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Thenational symbols of Scotland are the objects, images, or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative, or otherwise characteristic of the country ofScotland orScottish culture. As a rule, these national symbols arecultural icons that have emerged from Scottish folklore and tradition, meaning few have any official status. However, most if not all maintain recognition at a national or international level, and some, such as theRoyal Arms of Scotland, have been codified inheraldry, and are established, official, and recognised symbols of Scotland.

As one of the oldest countries inEurope, Scotland and its associated symbols are considered to be amongst the oldest symbols still in use across the European continent.^[1] Thenational flag, theSaltire, is first recorded with the illustration of a heraldic flag inSir David Lyndsay of the Mount'sRegister of Scottish Arms,c. 1542.[2] It is considered to be the oldest flag inEurope.^[3] Additionally, Scotland is the fifth oldest country in the world,^[4] and itsmonarchy is amongst the oldest internationally, and the oldest recorded monarchy in Europe.^[5]

	The nationalflag of Scotland, the Saltire or St. Andrew's Cross, dates from the 9th century, and is thus the oldest nationalflag still in use. The Saltire now also forms part of the design of theUnion Flag.
	TheRoyal Banner of Scotland, abanner showing theRoyal Arms of Scotland, is also frequently to be seen, particularly at sporting events involving a Scottish team. Often called theLion Rampant (after its chiefheraldic device), the banner is property of the monarch and use without authority can constitute a criminal offence.[6] Its use by theFirst Minister of Scotland is granted by the monarch.

	TheRoyal Arms of Scotland[7] is acoat of arms symbolising Scotland and theScottish monarchs. Theblazon, or technical description, is "Or, a lion rampant Gules armed and langued Azure within a double tressure flory counter-flory of the second", meaning a red lion with blue tongue and claws on a yellow field and surrounded by a red double royal tressure flory counter-flory device. Although officially subsumed into the heraldry of theBritish Royal Family in 1707, the historic Royal Arms featuring the lion rampant continues to represent Scotland on severalcoins of the pound sterling, forms the basis of several emblems of Scottish national sports teams (such as theScotland national football team), and endures as one of the most recognisable national symbols of Scotland.
	Thethistle, thefloral emblem of Scotland, also features in Scottish & British heraldry through symbols, logos, coats of arms, and on British currency.
	TheHonours of Scotland, the Scottish Crown Jewels, are displayed in theCrown Room of Edinburgh Castle, from where they are removed only for State Occasions. They appear on the royalcrest, as well as on the badges of theRoyal Regiment of Scotland,Police Scotland, theScottish Ambulance Service and uponRoyal Mail premises, vehicles andpillar/wall boxes in Scotland.
	TheGreat Seal of Scotland is theseal used by thefirst minister of Scotland to sealletters patent signed bythe monarch givingroyal assent tobills passed by theScottish Parliament. The Great Seal of Scotland is the principalnational symbol ofScotland that allows the monarch to authorise official documents without having to sign each document individually. Wax is melted in a metal mould or matrix and impressed into a wax figure that is attached by cord or ribbon to documents that the monarch wishes to make official. The earliestseal impression, in the Treasury ofDurham Cathedral, is believed to be the Great Seal ofDuncan II and dates to 1094. During the reign ofMary I, thethistle was incorporated into the design of the Great Seal, segmenting the thistle's status as a national Scottish symbol.[8]

• Flower of Scotland is popularly held to be thenational anthem, and is played at events such as football and rugby matches involving the Scotland national teams, and as of 2010 is used for the Scottish team at theCommonwealth Games.
• Scotland the Brave
• Scots Wha Hae
• A Man's A Man for A' That^[9]
• Freedom Come-All-Ye^[10]

• Nemo me impune lacessit – (Latin for 'No one provokes me with impunity') is the national motto ofScotland.^[11][12][13] It also served as the national motto of the historicKingdom of Scotland prior to theTreaty of Union 1707.^[14]
• In my defens God me defend – themotto of both theroyal coat of arms of theKingdom of Scotland androyal coat of arms of the United Kingdom used inScotland.^[15][16] Contemporary versions of the royal arms show an abbreviated motto, in the form ofin defens or, whereEnglish is used as an alternative,in defence.^[17] The motto appears above thecrest of the arms, in the tradition ofScottish heraldry.^[18][19]

