"There are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter." - Billy Connolly
"It is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world. The history is fascinating, the men are handsome and the whisky is delicious." - JK Rowling
(You could also use this CST activities page for 'Burn's Night', which is on January 25th 2022.)
INTRODUCTION
'St Andrew's Day' is celebrated each year in Scotland on 30th November. St Andrew was one of Christ's apostles, according to the New Testament. He was the brother of St Peter. 'Andrew's Day' is Scotland's official national day (and a Bank Holiday) and signals the start of 'Scotland's Winter Festival'.
'Burns Night' is celebrated annually in Scotland on or around 25th January. It commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on 25th January 1759. The day also celebrates Burns's contribution to British culture. His best known work is the New Year's song 'Auld Lang Syne'.
Ask members what they like about Scotland and Scottish people?
Has anyone visited or lived there?
What are the things that remind us of Scotland? Begin by making a list.
Or, you could list some Scottish place names ...
IDIOMS
Next, ask members to complete the following Sottish inspired sayings ...
Better bend than - BREAK
A nod is as good as a wink to a - BLIND HORSE
Don't teach your Grandmother to - SUCK EGGS
Many a mickle makes a - MUCKLE
Speak of the - DEVIL
Beggars can't be - CHOOSERS
No fool like an - OLD FOOL
You can't make a silk purse out of a - SOW'S EAR
Get away with it - SCOT FREE
If the cat's away the mice will - PLAY
Be happy while you’re living, for you’re a long time - DEAD
A fool and his money are soon - PARTED
A friend in need is a friend - INDEED
Birds of a feather flock - TOGETHER
In one ear and out - THE OTHER
Look after the pennies and the pounds will - LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES
"Skinny Malinke - LONGLEGS!"
"It's a dreich - DAY!"
“Och aye the - NOO!”
Song break ...
LYRICS - 'The Bonnie Banks Of Loch Lomond'
By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond,
Where me and my true love were ever wont to gae,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.
Chorus:
O ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road,
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye,
But me and my true love will never meet again,
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.
'Twas there that we parted, in yon shady glen,
On the steep, steep side o' Ben Lomond,
Where in soft purple hue, the highland hills we view,
And the moon coming out in the gloaming.
Chorus
The wee birdies sing and the wildflowers spring,
And in sunshine the waters are sleeping.
But the broken heart it kens nae second spring again,
Though the waeful may cease frae their grieving.
Chorus
MUSIC & PICTURE QUIZ
ROUND 1. Scottish Culture
 | Name the two Scottish flags? |
 | Name the Scottish flower? What are the other flowers of the nations of the British Isles? |
 | Who is the patron saint of Scotland (he is also patron saint of sailors and fishermen)? Which are the other patron saints of the nations of the British Isles? |
 | What is the national animal of Scotland? (There is another non fictional animal.) |
 | Name the musical instrument? Which uniformed person is playing it? |
 | What is the name of this clothing item and purse? (Men in the room - Would you be wearing underpants or not?) |
 | What dance is this? What kind of music would you dance to? Here is an example - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1xQKW5UxJs
|
 | Name the hat? What does the Scottish name mean? |
 | Name the games? Name the sport? |
 | Name this Scottish royal residence? Which flag flies when the King is at home? |
What supermarket products bear Linda McCartney's name?
LYRICS - 'Mull Of Kintyre'
Mull of Kintyre Oh, mist rolling in from the sea My desire is always to be here Oh, Mull of Kintyre
Far have I traveled and much have I seen Dark distant mountains with valleys of green Past painted deserts, the sunset's on fire As he carries me home to the Mull of Kintyre
Mull of Kintyre Oh, mist rolling in from the sea My desire is always to be here Oh, Mull of Kintyre
Sweep through the heather like deer in the glen Carry me back to the days I knew then Nights when we sang like a heavenly choir Of the life and the times of the Mull of Kintyre
Mull of Kintyre Oh, mist rolling in from the sea My desire is always to be here Oh, Mull of Kintyre
Smiles in the sunshine and tears in the rain Still take me back to where my memories remain Flickering embers grow higher and higher As they carry me back to the Mull of Kintyre
Mull of Kintyre Oh, mist rolling in from the sea My desire is always to be here Oh, Mull of Kintyre
ROUND 2. Food & Drink
 | Which company purchased Scott's in 1982 (think religion)? What is 'doing porridge'? |
 | Name this Scottish dish? (What is 'Sheep's pluck'?) What would you serve it with? |
 | Name the Scottish soup? Which fish is it made from? |
 | Nam the Scottish savoury dish? Which meat is it made from? |
 | Name the stew? Which pulse is it made with? |
 | Name this chilli pepper? How much hotter than a jalapeño is it? |
 | Name the Scottish desert? This is the Scottish version of which English desert? |
 | T or F. 'Irn Bru' used to be called 'Iron Brew' because the colour came from iron girders? |
 | Which series of Enid Blyton books is the phrase "Lashings of ginger beer" associated with? What percentage of Scottish people have ginger hair? |
 | Name the top selling brand of Scottish whisky in the UK?
