Find out why the unicorn is Scotland's national animal and learn more about its history and how it symbolises Scottish culture.
But it’s true: the unicorn really is the official national animal of Scotland. And our love for this famous mythological creature dates back many centuries. Unicorns have featured in many cultures going as far back as the classical age, including the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilization.
The unicorn is our national animal, representing so much more to Scotland than initially meets the eye. Actually, the origins of the mythological animal in our land date back centuries, to a time when its existence was not even up for debate.
The unicorn: a mystical beast, representing both purity and innocence, power and ferocity, adopted as the national animal of Scotland in the 1300s. The unicorn is also the natural enemy of the lion, adopted by English royalty some 100 years before…
It surprises many visitors, but Scotland’s national animal is not the stag or the Highland coo — it’s the unicorn. The unicorn has appeared in Scottish royal heraldry since the 12th century and was used by King James III on coins in the 1400s.
What Is Scotland’s National Animal – and Why Is It a Unicorn?
Scotland, a land steeped in history, folklore, and cultural richness, has chosen an unexpected yet captivating symbol as its national animal. Unlike other countries that might choose a lion, eagle, or bear, Scotland’s emblematic creature is the unicorn.
Among all the nations of the world, Scotland stands out for choosing a mythical creature—the unicorn—as its national animal. While most countries opt for real creatures like the bald eagle, lion, or kangaroo, Scotland took a different route, one that combines magic, mystery, and medieval symbolism.