The Unicorn: How a Mythical Beast Became Scotland’s Most Powerful Icon

Its history, symbolism, and where to find every unicorn statue across Scotland

Of all the creatures Scotland could have chosen as its national animal, it picked the unicorn, a wild, mystical, untameable being said to possess immense strength, purity, and an unbreakable spirit. At first glance, it might seem whimsical that a proud, battle-scarred nation known for warriors, castles, and invention decided that a legendary horned horse should symbolise its identity. But when you start to dig into the history, the choice makes perfect sense. The unicorn isn’t just a fairy-tale creature here. It’s a political statement, a mark of sovereignty, and a centuries-old emblem of what it means to be Scottish.

And if you’ve ever wandered through a Scottish town and thought, “There’s another unicorn, what’s going on?” you’re absolutely right. Scotland has more unicorn statues, carvings and heraldic emblems than anywhere else in the world.

This is the story of how the unicorn became Scotland’s national animal, and exactly where you can find the statues that keep this ancient symbol alive today.

The Unicorn’s Early Journey Into Scottish Imagination

Long before the unicorn pranced into Scottish heraldry, the creature was already revered across Europe. Ancient Greek writers were convinced the unicorn was real, not magical, but a living animal from India. They described it as swift, fierce, and impossible to capture alive. Medieval bestiaries then added layers of meaning: the unicorn represented purity, power, healing, and the divine.

By the time Scotland was emerging as a kingdom in the Middle Ages, the unicorn had become a popular symbol for kings seeking to communicate strength and virtue. But Scotland didn’t just dabble with the idea; it embraced it with a passion no other country matched.

The earliest confirmed connection comes from the 12th century. William I of Scotland, known as William the Lion, used the unicorn on his royal seal. Whether he chose it for its mythical beauty or its fierce symbolism, the decision set the stage for one of the strongest national-identification stories in European history.

Why a Unicorn and Why Scotland?

It helps to understand how medieval Scots viewed themselves. Scotland was, for centuries, a fiercely independent nation constantly negotiating (or fighting) with larger neighbours. National identity was tied deeply to ideas of freedom, loyalty, and resilience.

And in legend, the unicorn was the only creature strong enough to challenge a lion, England’s national animal.

This wasn’t accidental.

When James III ruled in the 15th century, the unicorn appeared consistently on Scottish coinage. Later, under James IV and James V, the unicorn became a central heraldic supporter of the Royal Arms of Scotland. Two unicorns stood on either side of the shield, guarding the crown with regal ferocity. The message was clear:

Scotland is strong, noble, and unconquerable.

After the 1603 Union of the Crowns, when James VI of Scotland also became James I of England, the coat of arms was redesigned with a lion and a unicorn standing together. Even then, the unicorn wore a golden chain. Some historians believe this symbolised unity; others argue it represented the attempt to “tame” Scotland.

Whatever the intention, the unicorn had already found its home in the Scottish national psyche, and it never left.

The Symbolism Behind the Scottish Unicorn

The Scottish unicorn isn’t the gentle, pastel creature of modern children’s cartoons. On Scottish coats of arms and statues, the unicorn is usually:

• muscular and powerful

• standing upright on its hind legs

• wearing a heavy, ornate chain

• crowned, with a long spiralled horn

• sometimes attacking, sometimes defending

The chains often provoke curiosity. Why chain a national animal associated with freedom? Historians offer two explanations:

1. Only something unbelievably powerful would need to be chained.

2. The unicorn’s strength was so great that only a Scottish king could “control” it.

Either way, the chained unicorn became one of the most iconic heraldic symbols in European history. And because Scottish towns, royal residences, cathedrals, and even marketplaces once proudly displayed their royal patronage, unicorns were carved, sculpted, painted, and installed everywhere.

Centuries later, we still stumble across them, perched on buildings, guarding castle gates, or quietly watching from public squares.

Where to Find Unicorn Statues Across Scotland

Scotland might be the only country where spotting unicorns isn’t just possible, it’s practically a national pastime.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the most significant (and Instagram-worthy) unicorn statues, carvings, and heraldic beasts across the country.

Royal & Historic Sites

Edinburgh Castle — Edinburgh

The castle grounds feature impressive unicorn statues outside the National War Museum, plus heraldic carvings within the Royal Apartments. Look up above archways and you’ll spot unicorns woven into the stonework of Scotland’s medieval royal stronghold.

