.
Learn more about Scottish myths, folklore and legends
Find out more about Scottish people and our global community.
Photo credits: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam