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Scotland - History

The prickly purple thistle was adopted as the Emblem of Scotland during the rein of Alexander III (1249 -1286). Legend has it that an Army of King Haakon of Norway, intent on conquering the Scots landed at the Coast of Largs at night to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. In order to move more stealthily under the cover of darkness the Norsemen removed their footwear.

As they drew near to the Scots it wasn't the only thing hiding. For one of Haakon's men unfortunately stood on one of these spiny little defenders and shrieked out in pain, alerting the Clansmen of the advancing Norsemen.
The first use of the Thistle as a royal symbol of Scotland was on silver coins issued by James III in 1470

The History of Scotland is filled with 2,000 years of bloodshed, intrigue and many stories of heroism and valour. From the earliest settlers through to the most recent events in our history we have pulled together a set of significant moments in the shaping of our great nation.