The Palace of Holyrood — Edinburgh

The Queen’s official Scottish residence boasts unicorns on its grand gateposts and throughout its heraldry. They stand proudly beside the lion as supporters of the Royal Coat of Arms.

Stirling Castle — Stirling

A favourite for unicorn enthusiasts.

• A grand unicorn statue stands atop the Great Hall.

• Inside, the recreated Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries celebrate one of Europe’s most famous medieval unicorn legends.

• Additional unicorn carvings decorate the palace walls.

Linlithgow Palace — Linlithgow

Home to the spectacular King’s Fountain, where unicorns appear among the carved figures in one of Britain’s oldest surviving Renaissance fountains.

Falkland Palace — Falkland, Fife

The nearby town centre hosts a striking unicorn statue on the Mercat Cross, and the palace contains multiple heraldic unicorns inside.

Unicorns on Mercat Crosses (Market Crosses)

Throughout history, towns with a royal charter often celebrated this honour by topping their market cross with a unicorn, the symbol of the Crown.

You can find unicorn-topped Mercat Crosses in:

• Edinburgh – Parliament Square, Royal Mile

• Aberdeen – Castlegate

• Inverness – Falcon Square

• Culross (Fife)

• Dunfermline (Fife)

• Crail (Fife)

• Cupar (Fife)

• Jedburgh (Scottish Borders)

• Melrose (Scottish Borders)

• Prestonpans (East Lothian)

These unicorns vary wildly, some are elegant stone beasts, others colourful, gold-tipped and dramatic. Each one represents Scotland’s long-standing association between the unicorn and the Crown.

Other Notable Unicorn Locations

HMS Unicorn — Dundee

This remarkable preserved wooden warship features a large unicorn figurehead. It’s one of the oldest ships in the world still afloat, making its unicorn an extraordinary piece of maritime history.

St Giles’ Cathedral — Edinburgh

Hidden among the intricate carvings of the Thistle Chapel are beautifully sculpted unicorns honouring Scotland’s highest chivalric order.

The Meadows — Edinburgh

The Mason’s Pillars at the entrance to the park include unicorns — with one pillar proudly displaying a lion, symbolising unity after the Union.

Springburn Park — Glasgow

Home to the Doulton Unicorn, the surviving remnant of a grand terracotta fountain manufactured by the famous Doulton ceramics works.

Crawick Multiverse — Dumfries & Galloway

A breathtaking modern installation featuring a large willow unicorn sculpture created for events such as National Unicorn Day.

Why the Unicorn Still Matters Today

Scotland could have picked a stag, an eagle, a wolf, or a Scottish wildcat, all native species rich in symbolism. But instead, it chose a creature that doesn’t technically exist. And in doing so, it captured something essential about the Scottish identity.

The unicorn represents:

1. Fierce independence

Just as the unicorn is famously difficult to tame, Scotland’s history is built on a spirit that resists conformity and values freedom.

2. Purity, truth, and integrity

In medieval lore, only the purest hearts could approach a unicorn. The creature stood for honesty and moral strength, qualities Scotland’s early kings wanted to be associated with.

3. Magic, imagination, and creativity

Across centuries, Scots have been inventors, dreamers, and storytellers. The unicorn embodies the belief that possibility is bigger than reality.

4. Royal authority

The unicorn’s centuries-long role in heraldry ties it directly to Scottish monarchy and national pride.

5. Hope and resilience

Even in turbulent political times, the unicorn remains a symbol of continuity and identity.

Today, unicorns appear everywhere, from government buildings to children’s art, and Scotland proudly celebrates National Unicorn Day every April 9th.

A National Animal Unlike Any Other

Some countries choose the eagle. Others choose the bear, the bison, or a native bird. Scotland stands alone with its gleaming white unicorn, strong, untamed, mythical, and wrapped in centuries of legend.

Walk through Edinburgh, Stirling, Inverness or countless tiny towns, and you’ll find unicorns carved into stone, standing guard on pillars, or watching silently from rooftops. They remind us that Scotland’s national identity is built not just on battles or borders, but on imagination, symbolism, and the belief that magic, real magic, plays a role in its history.

And honestly, what could be more Scottish than choosing a creature that embodies power, beauty, defiance and mystery all at once?