National symbols of Scotland

The national symbols of Scotland are the objects, images, or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative, or otherwise characteristic of the country of Scotland or Scottish culture. As a rule, these national symbols are cultural icons that have emerged from Scottish folklore and tradition, meaning few have any official status. However, most if not all maintain recognition at a national or international level, and some, such as the Royal Arms of Scotland, have been codified in heraldry, and are established, official, and recognised symbols of Scotland.

As one of the oldest countries in Europe, Scotland and its associated symbols are considered to be amongst the oldest symbols still in use across the European continent. The national flag, the Saltire, is first recorded with the illustration of a heraldic flag in Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount's Register of Scottish Arms, c. 1542. It is considered to be the oldest flag in Europe. Additionally, Scotland is the fifth oldest country in the world, and its monarchy is amongst the oldest internationally, and the oldest recorded monarchy in Europe.

See also the 16 people in the Hall of Heroes at the Wallace Monument in Stirling. For a nineteenth century list of over 600 people see the Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen.

Bruce, Robert V. (1990) [1st pub. 1973]. Bell: Alexander Graham Bell and the Conquest of Solitude. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. ISBN 0-8014-9691-8.