Celtic Royal Thistle of Scotland designs on Pure Silk Shawls and Scarves
Brilliant Silk, makers of exquisite, hand-painted, silk and velvet designer garmentsSilks painted in brilliant colorsRoyal Thistle of Scotland designs on Pure Silk shawls and scarves

ROYAL THISTLE OF SCOTLAND

Celtic Royal Thistle of Scotland designs on Pure Silk Shawls and ScarvesCommon throughout the highlands, islands and lowlands of Scotland, the prickly purple thistle has been Scotland's national emblem for centuries.

Legend tells how the thistle became Scotland’s symbol during the reign of Alexander III following the Battle of Largs in 1263. King Haakon of Norway had launched an invasion fleet of longships which came ashore onto the Beach at Largs in Ayrshire. The invading Norsemen tried to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen under the cover of darkness.

To enable them to move more stealthily under cover of darkness the Norsemen removed their footwear. Unfortunately one of Haakon’s men stood on a thistle in the darkness and cried out in pain.

His shout warned the Scottish Clansmen of the approaching Norse invaders.

The Order of the ThistleThe Scots defeated the Norsemen at the Battle of Largs saving Scotland from invasion. The important role of the thistle in this victory was recognised and it was chosen as Scotland’s national emblem.

The first official use of the thistle as Scotland’s royal symbol was on silver coins issued by James III in 1470.

In 1540 James V established the Order of the Thistle as the highest honour that could be bestowed in Scotland.

 

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