Read the text about Scotland

Fact file. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom but it has its own parliament, legal system, education system and its own international football team.

The Romans never conquered Scotland. Between the years 120 and 140 AD, they built Hadrian’s Wall, a huge wall, 118 km long, to protect their empire. In the Middle Ages, Scotland became a united country. There were many wars between England and Scotland. In 1603, the Scottish king, James VI, became king of England and a century later Scotland and England united.

Scotland is a place to celebrate. Scotland is famous for its own culture. Here are some of the ways visitors to Scotland can join in the fun.

Hogmanay, 31 December

Scotland celebrates Hogmanay, the New Year, with the music of bagpipes, Scotland’s traditional instrument and dancing in the street throughout the night. At midnight there are fireworks and everyone sings “Auld Lang Syne”, a song by Robert Burns, a famous Scottish poet. Soon after midnight, Scottish families go “first footing”, visiting the houses of friends and relatives to continue the celebrations!

Burns Night, 25 January

Robert Burns is Scotland’s national poet and Scottish people have a big dinner every year to celebrate his birthday. The main part of the meal is “haggis”, Scotland’s national dish made from liver, cereals and fat served in a sheep’s stomach. Then everyone reads poems and sings songs written by the great ‘Rabbie’Burns himself.

The Edinburgh Festival, August

Edinburgh is famous all over the world for its arts festival. There is an official festival for theatre, opera and classical music, music, and the ‘Fringe’ festival where you can see a large variety of plays, films, comedians, dance companies and concerts. Finally, there is the Military Tattoo, a military parade held in Edinburgh Castle.

The Highland Games May-September

Nearly every weekend in the summer, there are highland games somewhere in Scotland but the biggest games are at Cowal. People from all over the world come to watch or take part. Over three thousand bagpipers and drummers play all day and there is a wonderful atmosphere. There are highland dancing competitions as well events like throwing the hammer or ‘tossing the caber’ – throwing a large tree trunk as far as possible! All the athletes wear traditional skirts called kilts.

3. Are these statements true (T) or false (F)? Correct the false information.

AВВ Scotland is an independent country.

BВВ Scotland has its own football team.

CВВ The Romans conquered Scotland

DВВ Scottish New Year celebrations finish at midnight.

EВВ Scotland’s national poet is Rabbie Burns

FВВ Haggis is a vegetarian dish.

GВ The Edinburgh Festival is a classical music festival.

В4. Which Scottish celebrations would these people probably prefer?

1Kim loves the theatre and classical music.

2Carol likes sport and is interested in Scottish culture.

3Lena loves parties and dancing all night.

4Peter likes poetry and trying different food from around the world.

Speaking

Which celebrations would you like to go? Why?

Find information about a celebration from your country or region.

Are any of your celebrations similar to Scottish ones?

Writing

Describe the picture. What Holiday is shown on it?

When and where is it celebrated? What is it famous for?

Tasks for self-study