Scotland in a few key figures
Scotland has a population of approximately 5,454,000 (2019 data), which is about 8% of the UK population. Its average density is 69 inhabitants/km², compared to the 400 inhabitants/km² of England. It is one of the least populated regions in the European Union. Glasgow is the most densely populated city, followed by Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, then Stirling, Inverness, Ayr, Perth, Dumfries and Falkirk. The Highlands and Islands have the lowest population density in Great Britain (less than 7 inhabitants/km²). In some areas, the density is as low as 2 inhabitants/km². Some 70% of the population is concentrated in the Central Lowlands, the most fertile areas, and in the north-east, in the Aberdeen and Inverness areas. The most recent population growth statistics for 2005 showed a birth rate of 10.6 births per 1,000 population, a death rate of 11.1 and net migration of 4.1 for a growth rate of 0.4%. The fertility rate was 1.6 children per woman. Life expectancy for a child born in 2015-2017 was 77 years for men and 81.1 years for women. This is the lowest in the UK and, more alarmingly, in 2018 there was a one month drop in this life expectancy. Health and aged care experts are looking at the issue for better care for dependency and aging.
Glasgow and its surprising demographic specificity
A 2014 report published by the UK Office for National Statistics showed that Glasgow residents had a lower life expectancy than their fellow citizens. Five years less is no small feat! Life expectancy for a woman was 78.5 years and for a man 72.6 years. What is most surprising is that this statistic did not seem to surprise the Scots too much, who justified it by the social and health problems attributed to the city. Glasgow is perceived as a city that, after suffering the industrial decline of the 1970s, is plagued by alcohol and tobacco addictions. However, the use of these products does not exceed the national average. Researchers also blamed drug addiction, knife crime and suicides, but along with other British cities lament the same crime rate without any impact on life expectancy. Health reasons have been studied: harsh winters, vitamin D deficiency. Social policies have also been blamed, as well as a feeling of abandonment by the population... but without ever having the end of the story! The phenomenon remains unexplained to this day, but it has been named: it is called the "Glasgow effect".
What language(s) do the Scots speak?
A priori, the Scots would speak English, but an English with its specificities (some different grammatical turns and words), and especially with a strong accent undoubtedly differentiating it from the English spoken further south, in England. English is the mother tongue of 98% of Scots. It is one of the two official languages of the country. It shares this status with Scottish Gaelic, which was made an "official language" by an act of the Scottish Parliament on April 21, 2005, and is recognized as a regional language under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Statistics from 2001 showed that 1.3% of the population spoke both languages fluently. However, the latter is mainly used in the northwest of the country: in the Highlands, in the Hebrides, in the Strathclyde region and in the Edinburgh region. In the Highlands, road signs are written in both languages. In the south, on the other hand, this language does not seem to be used anymore.
A third language coexists with the two previous ones, and has the same European recognition: Scots. Scots is spoken in the Lowlands and in the east.
In the cities, one can also hear languages from the migratory waves of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and China.
The subjects that could cause trouble: politics and religion
For a long time in conflict with England, Scotland gradually built its autonomy. It was independent until 1707, when it entered the Act of Union. The seat of its parliament is located near the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. It has retained a number of prerogatives. The country has its own education system and government, as well as an autonomous health policy. The Parliament of London has control over defence, foreign affairs, the budget, fiscal and economic policies. The main political parties are the same as in Great Britain: Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Greens and some minority parties. The majority party is the Scottish National Party, the SNP. Although the Gaelic language has all but disappeared, Scottish culture and nationalism remain deeply rooted in the popular consciousness, as evidenced by the dominance of the SNP nationalists on the political scene. Finally, Scotland has a unique status in Europe for its legal system.
On the subject of religion, it is important to note that Scotland is predominantly Protestant. The country also has Catholic believers, more numerous in the central west and in the western islands. Migratory movements have also introduced Asian religions and Islam. Atheism or agnosticism affects some 30% of the population.
Popular expressions of Scotland
Scottish English has its own words and expressions. Some of these are Gaelic, some are Scots, and some are simply city or region specific. Here are some very "local" words to help you blend in with the Scottish language landscape or at least understand what is being said around you.
"Wee". It's the same "little" that adds a nice touch to what it means. A wee dram?" A wee dram !"
"Bonnie." You were looking for a word to describe the sumptuous, beautiful, grandiose, etc. landscapes of Scotland: here it is, ready to use!
"Tattie. The haggis (stuffed sheep's stomach) will be served with " neeps and tatties ", i.e. mashed turnip and potatoes.
"Aye." This is the Scottish "yes". It is pronounced [aille]. And " nay " [nè] is for no.
"Bawbag". We don't recommend insulting anyone, but if it happens to you while in Glasgow, Bowbag is the appropriate expression!
"Peely-wally. The expression refers to the very pale (more than usual!) complexion of a Scotsman... a typical complexion of the day after a night out.
"Rank!". It is used to refer to something bad, in the sense of "ugly", even "disgusting": food or an event.
"It's a dreich day ootside. This expression is used to complain that the weather is sad. Dreich, a very common word, means "gloomy", "dark".
"Yaldi". Used to express your happiness at discovering Scotland, but also to express your joy and enthusiasm on any occasion.
"Haste ye back. This is an expression you may see on some signs when leaving Scotland: it means "hurry back".
