Explore Scottish Stories

Scots and visitors to Scotland alike know how beautiful the Scots language is. Even those who aren’t familiar with the language will be familiar with Robert Burn’s ‘Auld Lang Syne’: which has been adopted by dozens of countries across the globe to bring in the New Year, or as we say in Scotland, Hogmanay.

Whether it’s a “bahookie”, “wheest”, or “peelie-wally”, you’re sure to hear some interesting phrases along the way on your campervan trip. There are four main dialects of Scots: Insular, Northern, Central and Southern, so it might change depending on where you go! That’s not all: within each of these four dialects, there are many sub-dialects – each of which might sound very different.

Braw Beginnings

When visiting Scotland, you’ll undoubtedly hear a few Scots words along the way. Although sometimes considered a dialect of English, Scots is a standalone language spoken by 1.5 million people across Scotland – and counting!

To celebrate our complex and beautiful language, the team over at VisitScotland have launched their new campaign, Braw Beginnings, to offer the world a taste of the Scots language by translating the first lines of some of the world’s most loved literature into Scots. The project, which is part of Year of Stories, translates the first lines of nine novels with the help of Scots expert and writer Alistair Heather, with everything from the classic Dracula by Bram Stoker to the infamously adapted for TV, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.

Experience Gaelic

While you are out exploring Scotland in your Campervan, you will notice our accents can be different from traditional English. We often use ‘slang words’ or pronounce words in a way you will not be accustomed to hearing. Fear not, we Scots love a ‘blether’, so just ask, and we’re sure they’ll explain.

Gaelic is also spoken in Scotland, particularly more so in the Scottish Highlands & Islands. The National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture has been established on the Isle of Skye which offers a range of courses through the medium of Gaelic. The language is supported by BBC Alba TV channel, radio station and dedicated website, In popular culture Gaelic has even appeared in the hugely successful Outlander TV series.

Take a look at the first lines below, can you guess the books before you reach the answers?

“No fir the first time, a rammy had brak oot ower breakfast at nummer fower, Privet Drive”
“It wis a bricht, cauld dey in April, an the clocks wis chappin thirteen”
“A moose took a dauner through the deep, mirk widd”
“Aw bairns, except ane, grow up”
“It wisnae a likely placie fir disappearances, at least, no tae the first glisk”

Answers:

“Not for the first time, an argument had broken out over breakfast at number four, Privet Drive” – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J K Rowling
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen” – 1984 by George Orwell
“A Mouse took a stroll through a deep dark wood” – The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
“All children, except one, grow up” – Peter Pan by J M Barrie
“It wasn’t a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance” – Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

READY FOR A SCOTTISH ROADTRIP?

Touring Scotland in a campervan is the perfect option for getaways long and short. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend break or an ‘Epic Scottish Roadtrip’ we are sure you will have a fantastic time in one of our campervans!

Want to chat with us about hiring a Campervan? Get in touch today and have a chat with our knowledgeable and friendly team.