Mary Queen of Scots played billiards. First recorded order by Louis XI in 1470. After she was executed, her body was wrapped in a billiard cloth
1300s Scottish soldiers noted for ability to march longer than others because they made their own oatcakes
Bagpipes imported from Rome 2000 years ago by Roman army
Toilet, 5000 Skara Brae reckoned to use drainage system to flush into the sea. Alexander Cummings invented flushing toilet
Auld Lang Syne sung for 150 years before Burns sent a copy for print to the Scots Musical Museum that he had taken down from an old man.
Lawnmower invented in Scotland
Shortbread known from 12C but generally thought to have been refined use and name credited to Mary Queen of Scots 16C. Petticoat tails
Black bun fruitcake covered with pastry. Origins Scottish was eaten at Twelfth Night but now associated with Hogmanay
Scotland's first. Licensed distillery Glenlivet in 1823
Scotland's only 2-star Michelin restaurant, Andrew Fairlie at the Gleneagles Hotel
Golf. Modern game reckoned to date from 15C in Scotland. Much debate about an earlier game. The Old Course St Andrews date to per 1574, seen as a place of pilgrimage. Links course. How many people around the world have had their photographs taken on the Swilken Bridge?
Ice skating began in Scotland. Primitive ice skates of bone and antler used by Scandinavian hunters as early as300 AD. 1572 first all-iron skates manufactured in Scotland. Speed skating was first form of skating sport. First skate Club in Edinburgh 1742
