The Unicorn in Scottish Lore

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I did a post of interest facts a day or so ago. In it I listed the unicorn as the national animal of Scotland. I have been curious about this fact for quite awhile and I decided to check into it. Here is what I found: With the union of the crowns in 1603, when Scotland and England united under one monarch, the unicorn remained on the Scottish side of the Royal Arms. It had first appeared chained on the Scottish coat of arms during the rein of William I or William the Lion, in the 12th century. The Scottish people have a strong sense of national identity. In Celtic mythology the unicorn stands for purity and innocence as well as masculinity, dominance and power. It is believed that the Scottish people hold the unicorn as a symbol of their own strength and independence. Their willingness to fight for their freedom. The unicorn continues today to be a powerful symbol in Scottish culture. It appears in art and literature and different forms of their cultural expression. The picture is from Flickr.com