	Shirley Manson initially achieved moderate success as a member of the bandGoodbye Mr Mackenzie in the 1980s, before her subsequent projectAngelfish was discovered by the American members ofGarbage. Manson gained media attention for her forthright style, rebellious attitude, and distinctive deep voice.[20][21][22][23][24] In 1995, Garbage released theirself-titled debut album, a critical and commercial success. The band have released seven studio albums, including the multipleGrammy Award-nominatedVersion 2.0 and agreatest hits album.[24] Garbage have toured worldwide and sold over 17 million records as of 2017.[25] In 2008, she played a liquid metalT-1001 Terminator named Catherine Weaver in the second season ofTerminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
	The Proclaimers became known for singing in distinct Scottish accents with a fewScots words. They came to attention with their 1987 single "Letter from America", which reached No. 3 in the United Kingdom, and the 1988 single "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)", which topped charts in Australia,[26][27] Iceland and New Zealand.[28] The duo's biggest album,Sunshine on Leith (1988) has been certified multi-Platinum in Australia and Canada, selling over 2 million copies worldwide, including around 700,000 in the United States.[29] The Proclaimers have sold over 5 million albums worldwide.[30][31]
	TheBay City Rollers were one of the world's biggest bands, and they were widely known for their worldwideteen idol popularity in the 1970s. They have been called the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh" and are one of many acts heralded as the "biggest group sincethe Beatles".[32] According to the BBC, the Bay City Rollers sold 120 million records.[33]
	Runrig, one of the most commercially successful groups to sing inScottish Gaelic. Runrig's music is often described as a blend offolk and rock music, with the band's lyrics often focusing upon locations, history, politics, and people that are unique to Scotland. Songs also make references to agriculture, land conservation and religion.[34] In August 2018, Runrig performed the final shows of their farewell tour, entitledThe Last Dance, inStirling City Park beneath the castle ramparts.[35] An estimated 52,000 fans attendedThe Last Dance.[36] Bruce Guthro died on 5 September 2023 from cancer.[37]
	Annie Lennox, one of the most commercially successful artists of the 1980s withEurythmics, and the 1990s as a solo artist, was known for herandrogyny during the 1980s. She has been dubbed the "Brits Champion of Champions", with eightBrit Awards, which includes being namedBest British Female Artist a record six times. Lennon has sold 80 million records internationally.[38]
	Susan Boyle, whose debut albumI Dreamed a Dream isone of the best-selling albums of the 21st century, having sold over 10 million copies worldwide, and it was the best-selling album internationally in 2009.[39] Boyle became the first female artist in history to have a number one album simultaneously in both the United Kingdom and United States within the space of a year. In 2011, Boyle made UK music history by becoming the first female artist to achieve three successive albums debut at No.1 in less than two years.[40]
	Calvin Harris rose to international prominence with the release of his third studio album,18 Months. Harris had achieved success with his first two albums across Europe.18 Months topped the UK Albums Chart, earning him his second UK Number One album followingReady for the Weekend in 2009, and became his first album to chart on the USBillboard 200, peaking at number 19. All eight of the album's singles reached the top 10 in the UK, breaking the record for the most top 10 songs from one studio album on the UK Singles Chart with eight entries, surpassingMichael Jackson's record. Harris became the first artist to place three songs simultaneously on the top 10 ofBillboard'sDance/Electronic Songs chart.[41] He also became the first UK solo artist to reach more than one billion streams onSpotify.[42] Harris has received 18Brit Award nominations–winningBritish Producer of the Year andBritish Single of the Year in 2019,[43] as well as five Grammy nominations, including a win forBest Music Video in 2013.[44]
	Lewis Capaldi achieved international success with his single "Someone You Loved", released in 2018, which topped theUK Singles Chart where it remained for seven weeks, and in November 2019, it reached number one on the USBillboard Hot 100; it was nominated at the62nd Annual Grammy Awards forSong of the Year and won the 2020Brit Award for Song of the Year. "Someone You Loved" was the bestselling single of 2019 in the UK. In May 2020, it was announced that Capaldi's song "Someone You Loved" had become the longest-running top 10 UK single of all time by a British artist.[45]
	Midge Ure achieved success in the 1970s and 1980s in bands includingSlik,Thin Lizzy,Rich Kids andVisage, and as the second frontman ofUltravox. He co-wrote and produced the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?", which has sold 3.7 million copies in the UK. The song is the second-highest-selling single in UK chart history.[46] Ure co-organisedBand Aid,Live Aid andLive 8 withBob Geldof.
	Paolo Nutini achieved international success in 2006 following the release of his debut albumThese Streets. He has received threeBRIT Award nominations and anIvor Novello Award nomination for songwriting. In July 2014, he was referred to by theBBC as "arguably Scotland's biggest musician right now."[47]
	Sheena Easton achieved international recognition in the early 1980s following the release of her first two singles "Modern Girl" and "9 to 5" both entered the top ten of theUK Singles Chart simultaneously. She became one of the most successful British female recording artists of the 1980s. Easton became the first and only recording artist inBillboard history to have a top five hit on each ofBillboard's primarysingles charts: "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" (Pop andAdult Contemporary), "We've Got Tonight" withKenny Rogers (Country and Adult Contemporary) and "Sugar Walls" (R&B andDance). She is a six-timeGrammy Award nominee, Easton is a two-time Grammy Award winner –Best New Artist in1982[48] andBest Mexican-American Performance in1985[49] for herduet withMexican singerLuis Miguel on the 1984 single "Me Gustas Tal Como Eres".
	Lulu is highly regarded due to her "powerful singing voice",[50] Lulu began her career in the UK but soon became known internationally. She had major chart hits with "To Sir with Love" from the1967 film of the same name, which topped theBillboard Hot 100, and with thetitle song to the 1974James Bond filmThe Man with the Golden Gun. In European countries, she is also widely known for theEurovision Song Contest 1969 winning entry "Boom Bang-a-Bang", and for her 1964 hit "Shout", which she performed at theclosing ceremony of the2014 Commonwealth Games inGlasgow.

