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Some religious and mysterious creatures from Scotland.

Brownies, small house elves.

The brownies are creatures of Scottish mythology who live in homes and help with chores in exchange for food. Only come out at night, when cleaned, processed butter and grind grain. Human form, although very small, and have the wrinkled face and short brown hair. They like shiny things, but hate humans criticize his work, a fact that causes them to feel insulted and undo what they have done. Most brownies live in one house all his life, which can last centuries.

Sìth Cat A Cat Thief of Souls

The Cat Sìth is a spirit embodied by a black cat with a white spot on his chest. Legend has it that this evil creature haunts the Highlands and can steal the soul of the deceased to be buried before if you jump over his body. To prevent and repel the Cat Sìth, formerly the bodies were veiled with music and games. Some believed that the Cat Sìth was actually a witch who could turn into a cat eight times. If the witch transformed a ninth time, was forever trapped in the feline body, and so in some regions it is said that cats have nine lives. It is possible that the Cat is inspired Sìth Kella, a hybrid between Scottish wildcat and domestic cat that only exists in Scotland.

In English folklore there is a curious tale known as 'The King of Cats', in which a man comes home and tells his wife and his cat who has seen nine black cats with white spots on the chest carrying a coffin with a crown on top, and one of the cats has said: 'Tell Tom Tildrum Toldrum Tim is dead!'. After hearing the story, the cat exclaims: 'What? What old Tim has died? So now I'm the king of the cats! '. Then Tom cat goes up the chimney and disappears forever.

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Here are some of the most popular Scotland-set movies ever made!


-Braveheart (1995)

Mel Gibson’s 1995 epic Braveheart remains one of the most popular Scotland-set movies ever made, despite being mostly filmed in Ireland. The movie was nominated for ten Academy Awards and created widespread interest in Wallace, Scotland and Scottish history. As a result of the movie’s lasting legacy, Braveheart claims a spot on our list.

The movie is loosely based on the epic poem by fifteenth-century writer Blind Harry, which was in turn loosely based upon the life of real life historical figure William Wallace. Wallace, played by Gibson, led a rebellion against English rule in the fourteenth century. The Oscar-nominated screenplay by Randall Wallace embellishes and romanticises real-life events and, whilst it has been criticised for historical inaccuracies, it has also been praised as being both action-packed and dynamic.

-Skyfall (2012)

Whilst you have probably seen Skyfall, we had to include it in the list: the movie’s Scottish location led CNN Travel to name Scotland as the Top Travel Destination of 2013. The film concentrates on Javier Bardem’s villain, Raoul Silva, who for reasons initially unknown to Daniel Craig’s Bond, wishes to seek revenge on Judi Dench’s M. The movie’s action-packed opening sequence takes place in Istanbul, whilst filming also took place in Shanghai. Both of these locations provided stunning scenery, but it was ultimately Scotland that stole the show.

The movie’s thrilling dénouement sees Bond and M take refuge from Silva by driving the iconicAston Martin to Bond’s ancestral home in the Highlands. The movie’s stunning panoramic shots of rugged Scottish mountain ranges and evocatively misty roads make it easy to see why Skyfall cinematographer Roger Deakins received an Oscar nomination.

-Brave (2012)

Disney Pixar’s hit Brave met with almost universal praise upon its release last summer and this year was crowned Best Animated Film at the Academy Awards. The movie tells the tale of young Scottish princess Merida, voiced by Kelly MacDonald, whose refusal to marry causes unprecedented havoc which only she can resolve.

The film received applause for the independent, free-spirited Merida, whose wilful personality was perceived as a much-needed reimagining of the traditional ‘Disney Princess’ stereotype. The movie was also commended for its vivid and thrilling representation of the Scottish Highlands. The Pixar animators travelled to Scotland in order to gain inspiration and, as a result, the beauty and history of the Highlands are brilliantly brought to life.

Awesome Places to Visit!

1.- Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a magnificent example of Scotland’s architecture, ideology, political tact and military importance. High up on the summit of a dormant volcano lurks this dominating structure. Its presence is visible for miles in every direction. Intimidating all who would challenge them, the Scottish utilized EdinburgCastle for all of their major battles and military strategizing. A strong standing symbol of their perseverance and struggle for independence, Edinburgh Castle is one of the top-tourist attractions in Scotland.

