Rugby, an institution
As in England, the practice of rugby is an institution here. The history of this sport has its origins in the boarding schools where the pupils were obliged to play the sport, unless they had a medical certificate from the school doctor. It was the bourgeoisie who took on all that rugby had to offer. Today, with its hundreds of clubs and its national team, the Thistle XV, the country participates in all the major competitions. And even if the Scottish players have never reached the podium of the World Cup (4th in 1991) and have not won the 6 Nations Tournament since 1999 despite their 22 victories in this Northern Hemisphere tournament, they are a significant showcase for the country internationally. And when the legendary Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh bursts into unison with the national anthem, Flower of Scotland, even the visitors get a thrill!
Football is a derby story
The world's most popular sport, football, was invented in England in the 19th century. Scotland, meanwhile, has the world's oldest international football stadium, in continuous use since its inception in 1903, Hampden Park in Glasgow. While the Scottish domestic league is not on the same level as its English counterpart, it does have two legendary clubs: Glasgow city sides Rangers, champions of Scotland in 2021 for the 55th time, and Celtic, 51-time winners and European champions in 1967. The Old Firm, the nickname of the city derby, is always an event and remains one of the legendary duels in football history. A match that is always a little more than a simple game of football. Indeed, beyond the sporting rivalry, the two clubs were born out of religious and political antagonisms. While Rangers have always been the club of the city's Protestant population, Celtic, founded by Irish immigrants at the end of the 19th century, are the club of the Catholics.
The national team, meanwhile, has never excelled: its last appearance in a major international competition was at the 1998 World Cup in France.Traditional sports
Curling. Curling is one of the country's most popular sports, and is said to have been invented in Scotland in the 16th century (the World Curling Federation is based in Perth). Scotland is a world-class curler, with no less than five world championship titles and twelve European championship crowns. The women's team is also a two-time world champion and two-time European champion
The Highland Games. These festivities, also called Highland Gatherings, combine traditional sporting events, music competitions and folk dances. Between two bagpipe competitions, there are regularly some great classics such as the tree trunk throw, the most popular event, the hammer throw, the stone throw, but also foot races or wrestling and tug-of-war competitions, also very prestigious events. And of course, all participants are required to wear a kilt! Their history goes back to the Middle Ages. If, at the time, it was a matter of the king or the clan chief choosing the men of his guard, today prizes are awarded to the winners. Bagpipes and multicoloured kilts give a picturesque character to these jousts which often take place in a grandiose setting. Several hundred matches are organised each year, from May to September, throughout Scotland. These are definitely events not to be missed if you get the chance! They are all listed on Visitscotland(www.visitscotland.com). The most popular ones are in Braemer in Aberdeenshire. Since the presence of Queen Victoria in 1848, this festival has had royal patronage
Shinty. This game, which appeared during the Celtic period, is similar to hockey and pits two teams of twelve players equipped with sticks, called camàn. It is a rather virile sport which often causes injuries: it is indeed possible here to raise the stick above the hips. It was used to calm male ardour in Scotland, which was subject to frequent clan wars.
A world-renowned golf destination
A true national sport, which is honoured everywhere! Scotland is the land of golf and this gentleman's sport has a huge reputation here. If it was codified in St Andrews in 1754, after having been imported in the Middle Ages from an equivalent Dutch discipline, the written traces are much older. As far back as 1457, King James II was concerned that his subjects were spending too much time playing it instead of archery and decided to ban the activity. Fortunately, the ban was lifted in 1502 and King James IV became a golfer himself, as did his granddaughter, Mary Queen of Scots. The sport spread throughout the country and the first Open was held in 1860 at Prestwick.
With a heritage that dates back over six centuries, there is no better place for a game. There isn't a town, village or island that doesn't have its own green - Scotland is packed with over 550 fantastic courses to play! It would have been impossible to list them all in this guide, but Visitscotland(www.visitscotland.com) has done so on its website and even publishes a specific 132-page guide to golf. You can even attend some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, such as the British Open, a Grand Slam held alternately in England and Scotland on the3rd or4th Friday of July, or the Scottish Open, which takes place in mid-July on the shores of Loch Lomond.An assault on the breathtaking nature!
Hiking. Hiking is king in Scotland and the opportunities are endless, from simple walks to the most challenging treks. Areas managed by an organisation such as a national park or reserve are particularly suitable as there are plenty of trails. Several long-distance routes are also mentioned in this guide
Although the peaks are not at alpine altitudes, you should be alert to the dangers before embarking on a long mountain walk. Remember that the weather changes without warning in Scotland and it is easy to find yourself in cloud, fog or storm. This makes orientation extremely difficult. Be aware of your abilities and limitations, keep in mind that the terrain can be very steep, muddy, difficult to find and that a path drawn on a map may not be visible on the ground once you are there. So some essential precautions should be taken, but don't worry too much. Everything will be fine if you are careful and you will be able to enjoy the unforgettable rides the country offers.
There are several basic rules to follow: carry a map and a compass, know your route and its characteristics, tell someone, check the weather forecast and, finally, pay attention to the seasons and your equipment: it goes without saying that the conditions will not be the same in summer as in winter. Beware in winter, night falls between 3:30 and 4:00 pm and snow requires specialized equipment.
Horseback riding. This is a very British sport that can be practiced in the most beautiful parts of Scotland, where some riding schools organize treks. The Highlands are a great place for this
Cycling and mountain biking. The Scottish countryside is great for exploring by bike, with hundreds of miles of nature trails, prepared tracks and quiet back roads. The south is very famous, between the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. The more courageous and those who appreciate the wilderness will head for the Highlands and the North West Islands, especially the Hebrides. These spots are also very popular with mountain bikers who enjoy the many trails and descents.
Mountaineering. It is practiced in winter on the north face of Ben Nevis, in Glen Coe, on the Cuillin of Skye, in the Cairngorms and in the Northern Highlands.
Winter sports. Scotland has several ski resorts, around Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms. Don't expect the equivalent of the Alps or the Pyrenees if you're used to it.
In the rivers and lochs, long live fishing!
If there is one country famous for year-round fishing, it is Scotland. Here is another national sport: fishing, mainly for salmon and brown trout, which can be enjoyed for reasonable sums in the rivers and lochs. There is no shortage of incredible sites. Fishing here is centred around four major salmon rivers, the Dee, Spey, Tay and Tweed, and their tributaries. Otherwise, the Don is home to battling brown trout, while Loch Lomond and the rivers of the Dumfries and Galloway area are unique for whitefish fishing. Deep sea and sport fishing can also be considered.
Scotland's fishing seasons are regulated by calendars that must be adhered to. The dates vary depending on the species you wish to fish. For salmon it is between February and April and during September and October; for river trout it is from mid-April to the end of May, which is a good time for fly fishing; for sea trout it is summer. The best fishing is in the Highlands.
Hotels, fishing supply shops, grocers and post offices will issue a day licence or offer packages. Again, Visitscotland will be able to advise you(www.visitscotland.com).
Taking to the sea
Very developed in the islands and on the west coast, many organizations offer sea kayak trips and rentals. The lochs, islands and rugged coastline of the Highlands in particular are prime spots for kayaking and meeting seals, dolphins and whales.
These sumptuous, typically Scottish landscapes are also a delight for sailing enthusiasts. There are possibilities to rent a dinghy or a sailing boat, with or without crew. There are many harbours all along the coast and the main anchorages are the Mull of Kintyre, the Firth of Clyde or the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Otherwise, those who are not so cold can try diving (Falls of Lora in particular) and especially surfing along the north and west coasts of the country, especially around Thurso and in the Outer Hebrides. The Lewis spot is the most famous.
