Scottish snow globes
Scotland was an independent state in the 9th century and since 1707 has been part of the United Kingdom (UK). It is situated in the north of the UK and covers nearly one-third of the UKs land area with about 790 adjacent islands. The capital city is Edinburgh, with Glasgow as the largest city in Scotland. In the south, Scotland has a land border with England.
Edinburgh Castle seen at the back of the globe is one of the oldest places to be fortified in Europe. In its time it has been used as a royal palace, military garrison, prison and fortress. The castle was first built as an iron age hill fort upon the mighty Arthur's rock overlooking the city.
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According to Scottish legend, a network of tunnels was discovered beneath the castle. It was decided to explore the tunnels, by sending in a young piper, who played the bagpipes as he walked' so that those above ground could track his progress. The sound of the pipes slowly faded, then stopped. The piper was never found, but on quiet nights, the faint sound of ghostly bagpipes can still be heard beneath the streets of Edinburgh,
The Lone Piper is now a symbol in Scottish culture and appears during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where a piper stands in solitude on the castle walls, representing the enduring spirit of Scotland.
Bagpipes are a a wind instrument typically made from a bag made from animal skin or synthetic material, and a blowpipe or bellows to supply air. The unique, sound of the bagpipes is created by squeezing the bag to push air through the pipes.
Though bagpipes are most famously associated with Scotland, similar instruments can be found in ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome, with the first examples dating as far back as 1000 BC. The Roman Empire may have spread the instrument throughout Europe, though it may have been the 13th or 14th century before they became popular in Scotland. Some have suggested that returning Crusaders brought the instrument to Scotland, while others suggest Norse invaders or even the early Roman legions may have introduced it..
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By the Middle Ages, the more portable bagpipes had replaced the harp and become ingrained in Scottish culture, played at feasts, fairs, and gatherings. Their portability and ability to produce loud, stirring sounds made them ideal for outdoor events, and they began to replace the harp as the preferred instrument in many aspects of Scottish life.
The bagpipes are a symbol of Scottish national pride. They are played at major events such as cultural festivals, royal ceremonies, and military parades. Pipers are often included at traditional Scottish weddings and funerals.
The distinctive sound, history, and cultural significance mean that the bagpipes will continue to play a central role in Scottish society for the future.
Loch Ness is a large, scenic, freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands. It is said to be home to the Loch Ness Monster which resembles an aquatic dinasaur. The ruined Urquhart castle appears in the globe and the photo.
