Scotland occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. It is separated from England mainly by the Chaviot Hills and the Tuid River. West of Scotland on the other side of the North Strait (St. Patrick) is Northern Ireland. The southern coast of Scotland faces the Irish Sea and the Strait of Solway Fert. Scotland's borders have remained unchanged for almost 500 years.
Although Scotland is considered part of the UK, it still represents a separate country in itself. The thistle flower is a semi-official national symbol of Scotland, and is depicted, in particular, on banknotes. According to legend, in the XIII century, Scottish coastal settlements suffered from Viking raids. One day it was possible to avoid an unexpected night attack due to the fact that the Vikings barefoot entered the thickets of the Scottish thistle, which gave themselves away.
Scotland is a country of beautiful mountain peaks covered with heather, deep and chilling mountain lakes, fabulous castles, bagpipes and checkered skirts, from which men's legs are strangely visible, warm spiritual hospitality, most often expressed in the form of a glass of whiskey slowly stretched by the fireplace with crackling peat.