High Road, Low Road Trivia Quiz

Answer: Caledonia

The Romans did not conquer the whole of Scotland with the original northern boundary of their empire being Hadrian's Wall, running from the river Tyne on the east coast to the Solway Firth on the west coast in the north of England. They eventually pushed further into Scotland, building the Antonine Wall from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde, but withdrew after only twenty years.

The name of Caledonia is still used, often in a poetic way. Hibernia was the Roman name for Ireland, Cambria was Wales and Helvetia was Switzerland.

Answer: 30th November

Andrew, the apostle and brother of Saint Peter, has been the patron saint of Scotland since the middle of the tenth century. According to legend, his relics were brought to the town of St. Andrews, although the town is probably better known as being the home of golf. Saint Andrew is also the patron saint of Greece, Romania and Russia. 1 March is Saint David's Day, 17th March is Saint Patrick's Day and 23rd April is Saint George's Day.

These are the patron saints of Wales, Ireland and England respectively.

Answer: Haddock

Arbroath is in the council area of Angus, and lies on the east coast of Scotland, sixteen miles to the north of Dundee. The smoking of haddock is a traditional skill with the fish being salted and dried before being smoked in special barrels. Under European Law, the name of Arbroath Smokie is protected and can only be used for fish from the area.

Answer: James VI

James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots. His mother was forced to abdicate as Queen of Scotland when James was only just over a year old and he did not gain control of his kingdom until 1581. When Elizabeth I died without a direct heir, James became the next English monarch as his mother was a cousin of Elizabeth. Elizabeth herself had not officially named a successor but her political advisors had already negotiated with the Scottish king, who was declared king of England immediately after Elizabeth's death.

Answer: False

The song was written by Roy Williamson of the folk group called 'The Corries' in the mid 1960s. It was popularised among the Scottish rugby union team originally and became their anthem in the 1990 Five Nations championship. Its use has now spread to the Scottish football (soccer) team and it was also used as the anthem for the Scottish team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The words commemorate the Scottish victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, when they defeated England's Edward II in 1314.

Answer: Robert Burns

Robert Burns was born in 1759 and is regarded as Scotland's national poet. He wrote the words for 'Auld Lang Syne', sung traditionally at New Year or Hogmanay as it is known in his home land. Other well known words are 'Red, Red Rose', 'To a Mouse' and 'Tam o' Shanter'. Burns Night is celebrated around the world with a haggis being ceremoniously brought to the table accompanied by the playing of bagpipes.

The other options are all well known Scots.

Answer: Edinburgh Castle

The stone is also known as the Stone of Destiny and was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs at Scone Abbey. It was taken to Westminster Abbey in London where it was fitted into a chair known as 'King Edward's Chair', named for King Edward the Confessor who was king of England between 1042 and 1066.

The chair has been used as part of the coronation ceremony for British monarchs ever since, with only two exceptions. It was returned to Scotland in a symbolic gesture with the proviso that it must be returned to Westminster Abbey when needed for the next coronation of a monarch.

It is now kept in Edinburgh Castle with other items from Scotland's history.

Answer: Perth

Sir Walter Scott published his novel called 'The Fair Maid of Perth' in 1828 and the city was quick to adopt the name as its nickname. It is situated on Scotland's longest river, the Tay, and there is evidence of habitation there from prehistoric times. Scone Abbey was situated only two miles away, so Perth became an important town due to the royal connections. Of the other options, only Aberdeen has a well established nickname, being known as the 'Granite City' due to the large number of granite buildings there.

Answer: Lomond

The lyrics continue 'And I'll be in Scotland afore ye; But me and my true love will never meet again; On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond'. The song was first published in 1841 and is usually interpreted as being written about a Jacobite rebel (or patriot, if you are Scottish) who has been sentenced to death. Loch Lomond is the largest lake by surface area in mainland Britain although Loch Ness, famous for its supposed inhabitant, is larger by volume of water.

Answer: Thistle

The thistle has been the official flower of Scotland since the 13th century, apparently because a Norse invader trod on one, cried out in pain and thus gave away their intended attack to the defenders. The highest order of chivalry in Scotland is the 'Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle' which was instituted in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland, who was also King James II of England.

The rose is the symbol of England, the daffodil represents Wales and the shamrock belongs to Ireland.