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The Scottish Deerhound is a true native of Scotland. It is believed they we're originaly a Greyhound, but natural Scottish weather let to a more rugged, and weather savvy dog. This dog dates back to the middle ages when no one below earl was allowed to own one. Even cheif clansmen in the highland kept these dogs, true to their name, they were used in hunting deer. During World War II the breed almost became extinct, but a few good folk held out from destroying their dogs and the breed still survives today. Unfortunetaly the breed is still rare, but it's wonderful to have this true and ancient Scottish dog.

The Shetland Sheepdog, as it's name suggests, originated in the Shetland Islands. An interesting quality about this breed is it's small size was not caused by selective breeding. All animals, even the wild ones, naturaly developed smaller due to the ruggedness of the island. We are all very familiar with the Sheland Pony...same concept! This dog true to form was used for herding sheep, farmers selected dogs with the right temperment and the result is a beautiful and very intelligent dog. Their true history is uncertain, but rest assured they have been there for a very long time! It's believed the modern herding dogs originate from this dog when it was taken to the mainland.

Aye! Scotland has her own language! The beautiful, ancient language of Gaelic. Mind you, Ireland has a form of Gaelic as well, but they do differ enough that an Irish Gaelic speaker coulden't understand a Scottish Gaelic speaker. Unfortunetaly this language is still rare, but it is not dead! Given a new breath of life, new words have been added carefuly to keep the language up-to-date. For example, E-mail is Post-dealain (pronounced post-jawline). Most Scottish Gaelic speakers reside in north-west Scotland, and some communities speak it exclusivly, including bi-lingual signs.

Enjoy a clip of Julie Fowlis singing Puirt a Beul in Scottish Gaelic!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ylv_mL0Rvas

Want to learn Scottish Gaelic? Here is a great start!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/foghlam/beag_air_bheag/index.shtml

Craig Ferguson entered the world of late night comedy following a diverse and eclectic career that encompasses film, television and the stage.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ferguson got his start in the entertainment industry as a drummer for some of the worst punk bands in the U.K., a profession he held for several years. Following his musical stint, he began bartending in a local pub in Glasgow where he was introduced to Michael Boyd, the artistic director of The Tron Theatre in Glasgow, who persuaded Ferguson to give acting a go. After several low paying acting gigs, Ferguson discovered he had a knack for comedy and was soon the star of his own BBC television show, "The Ferguson Theory."

After several stints on the English comedy circuit, Ferguson brought his act to America in 1995 to star with Betty White and Marie Osmond in the short-lived ABC comedy "Maybe This Time." After the show ended, ABC decided to add the talented Scotsman to "The Drew Carey Show, " playing Drew Carey's boss, Nigel Wick, from 1996-2003.

Ferguson has written the feature films "The Big Tease" and "Saving Grace." In 2003, Ferguson made his directorial debut with "I'll Be There," which he also wrote and starred in. "I'll Be There" went on to receive the Audience Award for Best Film at the Aspen, Dallas, and Valencia film festivals. Craig was also named "Best New Director" at the Napa Valley Film Festival.

Ferguson has also written his first novel, Between the Bridge and the River, which is set to be released this spring. In the book, two childhood friends from Scotland and two illegitimate half-brothers from the deep South suffer and enjoy all manner of bizarre adventures which, it turns out, are somehow interconnected, and even more surprisingly, meaningful. The eclectic cast of characters features Socrates, Carl Jung and Tony Randall, while love, greed, hope, revenge, organized religion and Hollywood also make special appearances.

Ferguson, who took over as host of THE LATE LATE SHOW on January 3, 2005, is also one of its writers. He lives in Los Angeles.

The Scots Dumpy is an ancient Scottish breed of chicken. At the moment they are considered a rare breed, and are infact listed with the RBST along with the other Scottish breed, the Scots Grey. This breed almost went extinct, but fortunetaly a flock of them we're taken to Africa as a dowery, and 12 birds we're imported back into their native country. They're distinct characteristic is their very short legs that stay around 2 inches. They are a hardy breed, adapted to the rough wet climate of the Scottish highlands. They are also very broody, and are excellent mothers. Bones of this chicken have been found in the highlands to date as far back as the 11th century! (in other words, this breed was around about two centuries before William Wallace! - now THAT's old!)

Yes, he's Scottish. You may recognize Ewan McGregor from Star Wars (Obi-Wan Kenobi) or Moulin Rouge (Christian). He's one of my favourite actors of all time and has done everything from Robots to Trainspotting. Ewan was born in Crieff, Scotland and went to an acting school called Guildhall (which is in London). He proudly sports his kilt in this photo above. Yay Ewan!