The Unicorn is Scotland’s National Animal
JULY 24TH 2018
A mythical creature may seem like a bizarre choice but for Scotland, it fits with the country’s rich history of myths and legends.
Noble, pure and powerful. The unicorn was believed to be real for around 2500 years and was adopted as Scotland’s national animal by King Robert in the late 1300s.
“The unicorn representing Scotland in the coat of arms is always depicted bounded by a golden chain, which is often seen passing around its neck and wrapping all around its body. The unicorn was believed to be the strongest of all animals – wild and untamed, and that it could only be humbled by a virgin maiden”. Visit Scotland
The unicorns’ distinctive appearance left a lasting legacy with many buildings and statues still bearing unicorn heraldry. While visiting Inverness, see if you can spot this majestic creature around the town. A great place to start would be the statue in Falcon Square, beside the Eastgate Shopping Centre. Designed by the artist and sculptor, Gerald Laing, it is a 37ft high sandstone pillar, adorned with a unicorn which is cast in bronze.
9th April is marked as Scotland’s National Unicorn Day.