	Sean Connery was the first actor toportray fictional British secret agentJames Bond on film, starring in sevenBond films between 1962 and 1983.[51][52][53] Connery originated the role inDr. No (1962) and continued starring as Bond in theEon Productions filmsFrom Russia with Love (1963),Goldfinger (1964),Thunderball (1965),You Only Live Twice (1967) andDiamonds Are Forever (1971). Connery made his final appearance in the franchise inNever Say Never Again (1983), a non-Eon-produced Bond film. Connery received numerous accolades including aBAFTA Award, threeGolden Globe Awards and anAcademy Award, the first Scottish actor to win the lattermost achievement.[54]
	Craig Ferguson first achieved success in the United Kingdom in the 1980s, performing as "Bing Hitler" in the comedy circuit, before moving to the United States where he first achieved recognition through his portrayal of Mr. Wick onThe Drew Carey Show before becoming host of his own late–night talk show onCBS,The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in 2005.
	Billy Connolly has achieved internationally recognition in the field of comedy, has become known by theScots nicknamethe Big Yin ("the Big One").[55] Known for hisidiosyncratic and oftenimprovisedobservational comedy, frequently including strong language, Connolly has topped many UK polls as the greatest stand-up comedian of all time.[56][57][58][59] In 2017, he was knighted atBuckingham Palace for services to entertainment and charity. In 2022, he received theBAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from theBritish Academy of Film and Television Arts.
	Alan Cumming has become internationally known for his roleson stage and screen, and has receivednumerous accolades including aBAFTA Award, twoEmmy Awards, twoTony Awards, and anOlivier Award. He received theLaurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy Performance for theWest End production ofAccidental Death of an Anarchist (1991). On television, Cumming is best known for his role in theCBS seriesThe Good Wife (2010–2016), for which he was nominated for threePrimetime Emmy Awards, twoScreen Actors Guild Awards, and twoGolden Globe Awards. Cumming also starred in theCBS seriesInstinct (2018–2019), theApple TV+ seriesSchmigadoon! (2021–2023) and presents thePeacock reality game showThe Traitors.
	David Tennant is best known for portraying thetenth incarnation ofthe Doctor in the sci-fi seriesDoctor Who (2005–2010; 2013). He returned to the show as thefourteenth incarnation of the character from 2022 to 2023.[60] In 2015, he received theNational Television Award for Special Recognition.
	Sylvester McCoy gained prominence as aphysical comedian,[61][62] he became best known for playing theseventh incarnation ofthe Doctor in the long-runningscience fiction television seriesDoctor Who from 1987 to 1989—the final Doctor of the original run—and briefly returning in atelevision film in 1996.
	Lorraine Kelly has presented various television shows forITV andSTV, includingGood Morning Britain (1988–1992),GMTV (1993–2010),This Morning (2003–2005, 2016),Daybreak (2012–2014),The Sun Military Awards (2016–present),STV Children's Appeal (2016–present), and her eponymous programmeLorraine (2010–present). Between 2004 and 2007, Kelly wasRector of the University of Dundee. She was appointedOfficer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the2012 New Year Honours for services to charity and was promoted toCommander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the2020 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
	Karen Gillan gained recognition for her work in British film and television, particularly for playingAmy Pond, a primarycompanion to theEleventh Doctor in the science fiction seriesDoctor Who (2010–2013), for which she received several awards and nominations. She achieved success internationally following starring roles as Kaylie Russell in the horror filmOculus (2013), her first commercial success in the United States, and thereafter played the lead in theABC sitcomSelfie (2014). She achieved international stardom for portrayingNebula in theMarvel Cinematic Universesuperhero filmsGuardians of the Galaxy (2014),Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017),Avengers: Infinity War (2018),Avengers: Endgame (2019),Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), andGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). Gillan's accolades include anEmpire Award, aNational Television Award, aTeen Choice Award and nominations for aBritish Academy Scotland Film Award, aCritics' Choice Award and aSaturn Award.
	Kelly Macdonald made her film debut inDanny Boyle'sTrainspotting (1996). Her notable film roles include in the acclaimed filmsElizabeth (1998),Gosford Park (2001),Intermission (2003), andNanny McPhee (2005). She received a nomination for theBAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in theCoen brothers filmNo Country for Old Men (2007). She also appeared inHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011),Anna Karenina (2012),T2 Trainspotting (2017), andOperation Mincemeat (2021). She voicedPrincess Merida in theDisney Pixar animated filmBrave (2012). She has become known for her television roles she received thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her performance in theBBC One filmThe Girl in the Cafe (2005). From 2010 to 2014 she starred asMargaret Thompson in theHBO seriesBoardwalk Empire for which she received nominations for aPrimetime Emmy Award and twoGolden Globe Awards.
	Robbie Coltrane gained worldwide recognition in the 2000s for playingRubeus Hagrid in theHarry Potter film series. He was appointed an OBE in the2006 New Year Honours byQueen Elizabeth II for his services to drama. In 1990, Coltrane received theEvening Standard British Film Award – Peter Sellers Award for Comedy. In 2011, he was honoured for his "outstanding contribution" to film at theBritish Academy Scotland Awards.
	Ronnie Corbett became known alongsideRonnie Barker who he had a long association with, primarily through the BBC television comedy sketch showThe Two Ronnies. He achieved prominence inDavid Frost's 1960s satirical comedy programmeThe Frost Report (with Barker) and subsequently starred in sitcoms such asNo – That's Me Over Here!,Now Look Here, andSorry!.
	Elaine C. Smith rose to prominence from appearing in theBBC Scotland sitcomsCity Lights (1984–1991) andRab C. Nesbitt (1988–2014). Smith has played the role of Christine O'Neil in the BBC Scotland sitcomTwo Doors Down (2013–present). Smith co-wrote with Alan Mchugh, as well as starring inI Dreamed a Dream, a stage production about the life and rise to fame of Scottish singerSusan Boyle in 2012.