What does "Slàinte Mhath!" (Gaelic) mean?
|
'Donald, Where's Yer Troosers?', Andy Stewart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2fizeoT22g
Complete these traditional Scottish song titles ...
'The Bonnie Banks O' .... ......'
'Amazing .....'
'The Skye Boat ....'
'Scotland The .....'
'Flower Of ........'
(Some traditional Scottish songs are linked below.)
ROUND 3. Places
 | Where might you find this monster? T or F. In 2016 a significant 'Nessie' find was made? |
 | What is the highest mountain in Scotland (and the UK)? (4,411ft above sea level) What is the second highest (a mountain train goes up it)? |
 | What is this structure? Nearest guess. How many miles long is it (from coast to coast)? What did the Romans call Scotland? |
 | Name the castle? What military ceremony takes place here in August? There is also a comedy festival held here in August. What is it called?
|
 | Which famous golf venue is this? - G.......... T or F. Golf was invented in Scotland? What is the 19th hole called?
|
 | Name this famous steam train? Nearest guess. How fast could it travel at top speed? What is the station in Edinburgh called? |
 | What are these called? Which canal do they stand next to?
|
 | What is this called? What is it for? |
 | Where is this bridge? Which traditional Scottish song does it ruin? |
 | What might people do to get here? What type of wedding might they have? |
'500 Miles', The Proclaimers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbNlMtqrYS0
Nearest Guess. How many miles is it from Lands End to John O'Groats?
When I wake up, well I know I'm gonna be, I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you When I go out, yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you When I get drunk, well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you And when I haver, hey I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you
And I would roll 500 miles And I would roll 500 more Just to be the man who rolls a thousand miles To fall down at your door
When I'm working, yes I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you And when the money, comes in for the work I do I'll pass almost every penny on to you When I come home(When I come home), well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you And when I grow old, well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you
But I would roll 500 miles And I would roll 500 more Just to be the man who roles a thousand miles To fall down at your door
Da da da (da da da) Da da da (da da da)
Da Da Da Dun Diddle Un Diddle Un Diddle Uh Da Da
Da da da (da da da) Da da da (da da da)
Da Da Da Dun Diddle Un Diddle Un Diddle Uh Da Da
When I'm lonely, well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you And when I'm dreaming, well I know I'm gonna dream I'm gonna Dream about the time when I'm with you When I go out(When I go out), well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you And when I come home(When I come home), yes I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you I'm gonna be the man who's coming home with you
And I would roll 500 miles And I would roll 500 more Just to be the man who rolled a thousand miles To fall down at your door
ROUND 4. People
 | Name the Scottish First Minister? Which political party does she lead? |
 | Name this Scottish comedian (and his nickname)? How old was he in November 2022? |
 | Name this Scottish olympian? In which year(s) did he win Wimbledon and which male won it last before him (77 years prior)? |
 | Name this comedy pair? T or F. They are married in real life? What is their catchphrase? |
 | Name this Scottish 007? What are the names of his seven James Bond movies? |
 | Name this Scottish 'Dr Who'? Who played his sidekick Rose Tyler? |
 | Which English rock star (with Scottish heritage) has become a 'die hard member of the Tartan Army'? Which football team does he support? What is his hobby (picture below)? |
 | Name the TV presenter? Here nickname is 'The Queen Of ...' what? |
 | Name this TV presenter? Which show about adoption does he present with Davina McCall? |
 | Name this Scottish singing legend? What was her first top 10 hit in 1964? Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSOaapGH1dk |
'Bye Bye Baby', Bay City Rollers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsJ9R1NSfhc
True or False. They got their name by randomly sticking a pin into a map of the United States and it stuck near the community of Bay City, Michigan?
