If you searched “Scotland national animal”, the answer might surprise you: Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn—a mythological creature rather than a real species.
That sounds like a joke, but it’s a centuries-old symbol tied to Scottish identity, royal heraldry, and the idea of an untamable spirit.
What is Scotland’s national animal?
The unicorn is the official national animal of Scotland.
In Scottish tradition, the unicorn represents qualities people associate with Scotland: strength, independence, bravery, purity, and power—even if the animal itself is legendary.
Why did Scotland choose the unicorn?
1) It’s a symbol of an “untameable” spirit
In Celtic mythology and later storytelling, the unicorn is portrayed as fierce, proud, and difficult to capture—an image that fits Scotland’s historical self-image of resilience and independence.
2) Heraldry made it official-looking (and unforgettable)
The unicorn became deeply linked to Scottish royal imagery through coats of arms and symbols of monarchy. For example, it appears as a supporter in royal heraldry, and it’s strongly associated with Scotland’s historic identity.
3) The “chained unicorn” adds meaning
If you’ve seen a unicorn on royal arms, you may notice gold chains around it. One common interpretation is that the chains symbolize the power of Scottish kings—strong enough to “tame” even a unicorn.
The unicorn vs the lion: a UK coat of arms detail many people notice
Scotland’s unicorn and England’s lion often appear together in royal imagery. Since the Union of the Crowns in 1603, the royal arms are commonly described as featuring the unicorn of Scotland on one side and the lion of England on the other, reflecting the two kingdoms’ symbols.
This is one reason the unicorn feels “everywhere” once you start looking for it.
Where can you see unicorns in Scotland?
You won’t spot one in the Highlands, but you will see unicorns across Scottish architecture and landmarks—especially where heraldry shows up.
Common “unicorn spotting” places include:
Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh), where unicorn imagery appears on gates, walls, and decorative details.
Historic town features like mercat crosses and civic crests, where heraldic unicorns appear as ornaments and symbols.
If you’re making a travel-style article, “unicorn hunting” is a fun hook: it turns a symbolic animal into a real scavenger hunt across cities and castles.
Is Scotland’s national animal a real animal?
No—the unicorn is mythological, and that’s part of the appeal. Scotland leans into folklore (think kelpies, selkies, and other legends), and the unicorn fits right into that cultural storytelling tradition.
What animals do people think should be Scotland’s national animal?
Because “national animal” usually implies wildlife, many people guess animals that are genuinely Scottish icons. If you’re writing for SEO, adding this section helps you rank for related searches and reduces bounce rate.
Here are the most common “honorable mentions”:
Red deer (often seen as the classic Highland wild animal)
Highland cow (a cultural icon, instantly recognizable)
Golden eagle (strong “majestic Scotland” imagery)
Scottish wildcat (rare, symbolic of wilderness)
None of these replace the unicorn as the famous national animal symbol—but they’re great internal-link targets if your site covers Scottish wildlife.
Quick FAQ
What is the national animal of Scotland?
The unicorn.
Why is Scotland’s national animal a unicorn?
Because the unicorn symbolizes strength, purity, independence, and power in Scottish tradition and heraldry.
Why is the unicorn shown with chains?
A common explanation is that the chains represent royal authority—only a king could command such a wild, powerful creature.
Where can I see unicorn symbols in Scotland?
Look at royal and historic sites—especially places connected to heraldry, such as Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and civic monuments like mercat crosses.
