| National Flag- Scotland | | | National Anthem- Scotland | | | Map- Scotland |
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As an old Scots saying has it, 'guid gear comes in sma' bouk' (good things come in small packages). And despite its small size, Scotland certainly has many treasures crammed into its compact territory. There's something for all tastes. For the history buff, few cities compare with Edinburgh and Glasgow; for the hungry, try haggis if you must but don't miss the Aberdeen Angus beef or smoked salmon from Dumfries & Galloway or, for the thirsty, the peerless malt whiskies of the Isle of Islay or Oban await. There is wild mountain scenery of the Highlands & Northern Islands and cold, sparkling seas washing against the Outer Hebrides. Wildlife watchers will find otters, eagles, whales and dolphins, while hill walkers have almost 300 Munros to bag.
There's turbulent history and fascinating genealogy, castles and country pubs, canoeing and caber-tossing, golfing and fishing and all-round good craic (lively conversation).
Scotland's dramatic history spans 8,000 years, years marked by invasions and independence, wars and religious upheavals, intrigues and subjugation. Such a history has left its mark on the nation's psyche - and its landscape - and has contributed in no small way to the fierce pride with which the Scots view themselves and their country today.
From rock to opera, Scottish arts and culture has the power to enthrall, challenge, provoke and inspire.
Scotland's colourful and compelling history is peppered with tragic yet romantic heroes, notable fighters, innovators and politicians. Often the nation's history has been defined either by fierce internecine conflict or epic struggles with its more populous and richer neighbour, England. Yet from earliest times the influences of Ireland, Scandinavia and continental Europe have been as important, particularly in aspects of Scotland's creative and cultural development. The result has been a sophistication and ambition few associate with the land of warring clans and burning castles.
A nation's artistic and cultural life says much about its people and the vibrancy and creativity we display across a wide range of art forms quickly dispels the myth of the dour, downbeat Scot. In successive generations, Scotland has produced writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers and dancers whose talents have received both national and international acclaim.
Some of these art forms - such as our traditional dance and music - are uniquely Scottish both in style and inspiration and are appreciated chiefly at home. Others - such as theatre, opera and painting - draw on and incorporate influences from elsewhere in the world and consequently receive wider recognition. All, however, have the power to enthrall, challenge, provoke and inspire.
Scotland has long been recognised as a breeding ground for world-class wordsmiths.
Quite what the creative impulse has been which has seen successive generations produce writers and poets of the calibre of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, Muriel Spark, Naomi Mitchison, Iain Banks, Sorley Maclean and Alasdair Gray is impossible to say. What is certain is that the continuing culture of creativity, innovation and experimentation that encourages such talents will ensure that there will always be a new chapter added to Scotland's rich literary heritage.
Given below is the Scotland's best-known and -loved authors, poets and playwrights to help you discover them for yourself.
| Iain Banks | JM Barrie | Christopher Brookmyre |
| John Buchan | Robert Burns | Cunninghame Graham |
| Arthur Conan Doyle | Janice Galloway | Lewis Grassic Gibbon |
| Alasdair Gray | James Hogg | James Kelman |
| Jessie Kesson | Liz Lochhead | Hugh MacDiarmid |
| William McIlvanney | Compton McKenzie | Sorley MacLean |
| Edwin Morgan | Neil Munro | Ian Rankin |
| Sir Walter Scott | Muriel Spark | Stevenson |
| Irvine Welsh |