If you hate me after what I say Can't put it off any longer Just gotta tell her anyway
Bye, bye baby, baby goodbye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye) Bye, bye baby, don't make me cry (bye baby, baby, bye, bye)
You're the one girl in town I'd marry Girl, I'd marry you now if I were free I wish it could be
I could love you but why begin it? 'Cause there ain't any future in it She's got me, but I'm not free, so
Bye, bye baby, baby goodbye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye) Bye, bye baby, don't make me cry (bye baby, baby, bye, bye)
Wish I never had known you better Wish I knew you before I met her, gee How good it would be for me
Should've told her that I can't linger There's a wedding ring on my finger She's got me, but I'm not free, so
Bye, bye baby, baby goodbye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye) Bye, bye baby, don't make me cry (bye baby, baby, bye, bye)
Baby, bye, bye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye) Baby, bye, bye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye) Baby, bye, bye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye)
Baby, bye, bye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye) Baby, bye, bye (bye baby, baby, bye, bye)
ROUND 5. TV & Movies
 | Name the 1943 movie about a missing dog? Name the two young American actors? |
 | Name the 1949 movie about a ship that runs aground with a sought after cargo? Which drama did Gordon Jackson go on to star in, as a Butler? |
 | Name the 1969 movie about life in a girl's school? Which drama did Maggie Smith go on to star in as Dowager Duchess Voilet Crawley? |
 | Name the 1995 movie? Who was it about? Name the actor? |
 | Name the 1996 movie about the drug scene in Edinburgh? Name the two famous actors, left and right? |
 | Name the Scottish drama series about a Scottish laird? Who did it star? |
 | Name the TV detective series? Who did it star (see above)? Name the dog breed? |
 | Name the first UK reality TV series set on the island of Taransay in 2000? Who came out of it a famous TV presenter? |
 | Name the movie series & author? What is the name of the school which is somewhere in Scotland? |
 | Name the 2006 movie set in Balmoral? Who starred in it? Name the breed of dog? |
SOME FINAL SONGS
A bonus song, in response to a member's request - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VCWROijdwM
'Flower Of Scotland' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8tNgAIh-TI
What is the name of the Scots Rugby Union home stadium?
O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your likes again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against them,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent them homeward,
Tae think again.
The Hills are bare now, And Autumn leaves lie thick and still, O'er land that is lost now, Which those so dearly held, That stood against them, Proud Edward's Army, And sent them homeward, Tae think again.
Those days are past now, And in the past they must remain, But we can still rise now, And be a nation again, That stood against them, Proud Edward's Army, And sent them homeward, Tae think again.
O Flower of Scotland, When will we see your likes again, That fought and died for, Your wee bit Hill and Glen, And stood against them, Proud Edward's Army, And sent them homeward, Tae think again.
FACTOID. 'Amazing Grace' is a Christian hymn written in 1772 by English Anglican clergyman and poet John Newton (1725–1807). It is associated with the abolition of slavery because Newton was originally a slave trader but became a staunch abolitionist. As he states in the hymn, he was a wretch, but God found him. It is not a Scottish hymn, but has become synonymous with bagpipes.
LYRICS. 'Amazing Grace'
Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come This grace that brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home
When we've been here ten thousand years Bright, shining as the sun We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we first begun
Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind but now I see
'Auld Langs Syne', The Irish Rovers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwkqYepulQ4
What do the Scottish call New Year?
What does 'Auld Langs Syne' mean?
REFRESHMENTS
The next series of songs could be played as scores are added up or refreshments are enjoyed - Irn Bru and Shortbread, or if members are feeling braver, Haggis (vegan options are available) and a wee dram (non alcohol options are available).
Share around some shortbread, maybe with a glass or Ian Bru or ginger beer.
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY
Ask members to have a go at making their own unique Tartan. You could either use a template printed off the internet (there are lots of templates available), or make a pattern freehand.
Play some more Scottish music during this activity ....
