Day Twenty-Six: Scotland

Four centuries ago, King James, the first Stuart (and Scottish) king of England authorized the preparation of the King James Bible. Over a century later, Edinburgh became one of the leading intellectual centers in Europe. Adam Smith, one of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, is known today as the father of modern economics and free market capitalism.

“Can we skip to the Sean Connery part?” asks Orange Bear.

Scotland’s favorite son, Sean Connery, was born in 1930 and soared into the cinematic pantheon after he took on the role of James Bond (also Scottish) in 1962. Today, Sir Sean is an outspoken supporter of Scottish independence and an avid golfer (invented by the Scots).

“Don’t forget Eric Liddell,” says Mr. Crumpet. “You know, Chariots of Fire and all that.”

Eric Liddell was the Scottish missionary and Olympic gold medalist who famously refused to race the 100 meters on a Sunday. He —

“Sorry,” interrupts Mr. Crumpet, “but let’s not overlook one of my favorites, Sir Walter Scott.”

Sir Walter Scott is the legendary Scottish author of such 19th century Romanticist classics as Waverley (the first historical novel), Ivanhoe, and —

“The Falkirk Wheel!” shouts Phil the Owl. “The greatest, giantest gadget of them all! Only in Scotland!”

[Deep breath] Bagpipes, kilts, border collies, tartans, William Wallace…

“And the Falkirk Wheel!”

The one-of-a-kind Falkirk Wheel…and Sir Sean in full regalia.