2.-Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of the most spectacular castles in all of Scotland. High up on the vertical rock mass of Castle Hill, it rests, defensively positioned along the steep surrounding cliffs. Experience the art, culture and status that encompassed 16th century in Scotland. History lovers will not want to miss this popular tourist attraction.

3.-Cuillin Hills

Located on the most northern island of Skye, the beauty of the rolling peaks of the Cuiillin Hills is undeniable. These hills are made up of two diverse formations. The Red Cuiillins are a red granite formation, which are softer and more inviting in appearance. In opposition, the Black Cuillins are more harsh in appearance with sharp, jagged peaks of volcanic rock that scale the skyline and warn off those who are unwelcome.

OMG FACTS! The unicorn and the Loch Ness monster are National animals of Scotland!

The unicorn, despite being fictional, was already being shown as a symbol of the Scottish royal family in the 1400s, examples of early royal connections are a shield carved into Rothesay Castle and some coins dating back to as early as 1466. Scottish mythology, as well as having magical tales of unicorns, is full of mysterious and fascinating creatures. 

One you may have heard of is the Loch Ness monster. Since the 5th century the story of a giant ‘water beast’ that has dragged many a fisherman to their death.

Nessie, the beast said to inhabit Scotland's Loch Ness.

Some say it's a myth; others say it's a living dinosaur or even a sea serpent that swam into the lake before it became landlocked. Whether real or fictional, it is what Scotland is best known for around the world (aside from whiskey, bagpipes and kilts).

Scotland Customs and Traditions

Scotland has been handing down its traditions for close to a thousand years now, since the earliest days of the clans in the 12th century. However, Scottish traditions are not something sterile under glass and steel in a cold museum. They are vibrant, living things, constantly growing and evolving, and every generation adds the thumbprint of its own particular Scottish culture to the whole.

BAGPIPES, HAGGIS AND KILTS

Everybody knows the cliché of the piper on the shortbread tin. But have you experienced the breath-taking reality of a hundred pipers skirling in uplifting unison? This isn't an image from Scotland's cultural past: it happens every August at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and on Glasgow Green.

Or take food, for example. We all know the stereotypical notions of traditional Scottish fare - haggis, porridge and whisky. Not anymore. Scotland's new elite of super-chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Nick Nairn and Andrew Fairlie are taking the country's incredible natural produce – our beef, venison and seafood – and elevating them to Michelin starred levels.

Or that the kilt is making a comeback on the catwalk as designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Glasgow's own Jonathan Saunders take traditional Scottish dress to places the clan chiefs never dreamed of.

BURNS AN A' THAT

The traditional Burns Supper, Hogmanay and St Andrews Day celebrations are still very much a part of Scottish culture but the Scots are now joined on these special days by Scot-o-philes across the globe. "Auld Lang Syne", a traditional Scottish song first written down by Burns, is the second most popular song in the world after "Happy Birthday".

ST. ANDREWS DAY

On 30 November, Scottish people celebrate St Andrew's Day, in memory of Scotland's patron saint.

St. Andrew was one of the Twelve Apostles (disciples of Jesus) and brother of Simon Peter (Saint Peter). He was a fisherman by trade, who lived in Galilee (in present-day Israel.)The Scottish Flag

The Scottish flag is the cross of St. Andrew, also known as the Saltire. It is said to be one of the oldest national flags of any country, dating back at least to the 12th century.

 Why is St Andrew's symbol a white cross on a blue background? St. Andrew is believed to have died on a diagonally transverse cross that the Romans sometimes used for executions and which, therefore, came to be called St. Andrew's cross.  The blue stands for the sky.

In Scotland, the traditional way to celebrate St. Andrew's Day is with plenty of bagpipe music, dancing, scotch and their favorite food.

Traditional dishes such as cock-a-leekie soup which is made with chicken and tatties-n-neeps or clapshot.  This delicious potato and turnip recipe will be served and relished for the day. Tipsy Laird is a favored cake dessert which contains a wee bit of brandy and sherry.

In St. Andrew (the city) there is a whole week of church services, festivities, concerts, fireworks, suppers and yes, whiskey drinking. They focus on celebrating Scotland and it's culture as well as St. Andrew. This week long event is relatively new but it is something that will continue to go on in years ahead.