Download This Sample
This sample is exclusively for KidsKonnect members!
To download this worksheet, click the button below to signup for free (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start the download!
Sign Me Up
Table of Contents
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain. See the file below for more facts about Scotland or alternatively download our comprehensive worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Facts About Scotland
Capital
Edinburgh
Population
5,100,000 at June 1991
Area
31,510 sq. miles
Government
Scotland has been ruled by the British Parliament, although it maintained its own system of laws, education and established church. A Scottish Parliament opened in 2000
Money
Scottish banknotes are available in the following denominations:
- £1
- £5
- £10
- £20
- £100
Climate
At most times of the year it is perfectly possible to have glorious sunshine, chilling cold, together with wind, rain and even snow – all in the one day!
Languages
English and Gaelic. The Scots language (which has many similarities to English, but also draws on French and Gaelic) is also spoken. Whereas Gaelic is the language of the Highlands & Islands, Scots is the language of the Lowlands.
See the fact file below for more information on Scotland or alternatively download our comprehensive worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
History of Scotland
- “Scotland” comes from the Latin word “scoti”, which means “Land of the Gaels” – this was used to refer to Ireland originally, but later became known to refer to Scotland.
- Scotland has been populated for over 12,000 years, and was invaded by the Romans in 43 AD.
- The native Scots at the time of Roman invasion were called the Caledonians.
- Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the Scottish clan system became established in the Scottish Highlands. These clans were like tribes, where its members were loyal to a chief.
- Clans had particular territories and could be recognized by what colors and patterns they were wearing.
- The Treaty of Perpetual Peace was signed by King James IV of Scotland, and King Henry VII of England in 1502, which ended the constant warfare between England and Scotland.
- Although it didn’t hold up for very long, it laid the groundwork for the eventual Union of the Crowns in 1603.
- On July 22, 1706, the Treaty of Union unified England (which included Wales) and Scotland and saw the creation of Great Britain.
- By the 18th century, the Scottish Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution had made Scotland very powerful, with
Glasgow rivalling London as the greatest city in the United Kingdom. - Scotland played an important role in the First World War, but after the Second World War, the country’s economy began to crumble.
The Geography and Climate in Scotland
- Scotland’s only land border is with England to the south.
- The Atlantic Ocean borders Scotland to the west, and the North Sea to the east, with Ireland only 21 km away towards the south-west.
- Much of Scotland is affected by glaciation, as at one point the entire country was covered in ice.
- Scotland can be divided into 3 geographical parts:
– The Upper Lowlands: This is the part just north of the border with England. It is an agricultural region with rolling hills
and stunning greenery.
– The Central Lowlands: This part is the most urban and industrial, and is extremely populated. Edinburgh and Glasgow are located within the central lowlands.
– The Highlands & Islands: This part of Scotland makes up 50% of the entire country and is home to dramatic scenery, including high cliffs, islands, and hundreds of cold, deep lochs (lakes). - There are almost 800 islands in the Scottish Highlands, but only around 130 are inhabited by humans.
- The climate in Scotland is temperate and oceanic, and changes frequently. Scotland experiences mild winters, and is very wet in many western places.
- Some animals you might find in Scotland include the golden eagle, mountain hare, red squirrels, puffins, and red deer.
- The majority of people in Scotland are white and Christian, but there is a large population who are not religious.
Scottish Culture and Economy
- The national symbol of Scotland is the Scottish Thistle, and the diagonal white cross on the flag is called “The Saltire”, which means “a cross with diagonal bars of equal length”.
- Scotland is a country known for innovation. Historically, Scotland has given us inventions and discoveries such as the telephone, the steam engine, penicillin, and the decimal point.
- From approximately 1850-1950, Scotland’s economy focused on shipbuilding and coal, steel, and iron mining, but now Scotland makes money off of its renewable energy sector, as well as its financial, business, and tourism sectors.
- The Scottish tartan and bagpipes are stereotypical cultural icons.
Scottish Politics
- The head of the Scottish government is called the First Minister, and that is currently Nicola Sturgeon.
- The government was established in 1999 when Scotland became a devolved country.
- The First Minister chooses ministers and cabinet secretaries with approval from parliament.
- There are 129 elected representatives of the different regions and cities within Scotland, who debate matters that are important to the Scottish people and the economy.
- Devolved Scottish matters include education, justice, police, economic development, healthcare, transportation, and rural affairs.
Scotland Worksheets
This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use Scotland Worksheets that are perfect for students who want to learn more about the beautiful country of Scotland. Did you know? Scotland is a country known for innovation. Historically, Scotland has given us inventions and discoveries such as the telephone, the steam engine, penicillin, and the decimal point. Find out more through these fun and exciting Scotland worksheets.
Download includes the following worksheets
- Scotland Facts.
- Medieval Scotland.
- The Loch Ness Monster.
- Scotland Crossword.
- Scotland Acrostic.
- Gaelic Name Game.
- Scottish Weather.
- Famous Scots.
- Scottish Government.
- Scotland Wordsearch.
- Fact or Myth?
Link/cite this page
If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.
Link will appear as Scotland Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, September 2, 2017
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.