	Edinburgh is Scotland'scapital city. Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is the seat of theScottish Government, theScottish Parliament, thehighest courts in Scotland, and thePalace of Holyroodhouse, theofficial residence of theBritish monarch in Scotland. It is also the annual venue of theGeneral Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The city has long been a centre of education, particularly in the fields of medicine,Scottish law, literature, philosophy, the sciences and engineering. TheUniversity of Edinburgh, founded in 1582 and now one of three in the city, is considered one of the best research institutions in the world. It is the second-largest financial centre in the United Kingdom, the fourth largest in Europe, and the thirteenth largest internationally.[63]
	Burns' Night is an annual celebration of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns.
	Declaration of Arbroath (1320) is Scotland's Declaration of Independence. It constitutedKing Robert I's response to hisexcommunication for disobeying the pope's demand in 1317 for a truce in theFirst War of Scottish Independence.[64] The letter asserted the antiquity of the independence of theKingdom of Scotland, denouncing English attempts to subjugate it.[64] TheDeclaration was intended to assert Scotland's status as anindependent, sovereign state and defendScotland's right to use military action when unjustly attacked.
	Scotland retains its own separate, independent and uniquelegal system, known asScots law. Scots law recognises four sources of law: legislation, legal precedent, specific academic writings, and custom. Legislation affecting Scotland and Scots law is passed by theScottish Parliament on all areas of devolved responsibility, and theUnited Kingdom Parliament on reserved matters. Some legislation passed by the pre-1707Parliament of Scotland is still also valid.
	TheStone of Scone, a block of red sandstone which was used for the coronation of theScottish monarchy. The stone is considered an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy and theKingdom of Scotland, with its first recorded use being document in 1249 for the coronation ofAlexander III of Scotland.[65] The artefact was originally kept at the now-ruinedScone Abbey inScone, nearPerth. In 1296, the forces of Edward I of England captured it during Edward'sinvasion of Scotland. The Stone has subsequently been used in the coronation ofEnglish monarchs and British monarchs for over 500 years. In 1996, the stone was returned to Scotland, and kept inEdinburgh Castle with theHonours of Scotland. The stone remains property ofthe Crown, withCrown Estate Scotland, an executive agency of theScottish Government responsible for the stone in the rights of the monarch. It is transported to London for use at coronations under the supervision of theKeeper of the Great Seal of Scotland.[66] Since March 2024, it has been on permanent public display inPerth.
	TheBank of Scotland bank was established by theParliament of Scotland in 1695 to develop Scotland's trade with other countries, and aimed to create a stable banking system in theKingdom of Scotland.[67] With a history dating to the end of the 17th century, it is thefifth-oldest extant bank in the United Kingdom (theBank of England having been established one year earlier), and is the only commercial institution created by the Parliament of Scotland to remain in existence. It was one of the first banks in Europe to print its ownbanknotes, and it continues to print its ownsterling banknotes under legal arrangements that allow Scottish banks to issue currency.
	St Andrew's Day, 30 November, is thenational day with theSt. Andrew's Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007, designating the day to be an officialbank holiday.[68]
	Tartan is a specificwoven textile pattern that often signifies a particularScottish clan, as featured on akilt.

