Reason why Scotland Chose the Unicorn as Its National Animal- For centuries, unicorns have been linked to Scotland. In Celtic mythology, the unicorn was a symbol of purity and innocence, as well as masculinity and power.
Tales of dominance and chivalry associated with the unicorn may be why it was chosen as Scotland’s national animal.
Why the Animal is Mythological
The ideals it represents are what make it a perfect fit as the national animal for Scotland, and because like this proud beast – Scots would fight to remain unconquered.
Scotland has always been known for its long history and love for myths and legends, it is no surprise that a fabled creature such as the unicorn is Scotland’s national animal.
History about Scotland National Animal the Unicorn
In the 12th century, the unicorn was first used on the Scottish royal coat of arms by William I, who ruled from 1165 to 1214. The lion and the unicorn became powerful symbols of the country’s unity, representing the strength of the monarchy and the purity of the realm.
Over time, the unicorn became a recurring motif in Scottish art, literature, and culture. The Scottish Royal Banner, known as the “Lion Rampant,” features both the lion and the unicorn, emphasizing the harmony between the two powerful creatures.
In the 15th century, when King James III was in power, gold coins even appeared with the unicorn on them. When Scotland and England unified under the reign of James VI of Scotland in 1603, the Scottish Royal Arms had two unicorns supporting a shield.
When James VI became James I of England and Ireland, he replaced the unicorn on the left of the shield with the national animal of England, the lion, to show that the countries were indeed united.
What The Unicorn Represents to the Scottish People
The unicorn was believed to be the strongest of all animals – wild and untamed, and that it could only be humbled by a virgin maiden. The entrapment may symbolize the power of the Scottish kings – they were strong enough to tame even a unicorn.
The unicorn representing Scotland in the coat of arms is always depicted bounded by a golden chain, which is often seen passing around its neck and wrapping all around its body.
Where can Unicorns be found In Scotland?
Most people say It’s impossible to spot a real unicorn in the wild. But if you look closely you can see the influence of the unicorn all around Scotland.
The unicorns’ distinctive appearance left a lasting legacy on the country’s cities and towns, many of which, to this day, still bear unicorn heraldry.
The following are the few places we are recommending for spotting of unicorns:
- The figurehead of HM Frigate Unicorn in Dundee, the country’s only water-based unicorn. It’s Scotland’s only surviving example of a wooden warship and one of the six oldest ships in the world.
- In front of the National War Museum and St Margaret’s Chapel at Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that dominates the skyline of Edinburgh.
- Unicorns at Delgatie Castle near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, one of the oldest and most historic castles in Scotland. The Kings Fountain at Linlithgow Palace, was once a magnificent Renaissance palace and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
- Stone carving on the St Andrews University building, Scotland’s first university founded in the 15th century.
- The Queen’s chair in the Thistle Chapel at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
- A gatepost at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, and at the gatehouse of the Queen’s Gallery by the palace.
- The Kings Fountain at Linlithgow Palace was once a magnificent Renaissance palace and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
- Atop of the Great Hall at Stirling Castle, once a favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens and one of Scotland’s most historically important sites.
When did Scotland adopt the unicorn?
The answer to that question lies in heraldry – the age-old practice of designing and displaying coats of arms or crests to distinguish between groups of people, armies or institutions.
Using heraldry as our guide, we can see that the unicorn was first introduced to the royal coat of arms of Scotland around the mid-1500s.
However, when King James VI of Scotland also became James I of England, he replaced one of the unicorns with the national animal of England.
Of course, folklore fans will know that lions and unicorns have always been enemies, locked in a battle for the title of ‘king of beasts’.