Unicorn of Scotland
Our Scottish Unicorn stands on a bed of thistles and proudly holds The Saltire, measuring approx 11'' x 10'' and is available in cold cast bronze , pewter or maple resin finish. Delivered with a discreet brass hook, ready for wall hanging and makes the ideal souvenir or gift from Scotland
£35 plus p&p, bronze or silver
According to legend, Viking raiders, trying to surprise Scots with a night attack, stepped on a patch of thistles and alerted the Scots with their cries of pain. The thistle has been the symbol of the hardy Scots ever since, our Flower of Scotland...
Our Mercat Cross measures just under 7'' tall and is available in bronze resin, pewter resin or painted in the traditional heraldic colours...Made to order - £15 plus p&p
The unicorn was often used as a Mercat Cross ( Market Cross ), the symbol of a burgh's right to trade and was located centrally in the town's market place. This monument type existed in Scotland by at least the 12th century and town records refer to all manner of announcements, celebrations and punishments (usually in the form of public humiliation) carried out at the mercat cross, prompting them to be described as 'the dreaded theatre of public punishment and shame'! Today they are a symbol of the burgh's heritage and is often shown as a unicorn proudly displaying a Saltire or Lion Rampant shield. The unicorn in Stirling town centre is fondly named 'Puggy' by the locals...
The unicorn's traditional enemy was the lion, which was said to rule through might whilst the unicorn ruled through harmony. In the British royal coat-of-arms, however, the two animals represent not conflict but union. They came together in 1603, when James VI of Scotland succeeded a childless Elizabeth I to the throne and became James I, effectively uniting Scotland and England under one rule. As James VI he had two unicorns as supporters. as James I he added the Unicorn of Scotland to the English heraldic lion.