	Theunicorn is thenational animal of Scotland. The royalcoat of arms of Scotland, used prior to 1603 by the Kings of Scotland, was supported by two unicorns, and the currentcoat of arms of the United Kingdom is supported by a unicorn for Scotland along with a lion for England. The unicorn is frequently found as an ornament onmercat crosses. A National Unicorn Museum is being set up in Forres, Moray.
	Thethistle is thefloral emblem of Scotland. It has been regarded as the floral emblem of Scotland since the reign ofKing Alexander III (1249–1286).[69][70] According tolegend, an invadingNorse army was attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scottish army's encampment. One barefoot Norseman stepped on a thistle and cried out in pain, thus alerting Scots to the presence of the invaders. Possibly, this happened in 1263 during theBattle of Largs, which marked the beginning of the departure of KingHaakon IV (Haakon the Elder) ofNorway who, having control of theNorthern Isles andHebrides, had harried the coast of theKingdom of Scotland for some years.[71]
	Heather is also considered to be a symbol of Scotland. Wearing a sprig of heather is believed to bring good luck.
	TheScots Pine is thenational tree of Scotland.

	Haggis is one of Scotland's most recognisable and traditional foods associated annually with Burns' night.
	Irn-Bru is Scotland's most popular home-grown soft drink.
	Shortbread is a classic Scottish dessert that consists of flour, sugar, and butter.
	Whisky is the quintessential drink of Scotland.

