During Tartan Week, the five million Americans who claim Scotish ancestry—and all the others who just really like golf, Edinburgh literature and/or Scotch whisky—will be honoring the rainy, peaty homeland. It’s nowhere near as widely celebrated as St. Paddy’s Day, but New York City will have a parade (because NYC always has a parade) on Saturday April 5. Here are 10 excellent reasons to celebrate Scotland and its influence on the U.S.
One
Although the shaggy Highland ponies were a viral sensation last year, Highland cows are equally adorable and equally shaggy. If you want to sound like a Scottish person, call them “coos.”
Two
Scotland’s official animal is the unicorn. (That's reason enough).
Three
Laphroaig Scotch Whisky was sold legally in the U.S. during Prohibition because it was deemed medicinal.
Four
The game of golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. The first record dates back to 1457, only it was spelled "gowf" and played on a 22-hole course.
Five
Scotland has several really beautiful beaches, and in the peak of summer (starting the last week of June and going through August), some get 18 hours of sunlight.
Six
The fictitious Hogwarts Express train seen in the Harry Potter movies was “played by” the Jacobite train, located in the Scottish Highlands.
Seven
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is dubbed as the "home of golf," and serious golfers pilgrimage to its Old Course almost as though it were hallowed ground.
Eight
One of the nicest castle hotels in Scotland, Stobo Castle, has a suite where the walls are entirely covered in cashmere.
Nine
Laphroaig is the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles. It is only granted to brands, companies and trades people that supply goods to the Queen of England.
Ten
The Scottish invented the waterproof raincoat in 1823 as well as the hot blast furnace in 1828.
