Hogmanay Fireworks Scotland

Origins of Hogmanay

What does Hogmanay actually mean and what is the derivation of the name? Why do the Scots more than any other nation celebrate the New Year with such a passion? Why should a tall dark stranger be a welcome first foot visitor after midnight,…
Glen Loin Arrochar Scotland

Tobar-na-Uruisg, the Goblin’s Well in Glenloin

In his tale Doom Castle, Neil Munro tells of a doughty blacksmith of Arrochar whom he calls Black Andy, and to whom he ascribes great deeds in blackmailing the Campbells. Now, there was once a famous blacksmith in Arrochar, and tradition…
Loch Sloy from Ben Voirlich

LOCH SLOY!

Loch Sloy lies at the northern entrance to Glenloin, in the deep valley between Ben Vorlich and Ben Vane. Up Glenloin lay the route to the north and west, passing along the rough shore of the loch and emerging on the flatter land beyond at the…

THE HOLIDAYS IN SCOTLAND

With the Holiday season upon us, I thought I would take a look at how they are celebrated in Scotland. In order to do that we will have to go back in time, to a time that came before modern conveniences and where the weather dictated how people…
Historic Story Board Inveruglas Jetty - Loch Lomond Scotland

LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of a National Park is? I mean we all know that these parks are set aside for people to enjoy, but what is the purpose other than for our enjoyment? Simply, a national park is a park in use for conservation…
International Clan MacFarlane Societ Arms

Glossary of Basic Heraldic Terminology

Appended below are basic heraldic terms including those that lend themselves to the general definition and interpretation of the MacFarlane chiefly and corporate coats-of-arms. achievement – a full coat-of-arms with crest, helmet, mantling,…
International Clan MacFarlane Society Inc. Grant of Arms by Court of the Lord Lyon ©Clan MacFarlane Charitable Trust - This image may not be reproduced.

The Clan MacFarlane Charitable Trust- Clan Icons Collection

Lyon Court Rendition of The Armorial Bearings of Walter MacFarlane of that Ilk.  Shield- Argent, a saltire engrailed cantoned with four roses Gules Crest - A demi savage brandishing in his dexter hand a broad sword and pointing with…
Scottish Unicorn Statue 1

THE UNICORN: SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL ANIMAL

The official animal of Scotland is the Unicorn. A fictitious creature may seem an odd choice for a country’s national animal, but perhaps not for a country famed for its love for and long history of myth and legend, and the unicorn…
Two very famous blades... The basket on the left is Rob Roy MacGregor's. The one on the right is Charles Stewart of Ardshiel, colonel of the Appin regiment at Culloden.

THE SALTIRE: SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL FLAG

The Saltire  is the national flag of Scotland and, with a white diagonal cross on a blue background, it represents the crucifixion of the apostle St. Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint. There is something about the Saltire that stirs the…
The Lion Rampant Flag Although the national flag of Scotland is the blue and white "Saltire" the Scottish people also have a second, very different, flag which is called the 'Lion Rampant'. The 'lion flag' is often considered the unofficial national flag and referred to as the 'Royal Flag of Scotland'. The 'Royal' term applies because this flag historically, and legally, belongs to the monarchy (or royalty) - more specifically to a King or Queen of Scots. As there hasn't been a Scottish King or Queen since the 17th Century, it now belongs to Queen Elizabeth II. The term 'lion rampant' actually refers to the positioning or attitude of the lion. A rampant lion is shown as a profile of a lion standing upright on one or both hind legs and the forelegs are raised, claws unsheathed, as if to strike. History of the Lion Rampant Flag It seems that the rampant lion design was first used as a symbol of the Scottish kingdom by King Alexander II (1214 - 1249 AD). It appeared as a coat of arms on one of his seals in 1222, and also later, on a seal of Alexander III. It was referred to as the 'Arms of the Kingdom (or Dominion) of Scotland' But historians believe that the lion rampant may have appeared even earlier than this, being adopted by King William I (aka 'William the Lion') 1143 - 1214 AD, as part of the design of his heraldic banners/flags used in battle. At this time it may have been called 'The Lion of Bravery'. The same symbol was also used by King Richard I of England (aka 'Richard the Lion Heart') later in the 12th Centruy. Before the lion appeared as a Scottish heraldic symbol, there's a record of a royal standard featuring an even more exotic, mythical, animal... the dragon! A dragon symbol was used on a royal standard, by King David I during battle as early as 1138. The Scottish Lion Rampant Today Officially (and historically) the 'Lion' Flag is only allowed to be flown by a monarch, and today it is traditionally flown at royal residences when the Queen is NOT in residence. There are also other officials, such as the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who are allowed to fly this flag. According to an Act of Parliament, passed in 1672, it is an offense for any private citizen or corporate body to fly or wave this flag, so they're not a part of the every-day Scottish scenery. Unofficially though, it's often thought of as the 'Second National Flag of Scotland' and you'll generally see hordes of them in the hands of sports fans at national (and international) football and rugby games. Although this is technically illegal, there doesn't seem to be any official objections to these displays of patriotism because King George V gave permission Lion Rampant flags to be waved by the public during his Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1935. BUT, if anyone wants to fly one from a flagpole or building they do still need to get special permission!

THE LION RAMPANT FLAG

The Lion Rampant Flag of Scotland Although the national flag of Scotland is the blue and white "Saltire" the Scottish people also have a second, very different, flag which is called the 'Lion Rampant'. The 'lion flag' is often considered…