10 Fascinating Facts About Scotland You Might Not Have Known:
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1. Scotland's Island Diversity:
- Scotland boasts over 790 islands, with approximately 130 being inhabited. Among them, the largest inhabited island is Lewis and Harris.
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2. World's Shortest Scheduled Flight:
- Experience the thrill of the shortest scheduled flight globally, located in Scotland. The flight from Westray to Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands lasts just about a minute.
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3. Otter Haven in Shetland:
- Shetland holds the title for the highest density of otters in Europe, boasting around 1,000 otters thriving in the wild.
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4. Birthplace of the Raincoat:
- Charles Macintosh, a Glaswegian, invented the raincoat in 1824, revolutionizing outdoor wear with his waterproof fabric.
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5. Origins of Encyclopaedia Britannica:
- The iconic Encyclopaedia Britannica first emerged in Scotland in 1768, precisely in Edinburgh.
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6. Birth of Golf:
- Scotland is the birthplace of golf, with the game played on Musselburgh Links in 1672, recognized as the world's oldest golf course.
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7. Historic Football Match:
- Witness history where the first official international football (soccer) match was played in Scotland between Scotland and England in 1872.
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8. UNESCO City of Literature:
- Edinburgh earned the prestigious title of being the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, acknowledging its rich literary heritage.
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9. Home of Golf:
- St. Andrews' Old Course is revered as the "home of golf," attracting enthusiasts since the 15th century.
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10. Literary Haven at Leakey’s Bookshop:
- Visit Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop, Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness, housed within an old church featuring a charming wood-burning stove at its center.
