The unicorn is Scotland’s designated national animal. This well-known legendary creature has piqued people’s interest for generations.

National animal of Scotland

Unicorns have been a part of numerous societies since the classical period, including the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilization. The unicorn is a symbol of purity, innocence, and power in Celtic mythology, with its white horse-like body and one spiralling horn.

Their horns are said to be so powerful that they can even purify poisoned water, according to legend.

These proud, untamed creatures are fiercely independent and notoriously difficult to capture or conquer, as anyone who has studied Scottish history will know. Despite the fact that unicorns are mythical, Scots have always been fascinated to the symbolism they represent.

Why is the Unicorn Scotland’s national animal?

The unicorn was a sign of purity and innocence in Celtic mythology, as well as masculinity and power. The unicorn’s reputation for power and chivalry may explain why it was chosen as Scotland’s national animal.

When did Scotland adopt the Unicorn as national animal?

Heraldry, the age-old process of drawing and displaying coats of arms or crests to identify between groups of people, armies, or institutions, holds the solution.

The unicorn was initially incorporated to the royal coat of arms of Scotland around the mid-1500s, according to heraldry.

The coat of arms was supported by two unicorns prior to the Union of the Crowns in 1603. When King James VI of Scotland became James I of England, he replaced one of the unicorns with the lion, England’s national animal, as a symbol of the two countries’ unification.

Of course, followers of legend will be aware that lions and unicorns have always been rivals, fighting for the title of “lord of creatures.”

It’s worth noting that Scottish unicorns are always depicted in heraldry with gold chains wrapped around their necks. Why?

Although we don’t know for sure, it’s thought that this was a means for Scottish monarchs to demonstrate their supremacy by demonstrating that only they had the strength to tame the wild.

Where can you find unicorns in Scotland?

Unicorns can be seen everywhere throughout Edinburgh, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar Castle, and St Giles’ Cathedral.

Move west to, Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace, and you’ll find well-preserved unicorns on an inner courtyard fountain and what’s left of the ceiling.

The unicorns’ unusual look left an indelible mark on the country’s cities and villages, with many still bearing unicorn insignia to this day.

The unicorn can be seen on some of Scotland’s most important historic structures and statues, including:

HM Frigate Unicorn, the country’s only water-based unicorn, is the figurehead of HM Frigate Unicorn in Dundee. It is the only remaining wooden warship in Scotland and one of the world’s six oldest ships.

Atop Stirling Castle’s Great Hall, originally the preferred abode of the Stewart kings and queens and now one of Scotland’s most historically significant buildings. The Mystic Hunt of the Unicorn tapestry is also on display at the castle.

In Dunfermline, Jedburgh, Melrose, Culross, Falkland, Crail, or Cupar, not to mention all of Scotland’s cities, atop the Mercat Cross (on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and Falcon Square in Inverness).

Delgatie Castle, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, is one of Scotland’s oldest and most historic castles.

Linlithgow Palace, once a magnificent Renaissance palace and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, features the Kings Fountain.

Why is Unicorn chained?

The unicorn that represents Scotland in the coat of arms is invariably represented with a golden chain around its neck and wrapping all the way around its body. The unicorn was thought to be the most powerful of all animals, wild and untamed, and that only a virgin woman could bring it down.

It’s probable that the entrapment represents the Scottish monarchs’ might, as they were powerful enough to tame even a unicorn.

History of Unicorn in the Scotland

It’s no surprise that a fabled creature like the unicorn is Scotland’s national animal, given Scotland’s enthusiasm for and long history of myths and tales. Unicorns have long been associated with Scotland. While the animal is mythological, the qualities it represents make it a natural fit as Scotland’s national animal, and Scots would struggle to remain unconquered, just like this brave beast.

In the 12th century, William I used the unicorn for the first time on the Scottish royal shield of arms. When King James III was in control in the 15th century, gold coins bearing the unicorn appeared. The Scottish Royal Arms had two unicorns supporting a shield when Scotland and England were united in 1603, under the reign of James VI of Scotland. When James VI became James I of England and Ireland, he replaced the unicorn on the shield’s left with the lion, England’s national animal, to signify that the two realms were actually united.

Frequently asked questions

What is Scotland’s real national animal?

The unicorn is, in fact, Scotland’s official national animal. And there has been a long history of admiration for this well-known mythological creature.

Do unicorns exist in Scotland?

Yes, they do exist in Scotland. The Scots are known for their love of myths and stories, which include ghosts, witches, magic, water monsters, and other fairy tale characters. The mystical unicorn is perhaps their favourite, especially as it is the country’s official animal.

Why is Scotland’s national animal a unicorn?

The unicorn was a sign of purity and innocence in Celtic mythology, as well as masculinity and power. The unicorn’s reputation for power and chivalry may explain why it was chosen as Scotland’s national animal.

What is a unicorn animal?

Unicorn is a mythical creature that looks like a horse or a goat and has a single horn on its forehead. The unicorn was shown in early Mesopotamian art, and it was also mentioned in Indian and Chinese mythology.