	Saint Andrew is thepatron saint of Scotland.
	Robert the Bruce wasKing of Scotland from 1306 to his death in 1329. Regarded as a national hero after theScottish Wars of Independence, Robert led theKingdom of Scotland during theFirst War of Scottish Independence againstEngland. He fought successfully during his reign to restore Scotland to an independent kingdom and is regarded in Scotland as anational hero.
	Robert Burns is recognised as Scotland's national poet. He is widely regarded as thenational poet ofScotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in theScots language, although much of his writing is in a "lightScots dialect" of English, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these writings his political or civil commentary is often at its bluntest. He is regarded as a pioneer of theRomantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of bothliberalism andsocialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and among theScottish diaspora around the world. Celebration of his life and work became almost a nationalcharismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong onScottish literature.
	John Logie Baird demonstrated the world's first live workingtelevision system on 26 January 1926.[72][73][74] He went on to invent the first publicly demonstrated colour television system and the first viable purely electroniccolour television picture tube.[75][76] In 2006, Baird was named as one of the 10 greatest Scottish scientists in history, having been listed in theNational Library of Scotland's 'Scottish Science Hall of Fame'.[77] In 2015 he was inducted into theScottish Engineering Hall of Fame.[78]
	William Wallace, a leader in theScottish Wars of Independence, who became a national hero in Scotland. Along withAndrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at theBattle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. He was appointedGuardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at theBattle of Falkirk in July 1298. In August 1305, Wallace was captured inRobroyston, nearGlasgow, and handed over to KingEdward I of England, who had himhanged, drawn and quartered forhigh treason and crimes against English civilians. Since his death, Wallace has obtained a legendary status beyond his homeland. He is theprotagonist ofBlind Harry's 15th-century epic poemThe Wallace and the subject of literary works byJane Porter andSir Walter Scott, and of theAcademy Award-winning filmBraveheart.
	Alexander Fleming is best known for discovering the world's first broadly effectiveantibiotic substance, which he namedpenicillin. His discovery in 1928 of what was later namedbenzylpenicillin (or penicillin G) from the mouldPenicillium rubens has been described as the "single greatest victory ever achieved over disease".[79][80] For this discovery, he shared theNobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 withHoward Florey andErnst Boris Chain.[81][82][83]
	Alex Salmond,First Minister of Scotland (2007–2014), and the first First Minister to both achieve a majority in theScottish Parliament and to hold areferendum on Scottish independence. At the2011 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP, under Salmond's leadership, won with an overall majority, a feat previously thought almost impossible under theadditional member system used in elections for the Scottish Parliament. As of 2021, this is the only election in which a party has won a majority in the Scottish Parliament. Salmond used this mandate to hold a referendum on Scottish independence, which led to the signing of theEdinburgh Agreement, allowing a referendum on Scottish independence to be held on 18 September 2014.
	Alexander Graham Bell is credited with patenting the first practicaltelephone. He also co-founded theAmerican Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) in 1885.[84] Many other inventions marked Bell's later life, including groundbreaking work inoptical telecommunications,hydrofoils, andaeronautics. Bell also had a strong influence on theNational Geographic Society[85] and itsmagazine while serving as the second president from January 7, 1898, until 1903.
	Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland (2014–2023), the first woman to hold the office of First Minister.
	Donald Dewar, the first First Minister of Scotland (1999–2000) and often regarded as "Father of the Nation". Following Labour's landslide victory in1997, he was appointedSecretary of State for Scotland byPrime MinisterTony Blair. As the Scottish secretary, he was an advocate ofScottish devolution, and campaigned for aScottish Parliament in the1997 Scottish devolution referendum. Following a successful campaign, Dewar worked on creating theScotland Act 1998.

See also the 16 people in the Hall of Heroes at theWallace Monument inStirling. For a nineteenth century list of over 600 people see theBiographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen.

	Forth Rail Bridge, connectingEdinburgh andFife by railway, is considered a Scottish cultural icon and a major achievement in theScottish Enlightenment and engineering
	Edinburgh Castle, a national icon of Scotland. Considered one of the most important strongholds in theKingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts from theWars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite rising of 1745. Research undertaken in 2014 identified 26 sieges in its 1,100-year history, giving it a claim to having been "the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world"
	Kilt, Scotland's national dress. Originating in theScottish Highland dress for men, it is first recorded in the 16th century as the great kilt, a full-length garment whose upper half could be worn as a cloak. The small kilt or modern kilt emerged in the 18th century, and is essentially the bottom half of the great kilt. Since the 19th century, it has become associated with the wider culture of Scotland, and more broadly with Gaelic or Celtic heritage.
	Scottish Terrier, Scotland's national dog. The breed is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland, the other four being the modernSkye Terrier,Cairn Terrier,Dandie Dinmont Terrier, andWest Highland White Terrier.
	Falkirk Wheel inFalkirk, the only rotating boat lift in the world
	Glasgow Tower inGlasgow holds a Guinness World Record for being the tallest fully rotating freestanding structure in the world, in which the whole structure is capable of rotating 360 degrees.[86] The Glasgow Tower is the tallest building in both Glasgow and Scotland, and has held these records since its completion in 2001.
	Highland dancing, Scotland's national dance
	TheScottish Parliament building inEdinburgh, home to Scotland's national parliament
	TheCallanish Stones, erected in the lateNeolithic era and are depicted onBank of Scotland debit cards.
	TheNational Monument of Scotland, Scotland's national memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in theNapoleonic Wars.It was intended, according to the inscription, to be "A Memorial of the Past and Incentive to the Future Heroism of the Men of Scotland"

• List of national symbols of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
• Tartan
• List of tartans

Bruce, Robert V. (1990) [1st pub. 1973].Bell: Alexander Graham Bell and the Conquest of Solitude. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.ISBN 0-8014-9691-8.

• Jamieson, Andrew Stewart (1998).Coats of Arms. Pitkin.ISBN 978-0-85372-870-2.

• National symbols of Scotland

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