Award-winning scenery and fascinating heritage are aspects of Scotland that make it a world-famous place to visit but the country has plenty more to offer. It is often said that “people make Glasgow” and in turn it’s also true that “people make Scotland” – as it is the country’s residents that add to its colourful culture with their various quirks.
We asked our followers ‘What are weird things that Scots do that the rest of the world don't?’ and compiled some of their answers into this list. Carry on reading to discover 17 of these ‘funny things’ that people in Scotland do that - apparently - the rest of the world does not.
. 'Clapping' dogs (or any pet)
If someone says "you can gie the dug a clap" in Scotland it just means you can give their dog an affectionate pat. This is not to be mistaken for giving their dog a round of applause, although they would surely appreciate you thinking so highly of them. Photo: via Canva Pro
. Starting any sentence with 'Here'
Here, don't ask us why but for some reason saying this before you start any sentence is common in Scotland e.g., "Here, I was in Glasgow the other day and I saw your pal." Photo: via Ales Munt on Canva Pro
. Taking Hogmanay more seriously than Christmas
A lot of people don’t know that in Scotland’s history there was a time where Christmas was banned… For 400 years! Maybe it’s because of that that we’re known to take Hogmanay even more seriously than Christmas (or just because the celebrations are legendary!) Photo: via WikiCommons
. Sunbathing even in arctic conditions
Scotland is “cursed” with unpredictable weather (which tends to favour ‘dreich’ days over sunny ones) so you better believe when we get a chance to soak in that Vitamin D that it’s “taps aff” for the day. Warm temperature or not. Photo: via PxHere
. Having a mythical beast for our national animal
What the Eagle is to the United States of America, or a Wolf is to Italy, a Unicorn is to our dear Scotland. The Unicorn was adopted as Scotland's national animal in the 15th century and you can find Unicorn statues all over the country. Photo: Brian Gratwicke via Wikimedia Commons
. Taking our favourite carbonated drink very seriously
Irn Bru is Scotland's favourite soft drink that Scots often tell others about how it has outsold Coca Cola locally. Irn Bru even has a dedicated carnival that is due to return this December, we just love it that much. Photo: Martin Abegglen via Wikimedia Commons
. Putting pasta into pies
A delicacy considered "distinctly Scottish", Macaroni Pies are cheesy pastries famed for their filling of macaroni pasta - an unusual, yet delicious, carb on carb sensation. Photo: Alex Liivet via Wikimedia Commons
1. 'Clapping' dogs (or any pet)
If someone says "you can gie the dug a clap" in Scotland it just means you can give their dog an affectionate pat. This is not to be mistaken for giving their dog a round of applause, although they would surely appreciate you thinking so highly of them. Photo: via Canva Pro
2. Starting any sentence with 'Here'
Here, don't ask us why but for some reason saying this before you start any sentence is common in Scotland e.g., "Here, I was in Glasgow the other day and I saw your pal." Photo: via Ales Munt on Canva Pro
3. Taking Hogmanay more seriously than Christmas
A lot of people don’t know that in Scotland’s history there was a time where Christmas was banned… For 400 years! Maybe it’s because of that that we’re known to take Hogmanay even more seriously than Christmas (or just because the celebrations are legendary!) Photo: via WikiCommons
4. Sunbathing even in arctic conditions
Scotland is “cursed” with unpredictable weather (which tends to favour ‘dreich’ days over sunny ones) so you better believe when we get a chance to soak in that Vitamin D that it’s “taps aff” for the day. Warm temperature or not. Photo: via PxHere