Unicorn, the National Animal of Scotland

Stirling, Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland, Rothesay, Scotland, and Kirkwall, Scotland

Why does Scotland have a unicorn as its national animal? I went down the rabbit hole to answer this question while touring Scotland. I noticed images of unicorns on coats of arms and often in historic locations. I knew before my trip that the unicorn was the official animal of Scotland, but now I sought out the official reason why.

Scotland has always been considered a fertile home ground for mythical creatures. For hundreds of years, people told stories about shape-shifting horses known as Kelpies. Appropriately, the Kelpies are the tallest equestrian statues in the world and are devoted to these legends. An entire cottage industry worth at least £40 million per year exists in the Loch Ness area supporting the search for Nessie. J.K. Rowling based her magical school of Hogwarts in Scotland, spawning seven original books, 8 original movies, and millions of Potterheads as fans worldwide. It is not a mistake that the unicorn featured so prominently in Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, or that Scotland is not a perfect place to be home to these mythical creatures.

Many people believed unicorns were real, and it is not unfathomable for a horse to have a horn on its head. Celtic mythology states that the unicorn “symbolizes bravery, strength, and determination,” and for these reasons, Scotland chose the unicorn as its official animal. These animals were also believed to be controlled only by kings, so the unicorn is often shown with golden chains, suggesting that only a monarch could bring it under control. Finally, the unicorn was seen as the lion’s natural enemy. With Scotland’s historic enemy, England, sporting a lion on its crest, it was only appropriate for Scotland to adopt the unicorn. James VI of Scotland/I of England embraced both images and brought them both under the banner of the United Kingdom.

Traveling allows you to learn about myths and legends in context, and I was glad to understand Scotland’s affinity for the unicorn better. With its ties to Celtic history and its independent spirit, the unicorn remains a proud symbol of this country.