Scotland’s Culture: A Guide to Traditions, Customs & Events
Scotland’s culture is a rich combination of heritage and modern influences. Shaped by centuries of history and still evolving today, Caledonia is a vibrant mixture of tradition, food, drink, music, legends, landscapes and internationally-renowned cultural events that make it one of the most alluring destinations to visit in the UK.
Throughout the country, you’ll find fascinating traditions and customs rooted in our deep history and heritage, with plenty of attractions and events to satisfy your cultural curiosity.
There’s always a great time to visit Scotland so whether you’re thinking of hiking the hills in summer or discovering the magic of the Christmas markets come winter, you’ll find a number of our cosy hotels and inns await you all across the country.
Scottish Clan History
Thought to date back to the beginning of the 12th century, Scottish clans were developed as a way for the monarch to maintain order in the Scottish Highlands in a period of significant social unrest. They then became an enduring foundation of the Scottish political system until parliamentary acts introduced following the Battle of Culloden in 1746 clamped down on Highland culture and forced clans to disperse.
Today, the enduring appeal of the Scottish clan still exists due to its historical and cultural legacy and the inclusion of historical figures such as Rob Roy and William Wallace in popular film and TV media. Filming locations for Braveheart and Outlander can be visited across Scotland with Glencoe's iconic scenery in particular playing a starring role in many famous films.
Scottish Traditions
Tartan and Kilts
From ancient clans to a modern fashion house icon, Scotland’s iconic patterned weave has an enduring legacy. The history of tartan can be traced back to ancient times with some of the earliest known fabrics dating back to the 3rd century.
Tartan was originally associated with Highlands, used as a way to represent the unique identity of each clan and each region before becoming more popular amongst the wider Scottish population during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, tartan and kilts remain a popular symbol of Scotland. While in the past they were used as a form of camouflage during battles, today you’re more likely to see them under another guise: as a form of formal event attire at weddings or other special events.
Bagpipes
The music of Scotland has its own distinctive sound, thanks to the magnificent sound of the bagpiper. The instrument is of course most commonly associated with Scotland, but some historians believe that they actually originate from ancient Egypt and were brought to the country by invading Roman Legions.
Bagpipes were, however, developed by Highlanders which is what establishes it as Scotland’s national musical instrument.
Thistle
The Scottish thistle is said to be the oldest flower on record, with its enduring symbolic legacy appearing to have been immortalised by Sir Walter Scott who chose to use it as the official emblem for George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822.
However, it has also appeared at other various points in Scottish history: Mary Queen of Scots chose to have the thistle’s image incorporated into the Great Seal of Scotland and it was depicted on early Scottish coins.
Scottish Customs
From a cold dip in local waters to a knees up at a local ceilidh, Scotland is bursting with interesting customs that makes it a fascinating place to explore all-year round.
Hogmanay - the Scottish New Year
Beginning in January, Hogmanay - Scotland’s version of New Year - is a magical time to take a holiday break with events held up and down the country including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Stonehaven Fireball Festival. If you’re feeling brave, you can always cast yourself into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry for Edinburgh’s annual Hogmanay Loony Dook event.
Burns Night and Burning the Clavie
Be sure to enjoy a Burns Night Supper with traditional Haggis, Neeps and Tatties on January 25 and witness Burning the Clavie in Burghead on January 11 each year, an ancient Scottish custom that features a lit barrel procession carried by a local villager.
The Highland Games
From May to September, you can attend Scotland’s greatest sporting tradition The Highland Games with over 80 events across the country including hammer throw, tug o-war and caber toss, and in August don’t forget to add the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to your bucket list for a unique celebration of music, dance and military procession in the heart of the capital.
Scottish Food and Drink
A visit to Scotland would not be complete without sampling the country’s finest culinary delights and top of your list should be our national dish, haggis.
You can find it served in almost any traditional pub complete with neeps and tatties or pop into a local chip shop and add it to your fish supper. Scotch pies can also be found in a Scottish chippy and if you’re lucky you may even be able to sample an elusive macaroni pie.
If you’d prefer to enjoy your pie in the pub, another Scottish comfort staple is the steak pie which is traditionally served on New Year’s Day but can otherwise be enjoyed all-year round. Look out for cullen skink on the menu if you love seafood too. This warming and comforting soup is made from smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.
Finally, be sure to complete your food and drink tour of Scotland with a visit to the country’s finest whisky distillery experiences. Of course, Edinburgh is well-known for having its fair share but Speyside is truly whisky heaven with over half of Scotland’s whisky production taking place there.
Music & Arts
From music festivals to theatre productions, Scotland has a thriving arts scene with plenty of events on the cultural calendar waiting to be explored. Spring brings The Glasgow International Comedy Festival and The Glasgow Film Festival but if you really want to be a true cultural explorer visit Scotland in summer for a truly sizzling line-up.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and TRNSMT kick off in July with a number of smaller festivals dotted all across the country, while the East Neuk Festival features classical, jazz and traditional music. Scotland is of course famous for folk music so if traditional music is your bag then make a date with Celtic Connections.
One of the biggest cultural events in the Scottish diary is in August with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe but be sure to book your accommodation early as it’s by far the capital’s busiest season.
Other Scottish Events
In addition to a varied music and arts programme, you’ll find plenty of popular events throughout the year including major modern sports tournaments such as Six Nations Rugby and the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
If you’re interested in exploring Scottish traditional customs, on the other hand, fire festivals are firmly rooted in our local history. The annual Beltane Fire Festival celebrates spring at its peak and the coming summer with a burning ritual held on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, that draws on a variety of historical, mythological and literary influences.
Winter to spring brings Up Helly Aa in Shetland, its annual fire festival that marks the end of Yule season and features a torchlight procession by squads of costumed participants followed by a spectacular burning of an imitation Viking galley.
Crerar Hotels: Your Gateway to Scotland
Our Hotels and Inns in Scotland are conveniently located throughout the most scenic areas and are ideally situated for your adventures.
No matter which gorgeous hotel you choose to experience, there is something magical for you to do nearby before unwinding in a comforting, luxury hotel that will cater to your every need.
Explore More of Scotland
Discover more wonderful things to do in Scotland, and continue reading:
- Find the finest sightseeing spots Perthshire has to offer
- Explore the best things to do in Glencoe for adventurous travelers
- Discover the great outdoors with our best Scottish adventure activities to explore
Go for a scenic drive with our guide to the best road trips in Scotland
