Scottish culture

From poet Robert Burns to 'Trainspotting' author Irvine Welsh, many have tried to define what distinguishes Scots from others.

But you don’t need to be Scottish to enjoy Scotland. Perhaps that sums up the country and its people best of all.

A friendly welcome and world-famous hospitality means you’ll be glad you made Scotland your home.

A creative culture

It’s difficult to pinpoint what has made Scotland such a hotbed of creativity through the centuries, although the Scots have always placed a high value on education.

A hard work ethic, self-confidence and vision may also have played a role. But as history has shown, even when away from the shores of their native country, Scots took that creative spirit with them and continued to distinguish themselves in their adopted countries.

A celebratory culture

Scottish culture is expressed in so many ways today that it would be impossible to list them all.

Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), music events, major sporting occasions, festivals, food and art shows are just some of the ways that our culture is celebrated every year.

The diversity of cultural activity means that whatever your own cultural leanings, you won’t have to try too hard to indulge them.

One Scotland – many backgrounds

Scotland has absorbed a mix of nationalities over the centuries which all add to our cultural mix and diversity.

Here is a very brief timeline of how Scotland became a multicultural society:

  • Irish settlers arrived in the early 1800s
  • Through the late 1800s Italian and Jewish families found a home in parts of Glasgow and the west of Scotland
  • Following World War II, many Polish and eastern European people found new lives in several of Scotland’s cities – some still boast Polish social clubs today
  • In the late parts of the 20th century, Scotland also became home to families from Asia, notably India and Pakistan
  • More recently Scotland has welcomed migrant workers and refugees from Eastern-European nations and the Middle East and Africad Africa

Find out more about Scottish Culture at Scotland.org