You can easily find articles on tourism and culture but many may propagate certain myths or inaccuracies about the area you’re researching. While every country has its stereotypes, Scotland can be seen as a particularly strong example given the country’s legacy in pop culture via the film and TV industry.
After all, who hasn’t seen some episodes of Outlander or Braveheart? The question is, however, how much truth do these myths hold, or are they flat out lies?
Here are twelve common conceptions (or misconceptions) about Scotland with some added context for those learning about the country.
5. A Sheep on the road is a traffic jam here
While you can definitely find "runaway sheep causes traffic jam" news updates in Scotland, it's only sometimes the case. Scotland has many single track roads with a lot of open fields for grazing livestock, however this is rarely what causes traffic jams especially in more urban areas. So long as you drive slowly and carefully around any misplaced livestock, and keep a watchful eye in case any suddenly dart out from under a hedge, you will be fine. Photo: LittleMissLisa (Getty Images)
6. Scots wear kilts all the time
Kilts are tartan garments typically worn by men, the first mention of them is in 1538 when they were worn as full-length garments by Gaelic-speaking men in the Highlands. In those days they were worn virtually every day. These days, kilts still act as a symbol of Scottish heritage and pride, yet are often reserved more for special occasions like ceilidhs, weddings, or worn by pipe bands during concerts. Photo: Manuel Velasco (Getty Images Signature)
7. Men don't wear underwear under their kilts
The term 'a true Scotsman' emerged from the debate of whether or not men in kilts should wear underwear beneath the garment. While this discussion is still ongoing amongst Scots, it's understood that it ultimately falls down to personal preference, after all why risk a 'Marilyn Monroe dress blowing up' moment if you're surrounded by company? According to a report by YouGov, a study found that only 38% of male Scottish adults 'go commando' while wearing a kilt. So, it's the exception rather than the rule it seems. Photo: jeangill (Getty Images Signature)
8. Red is the dominant hair colour of Scotland
It is estimated that only 1-2% of the world population is ginger but in Scotland gingers represent 13% of the population. So the stereotype that all Scots have flowing gorgeous ginger locks like Disney’s Merida is a fair stretch. If you’re keen to catch more gingers in their natural habitat, however, then come visit Edinburgh i.e., “the redhead region”. Here, 40% of people carry the gene that encodes ginger hair. Photo: Ben Birchall