Scottish Thistle
The National Emblem of Scotland history, description and images of thistle
I first heard this Scottish thistle story during a campfire at a Scout camp at Tarland and am delighted to share it with you:
Breakfast
Starters
Main Course
dethumps
Desserts/Snacks
Why Is The Thistle The Emblem of Scotland
On a dark autumn night of 1263, during the reign of Scottish King Alexander III, the Vikings came ashore in barefoot to Scotland at Largs, led by King Haakon IV. History is uncertain if they were intent upon a full invasion or were showing their power by raiding the surrounding villages. Other historians' claim that a fierce storm had driven many of their longboats ashore and they were merely retrieving them.
Many of the castles along the western coast were on guard against such raids and a possible Viking invasion. It was one such watch who heard the cries of pain of the Vikings and their leader as their bare feet walked on thistles. This alerted the Scots in time to see off the Vikings, thus saving Scotland from an invasion and possible Viking rule. The role of the thistle was then understood and was chosen as Scotland's symbol and emblem.
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The North-East of Scotland skies are under attack from an enemy jet. It is spilling a strange yellow smoke. Minutes later, people start killing each other.
Former Royal Air Force Regiment Gunner Jason Harper witnesses this and then his wife, Pippa, telephones him, shouting that she needs him. They then get cut off. He sets straight out towards Aberdeen, unprepared for the nightmare that unfolds during his journey. Everyone seems to want to kill him.
Along the way, he pairs up with fellow survivor Imogen. But she enjoys killing the living dead far too much. Will she kill Jason in her blood thirst? Or will she hinder his journey through this zombie filled dystopian landscape to find his pregnant wife?
The Fence is the first in this series of post-apocalyptic military survival thrillers from the torturous mind of Scottish horror and science fiction novel writer C.G. Buswell.
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The 44 Scotland Street Cookbook recipes book is based on the character's favourite food from the series by Alexander McCall Smith. Written by Anna Marshall, and with Bertie, Big Lou and Domenica's help, you'll find Scottish favourites like Scotch Pies and Deep Fried Mars Bars along with international treats like Panforte di Siena.
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National Emblem Of Scotland
The first use of the thistle as the National Emblem of Scotland was in silver coins in 1470.
In 1687, James II founded the Most Ancient Order of The Thistle, which consisted of The Monarch and 16 trusted knights. Their motto was "Nemo me impune lacessit" which translates to "No-one harms me without punishment" but more commonly translated to Auld Scots as "Wha daurs meddle wi me" - referring to the fearsome guardian knights and the armed thistles.
See also the Scottish Saltire St Andrews National Flag Scotland and the Lion Rampant Flag pages.
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An army veteran moves his family back to Scotland, but his nightmare neighbour starts a battle of wits with him. Who will win this One Last War?
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