Rugby, an institution
As in England, rugby is an institution here. The sport's history can be traced back to boarding schools, where pupils were obliged to play the sport unless they received 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 takes part in all the major competitions. And even if the Scottish players have never reached the World Cup podium (4th in 1991) and haven't won the 6 Nations Tournament since 1999, despite their 22 victories in this northern hemisphere tournament, they are a significant showcase for the country on the international stage. 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, soccer, was invented in England in the 19th century. Scotland, meanwhile, boasts the world's oldest international soccer stadium, in continuous use since its creation in 1903, Hampden Park in Glasgow. While the Scottish domestic league is not on the same level as its English counterpart, it does boast two legendary clubs: Glasgow-based Rangers, champions of Scotland in 2021 for the 55th time, and Celtic, 54-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 soccer history. A match that is always a little more than a simple game of soccer. Indeed, over and above 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 in the late 19th century, is the club of the Catholics.
The national team, meanwhile, has never excelled: its last appearance at a major international competition was at the 1998 World Cup in France.
Traditional sports
Curling. A precision sport on ice said to have been invented in Scotland in the 16th century (the World Curling Federation is based in Perth), curling is one of the country's most popular sports. Scotland is a world-class curler, with no fewer than five world championship titles and twelve European crowns to its name. The women's team is also twice world champion and twice European champion.
The Highland Games. These festivities, also known as Highland Gatherings, combine traditional sporting events, music competitions and folk dancing. Between two bagpipe competitions, you'll regularly find some of the great classics, such as tree trunk throwing (the most popular event), hammer throwing and stone throwing, as well as foot races, wrestling and tug-of-war competitions (also very prestigious events). And of course, all participants are required to wear a kilt! Their history dates back to the Middle Ages. Back then, the king or clan chief chose the men for his guard, but today prizes are awarded to the winners. Bagpipes and multicolored kilts add a picturesque touch to these jousts, which often take place in grandiose settings. From May to September, several hundred events are held across Scotland every year. These are truly events not to be missed if you get the chance! They are all listed on Visitscotland(www.visitscotland.com). The most popular are in Braemer, Aberdeenshire. Since the presence of Queen Victoria in 1848, this festival has received royal patronage.
Shinty. This game, which originated in Celtic times, is similar to field hockey and pits two teams of twelve players against each other, each equipped with a stick called a camàn. It's a rather virile sport, often resulting in injury: in this case, it's possible to raise the stick above the hips. It was used to calm male ardor in Scotland, where clan wars were frequent.
A world-renowned golf destination
It's a truly national sport, and it's in the limelight everywhere! Scotland is the home of golf, and this gentleman's sport has an immense reputation here. Although it was codified in St Andrews in 1754, having been imported in the Middle Ages from an equivalent Dutch discipline, written records go back much further. As far back as 1457, King James II was concerned that his subjects were spending too much time playing it instead of practicing archery, and decided to ban the activity. Fortunately, the ban was lifted in 1502, and King James IV himself became a golfer, as did his granddaughter, Mary Queen of Scots. The sport spread throughout the country, and the first Open was held in Prestwick in 1860.
With a heritage that stretches back over six centuries, there's no better place for a game. There's not a town, village or island without its own green: Scotland is packed with over 550 fantastic courses to play! It would be impossible to list them all in this guide, but Visitscotland(www.visitscotland.com) does, and even publishes a 132-page golf guide. You can even attend some of the world's most prestigious tournaments, such as the British Open, a Grand Slam held alternately in England and Scotland on the3rd or4th Friday in 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 strolls to the most challenging treks. Areas managed by an organization such as a national park or reserve are particularly suitable, as they offer plenty of trails. Several long-distance itineraries are also mentioned in this guide.
Even if the summits are not at alpine altitudes, you should remain alert to the dangers before embarking on a long mountain walk. Remember that the weather changes without warning in Scotland, and you can quickly find yourself in cloud, fog or storm. Orientation then becomes extremely complicated. Be well aware of your abilities and limitations, and bear in mind that the terrain can be very steep, muddy and difficult to find, and that a path drawn on a map may not be visible on the ground once you're there. A few essential precautions should therefore be taken, but don't worry too much. You'll be fine if you're careful, and you'll be able to make the most of the country's unforgettable hiking trails.
There are a number of basic rules to follow: take a map and compass, know your route and its characteristics, tell someone, check the weather and, last but not least, pay attention to the seasons and your equipment: it goes without saying that conditions will not be the same in summer as in winter. In winter, night falls between 3.30 and 4 p.m. 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 an ideal location.
Cycling and mountain biking. The Scottish countryside is great for exploring by bike, with hundreds of kilometers of nature trails, prepared tracks and quiet back roads. The south is particularly well known, between the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. The most courageous and those who appreciate the wilderness will head for the Highlands and the North-West Isles, especially the Hebrides. These spots are also very popular with mountain bikers, who enjoy the many trails and descents.
Mountaineering. In winter, mountaineering is practiced on the north face of Ben Nevis, at Glen Coe, on the Cuillin of Skye, in the Cairngorms and throughout the Northern Highlands.
Winter sports. Scotland has several ski resorts, around Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms. But don't expect the equivalent of the Alps or the Pyrenees if you're a regular visitor.
In the rivers and lochs, long live fishing!
If there's one country renowned for year-round fishing, it's Scotland. Here's another national sport: fishing, mainly for salmon and brown trout, can be enjoyed for reasonable sums in the rivers and lochs. There's no shortage of incredible sites. Fishing here revolves 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.
Fishing seasons in Scotland are regulated by calendars that must be respected. Dates vary according to the species you wish to fish. For salmon, it's between February and April, as well as during September and October; for river trout, from mid-April to the end of May, a good time for fly fishing; for sea trout, it's summer. The best fishing is to be found in the Highlands.
Hotels, tackle stores, grocers and post offices will issue you with a permit for the day, or offer package deals. Again, Visitscotland will be able to advise you(www.visitscotland.com).
Taking to the sea
Highly developed in the islands and on the west coast, many organizations offer sea kayak trips and rentals. The lochs, islands and jagged coastlines of the Highlands in particular are prime spots for kayaking and encountering seals, dolphins and whales.
These sumptuous, typically Scottish landscapes are also a delight for sailing enthusiasts. You can hire a dinghy or sailboat, with or without crew. There are numerous ports all along the coast, and the main anchorages are the Mull of Kintyre, the Firth of Clyde or the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
If you're not so keen, you can try your hand at diving (Falls of Lora in particular) and surfing along the north and west coasts, especially around Thurso and in the Outer Hebrides. The Lewis spot is the most famous.
