As I embark on my journey across Scotland, I can’t help but be struck by the vibrant colours and beauty of the wildflowers that dot the countryside. From the rolling hills to the rugged coastline, every turn in my journey is accompanied by a colourful array of blooms.
Whether it is by the roadside, or dotting fields, or hemming gardens, the colours, shapes, and sizes of Scotland’s wildflowers are just a stunning display of vibrancy.
“From the rolling hills to the rugged coastline, every turn in my journey is accompanied by a colourful array of blooms.”
As I traverse across to the coast, I am greeted by the majestic beauty of the Scottish Thistle. These prickly flowers, with their deep purple heads, dot the rocky cliffs and provide a rugged yet stunning backdrop to the ocean. The thistle is the national flower of Scotland and can be found all over the country.
No one quite seems to know why Scotland has chosen The Thistle as its national flower. Sadly, there is no historical evidence why it was chosen, however there is a legend of how it came about…
During Alexander III reign from 1249 to 1286 there was an army of Vikings from Norway under the leadership of King Haakon, who were intending on conquering a party of sleeping Scottish Warriors and Highlanders on the coast of Largs in Ayrshire.
In order to move more quietly and get nearer to the Scotsmen, the Vikings removed their footwear and unfortunately, for one of King Haakon’s men, he stood on a prickly purple plant and yelled in pain, awaking and alerting The Scottish Warriors and The Highlanders of the advancing Vikings. Leaping to their feet, the Clansmen charged into battle and after the ferocious Highland Charge, their Norse foe was defeated with a terrible slaughter.
Needless to say, it was the Scots who had won on that day and from that moment, the prickly purple thistle became The Guardian Thistle and was adopted as The Symbol of Scotland.
As I look out over the sea of wildflowers that surrounds me, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The natural beauty of Scotland is truly breathtaking, and the wildflowers are a testament to the country’s stunning landscapes. It is a colorful and engaging journey, one that I will never forget.
p.s pardon me if I may have gotten some of the names wrong 🙁
