15 quotes about Scotland: the most inspiring words about Scotland from the country’s actors, writers and sports people

Scotland has been the source of inspiration for poets, novelists, musicians, actors and more thanks to its beautiful landscapes, vast history and varied culture

Some of the best quotes about Scotland (Photo: Shutterstock)

Here are 15 of the best quotes about Scotland to get you inspired.

On its capital, Edinburgh: “This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.” - Alexander McCall Smith

On its beauty: “There are few places in my life that I’ve found more ruggedly beautiful than the Highlands of Scotland. The place is magical - it’s so far north, so remote, that sometimes it feels like you’ve left this world and gone to another.” - Julia London

On poetry: “Poetry, the reading of it, the writing of it, the saying it out loud, the learning of it off by heart, matters deeply to ordinary Scottish people everywhere.” - Liz Lochead

On its weather: “There are two season in Scotland: June and winter.” - Billy Connolly

On its history: “It is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world, the history is fascinating, the men are handsome and the whisky is delicious.” - JK Rowling

On superstition: “[Macbeth] is historically set in a place depicted by Shakespeare as brutal and violent, incredibly superstitious, and that’s something that I do believe is Scottish.” - James McAvoy

On civilisation: “We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation.” - Voltaire

On stealing the show: “Scotland is undoubtedly the star of Outlander. I’m so proud of the country and all it has to offer.” - Sam Heughan

On last requests: “Give me but one our of Scotland, let me see it ere I die.” - William Edmondstoune Aytoun

On magic: “There’s no place on earth with more of the old superstitions and magic mixed into its daily life than the Scottish Highlands.” - Diana Gabaldon

On invention: “Of all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind.” - Winston Churchill

On music: “Scotland has an in-built sound system that never stops thumping. Music runs deep and I like to think of all the great songs and voices that have come out of the country, and all the music that is yet to come.” - KT Tunstall

On keeping your roots: “Being on tour so often, in fact, enhances my appreciation and pride in being from Scotland. In such a competitive world, I believe it is my Scottish roots that have enabled me to keep a sincere and realistic approach to everything I do.” - Nicola Benedetti

On being larger than life: “There’s nothing small about Scotland. We’re all about big, beautiful scenery and giant intellects that invented the likes of penicillin, telephone and TV. We enjoy gigantic portions of grub and throw ourselves wholeheartedly into our football and rugby clubs.” - Lorraine Kelly

On the cuisine: “The best food in the world comes from Scotland, in part at least, because Scotland is the last wilderness area in Europe; therefore the land, freshwater rivers and lochs and sea waters around the country are clean and pure.” - Lady Claire MacDonald