'Here Comes The Rain Again', Eurythmics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzFnYcIqj6I
'Don't You Forget About Me', Simple Minds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdqoNKCCt7A
'Vienna', Ultravox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJeWySiuq1I
'The Whole Of The Moon', The Waterboys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu7AR0-FRro
'Love Is All Around', Wet Wet Wet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3gEkwhdXUE
SINGALONG (Lyric videos)
'Amazing Grace' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvt6E9N7AQw
'The Skye Boat Song' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMWH75EcvDk
'Scotland The Brave' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdyPus2vihU
ROUND 1
THE SALTIRE OR ST ANDREW'S FLAG & THE LION RAMPANT OR ROYAL FLAG OF SCOTLAND
THISTLE / WALES - DAFFODIL, ENGLAND - ROSE, IRELAND - SHAMROCK
ST ANDREW / ENGLAND - ST GEORGE, WALES - ST DAVID, IRELAND - ST PATRICK
UNICORN (SHETLAND PONIES SCORES HALF A POINT BECAUSE UNICORN IS FICTITIOUS)
BAGPIPES / ROYAL SCOTS GUARD
KILT & SPORRAN
HIGHLAND FLING / REEL
TAM O'SHANTER / 'WOOLEN CAP'
TOSSING THE CABER / HIGHLAND GAMES
BALMORAL CASTLE / ROYAL STANDARD
VEGETARIAN MEAT FREE PRODUCTS
ROUND 2
'QUAKERS' / SPENDING TIME IN PRISON
HAGGIS WITH NEEPS AND TATTIES AND A SINGLE MALT / SHEEP'S HEART LIVER & LUNGS
CULLEN SKINK / SMOKED HADDOCK
SCOTCH EGG / PORK
SCOTCH BROTH / PEARL BARLEY
SCOTCH BONNET / 40 TIMES HOTTER
CRANACHAN / ETON MESS
FALSE (They changed the name because they were challenged over the 'Iron' statement in advertising, as it only contains 0.002% iron hydroxide!)
FAMOUS FIVE / 6-13%
JOHNNIE WALKER / "CHEERS!"
'The Bonnie Banks O' - LOCH LOMOND'
'Amazing - GRACE'
'The Skye Boat - SONG'
'Scotland The - BRAVE'
'Flower Of - SCOTLAND'
ROUND 3
LOCH NESS / TRUE. THE MODEL OF 'NESSIE' FROM THE 1970 MOVIE 'THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES' WAS DISCOVERED ON THE LAKE BED
BEN NEVIS / SNOWDON (NOW CALLED 'YR WYDDFA'
HADRIANS WALL / 73 MILES / CALEDONIA
EDINBURGH CASTLE / ROYAL MILITARY TATTOO / 'EDINBURGH FRINGE'
'GLENEAGLES' / TRUE. INVENTED BETWEEN 900- 1200 AD / THE BAR (The 18-hole round originated at the 'Old Course' at St. Andrews in 1764.)
'THE FLYING SCOTSMAN' / 100 MPH / 'WAVERLEY'
'THE KELPIES' / 'FORTH & CLYDE CANAL'
'THE FALKIRK WHEEL' / CANAL LIFT
ISLE OF SKYE / 'THE SKYE BOAT SONG'
ELOPE / 'QUICKIE' (OR 'SHOTGUN")
874 (BY ROAD)
ROUND 4
NICOLA STURGEON / 'SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY'
BILLY CONNOLLY ('THE BIG YIN' / 80
ANDY MURRAY / 2013 & 2016 (+ OLYMPIC CHAMPION 2012) / FRED PERRY 1936 (77 YEARS)
'THE KRANKIES' / TRUE / "FANDABIDOSI"
SEAN CONNERY
DAVID TENNANT / BILLY PIPER
ROD STEWART / 'CELTIC' / MODEL RAILWAYS
LORRAINE KELLY / ' THE QUEEN OF DAYTIME TELEVISION'
NICKY CAMPBELL / 'LONG LOST FAMILY'
LULU (BIRTH NAME Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie) / 'SHOUT'
TRUE
ROUND 5
'THE COURAGE OF LASSIE' / ELIZABETH TAYLOR & MICKY ROONEY
'WHISKY GALORE' / 'UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS'
'THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE' / 'DOWNTON ABBEY'
'BRAVEHEART' / SIR WILLIAM WALLACE / MEL GIBSON
'TRAINSPOTTING' / ROBERT CARLYLE & EWAN MCGREGOR
'MONARCH OF THE GLEN' / RICHARD BRIERS
'HAMISH MACBETH' / ROBERT CARLYLE / SCOTTISH TERRIER (SCOTTIE)
'CASTAWAY' / BEN FOGLE
'HARRY POTTER' ('CHAMBER OF SECRETS' IS THE ONE WITH THE FLYING 'FORD ANGLIA') / 'HOGWARTS' - THE HOUSES WERE Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw & Hufflepuff
'THE QUEEN' / HELEN MIRREN / CORGI
'HOGMANAY' / 'OLD LONG SINCE' OR 'TIMES GONE BY'
'MURRAYFIELD'
