“Scotticisms”
TIdbits & Pop Culture
We LOVE Scotland - well, obviously - we are getting married there! We feel pretty confident that you will love it as much as us, but just in case, check out some of our favorite tidbits and pop culture references. Get excited for ALL THINGS SCOTLAND!
For your information
“Scotticisms” may sound like a made up word but it actually refers to phrases that are characteristically Scottish. Check out a few before you cross the pond!
Scotland has a rich history shaped by incredible figures and events. Check out a brief overview of Scottish History!
Scottish scientists contributed revolutionary inventions to the modern world. We have them to thank for the bicycle, telephone, TV, radar, and penicillin! Read more about these contributions below.
Throughout history, Scottish writers have created some of the most well know characters and stories in literature. Some of the most notable titles include The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Treasure Island, Peter Pan, The Wind in the Willows, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Rob Roy. You can find more information below!
Myths and legends are at the core of Scottish tradition. Brush up on your Scottish folklore and read about the monsters, ghosts, and magic that fill Scottish culture!
Here are a few more fun facts and things to know before you visit!
Film and Television
Braveheart is one of the first films that comes to mind when you think of Scotland. Braveheart is available to rent or buy through several streaming services or you can watch for free with AMC on demand.
Outlander is an extremely popular show based on the Outlander book series written by Diana Gabaldon. The series follows Scottish history during the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie. It is a historical fiction series with a time travel twist. You can binge watch the first 3 seasons on Netflix and Season 4 is only on STARZ. Season 5 will also premiere February 5th on STARZ! (This is one of my personal favorites!)
The Harry Potter films may not be set in Scotland but J.K. Rowling did write much of the series in Edinburgh. Many of the iconic places incorporated into the books were inspired by actual locations in Edinburgh. You can watch all eight films with Amazon Prime Video!
For all the Parks and Recreation fans, check out Ron Swanson’s visit to Scotland!
And don’t forget this little gem…..
Scotch: A Golden Dream is an amazing documentary that explores the history and craft of making scotch whisky! You can watch the full documentary for free with Amazon Prime Video.
If you love a good rom com, don’t forget about Made of Honor! You can watch the film for free with Amazon Prime Video.
P.S. I Love is the perfect movie if you want to spend 2 hours swooning over Gerard Bulter’s Scottish brogue while simultaneously crying your eyes out! Check out the full film on Netflix.
If you love a good period piece filled with Scottish history make sure to watch Mary Queen of Scots! You can watch it for free with Amazon Prime Video.
If you love a classic Gene Kelly song and dance, check out Brigadoon! (This was one of my childhood favorites!) You can rent it with Amazon Prime Video.
For all the kiddos and Disney lovers, don’t forget to watch Brave! You can watch it on Disney+ for free.
Literature
If you haven’t read Harry Potter - DO IT! J.K. Rowling builds a magical world that captivates audiences of all ages. (One of my ALL time favorites!)
The Outlander series transports you straight into Scotland circa 1743. This is a great read and a personal favorite (I read the first book - for the first time - over ten years ago and I still LOVE it).
If you aren’t convinced, check out the book blurb below!
“Unrivaled storytelling. Unforgettable characters. Rich historical detail. These are the hallmarks of Diana Gabaldon’s work. Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured the hearts of millions of fans. Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Beauchamp Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages.
One of the top ten best-loved novels in America, as seen on PBS’s The Great American Read!
Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743.
Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives.”
If you are looking for a short list of fiction and non-fiction reads about Scotland, make sure to check out Pages to Passport’s list!
Music
It is hard not to think of bagpipes when you think of Scotland! Bagpipes are the national instrument and an integral part of Scottish culture, then and now! (Thought we’d throw a little bit of Georgia in the Highlands with this one!)
The Royal Tattoo is is a Scottish tradition that occurs each August at Edinburgh Castle. The tattoo is a military musical performance showcasing incredible pipers and drummers!
One of the most recognizable tunes originating from Scotland is Auld Lang Syne! The words were written by the famous poet, Robert Burns, in 1788. This one is guaranteed to give you goosebumps!
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) is a personal favorite written by the Scottish duo, The Proclaimers. We LOVE this one!
Hauntingly beautiful folk music is a rich part of Scottish culture and tradition. Here are a few of the classics to round out our list of Scottish favorites!