More amazing Scottish facts

Test your knowledge of Scotland with our fascinating and fun facts!

In Shetland, it was considered lucky to sow some corn in a small plot of land on Bogel Day (March 17). As part of the ritual, seeds from the previous year’s plot were made into cakes called burstin’ brunnies and eaten for supper.

Robert III of Scotland seemed to have serious self-esteem issues. The monarch who reigned from 1390 to 1406 asked to be buried in a midden with an epitaph of, “here lies the worst of kings and most wretched of men”. His wish was declined but instead of being buried at Scone with the other Scottish kings, he was interred at Paisley Abbey.

Dundee University students have created a device that encourages folk to get off their phones in their local. Known as the Sociometer, the invention was trialled at the city’s Speedwell Bar. Hung on the wall, it records and displays mobile phone activity showing just how anti-social drinkers are.