April 9th - National Unicorn Day

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Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we step away from the smoke of the battlefield and the clang of swords to embrace something a bit more magical — because April 9th is National Unicorn Day. Yes, you heard that right. Scotland, with its storied past of warriors, kings, and ancient clans, has chosen as its national animal not the lion, not the eagle, but the unicorn — a creature of myth, majesty, and mystery. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events that happened on this day in history, be sure to check out my blog at bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!

Now, you might be wondering — why the unicorn? Why would a nation renowned for its fierce independence and rugged Highland landscapes adopt a fantastical beast with a spiraling horn as its symbol? The answer lies deep in Scotland’s love for legend, symbolism, and a bit of rebellion.

The unicorn has been a powerful symbol in folklore for centuries. In myths stretching back to antiquity, it was believed to be a creature of immense purity and strength — wild, untameable, and fiercely proud. It could only be captured by a virgin, and once caught, its horn was said to hold healing powers strong enough to purify poisoned water. The unicorn represented the impossible — strength combined with grace, power with gentleness.

It was during the late 1300s, under the reign of King Robert III, that the unicorn began appearing in official Scottish heraldry. By the time of King James III in the 15th century, unicorns were prominently featured on coins, and not long after, they became entrenched in the royal coat of arms of Scotland. When James VI of Scotland also became James I of England in 1603, uniting the crowns, the royal coat of arms was redesigned to include both the English lion and the Scottish unicorn — a fierce pair indeed, but symbolically at odds. The lion, bold and kingly, represented England, while the unicorn, proud and unyielding, stood for Scotland.

But here's where the symbolism gets cheeky — according to medieval lore, a unicorn was so powerful and untamable that it had to be chained. And if you look closely at the UK’s coat of arms, you’ll notice the unicorn is indeed shackled. Some Scots say it's a reminder of the union with England — a proud, free creature, bound by political ties.

Over the centuries, the unicorn became more than just a heraldic flourish. It grew into a symbol of Scotland’s identity — a reflection of the nation's belief in independence, strength, and its connection to the fantastical. Unlike the lion or the eagle, animals found in real life, the unicorn lives in the imagination — and for a country that has produced some of the greatest storytellers, poets, and dreamers, it seems fitting.

National Unicorn Day on April 9 is a celebration not just of myth, but of Scottish spirit. Across the country, especially in schools, museums, and cultural centers, the day is marked with whimsical festivities. Children draw pictures of unicorns, adults don tartan horns and cloaks, and some towns even light up castles in soft pink and violet hues. It’s a day of joy, of imagination, and of pride in Scotland’s unique identity.

And let’s be honest — in a world full of the expected, Scotland chose the unexpected. While other nations might lean on beasts of war and dominance, Scotland’s choice of the unicorn is a reminder that there's power in the mythical, strength in the symbolic, and beauty in the belief of the impossible.

So today, raise a glass — perhaps of Irn-Bru or a fine single malt — to the unicorn: fierce, free, and forever Scottish.

Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you’ve enjoyed this magical detour into the heart of Scottish symbolism. For more tales from Scotland’s rich past, don’t forget to visit my blog at bagtownclans.com/thisday. Until next time, I’m Colin MacDonald — Haste Ye Back!

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