ROYAL THISTLE OF SCOTLAND
Common 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 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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