At first I thought this must be an April Fool but, no, it is true that Scotland will be celebrating National Unicorn Day this Sunday. And in honour of this event, a new 7ft unicorn sculpture, designed and created by willow artist Woody Fox, is being unveiled at Crawick Multiverse artland in Dumfries & Galloway.
It seems that the fabled creature, known as a proud symbol of nobility and power, has been Scotland’s favoured beast since the 14th century.
Unicorns were written about by the ancient Persians, Romans, Greeks and Celts and were described as an elegant white horse-like creature with a single horn capable of magical properties.
Unicorns have also been linked to Scotland for centuries and were used as an early form of the Scottish coat of arms by William I in the late 1300s.
A Scottish coat of arms featuring a unicorn.
VisitScotland has been instrumental in bringing the new unicorn sculpture to the Dumfries & Galloway artland. Regional director Doug Wilson said: “The Crawick Multiverse artland offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors and is the perfect backdrop for this distinctive sculpture in the year that we are celebrating Scotland’s history, heritage and archaeology.
“This is the year to delve into the past and discover Scotland’s fascinating stories, including those myths and legends about the unicorn.”
Willow unicorn at Crawick in D&G. Picture by Julie Howden/Visit Scotland
Duncan Mackison, director of Crawick Multiverse Trust, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with VisitScotland to play our part in National Unicorn Day by displaying this beautiful sculpture at Crawick Multiverse.”
Artist Woody Fox said: “I was thrilled to be asked to create this unique sculpture of a unicorn to mark National Unicorn Day. My previous work includes deer, badgers, foxes and rabbits, which bring homes, gardens, parks and public spaces to life.
“It has been very inspiring for me to work on this noble and spiritual animal for the first time and to help promote Scotland at the same time.”
In honour of National Unicorn Day (April 9), VisitScotland is challenging people across the country to embark on their own unicorn hunt and take a quest in search of tributes to our national animal.
Other places to spot a unicorn
Outside the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle.
The Queen’s Gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
The fountain in the courtyard at Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian.
Stirling Castle which is home to the beautiful Mystic Hunt of the Unicorn tapestry.
The Mercat Cross in Dunfermline, Jedburgh, Melrose, Culross, Crail and Cupar, not to mention all of Scotland’s cities.
The HM Frigate Unicorn in Dundee is Scotland’s only surviving example of a wooden warship and one of the six oldest ships in the world.
The Fife town of Falkland takes a starring role in the hit TV series Outlander and in its centre you’ll find a unicorn statue.
On the Black Isle, you can visit the Stables in Cromarty a converted Georgian building that now houses a gallery and studios, as well as a unicorn. The magnificent life-size sculpture provides a magical welcome to visitors of all ages.
In Dumfries & Galloway, Quests and Retreats offers dedicated Unicorn Quests exploring the landscapes and forests of the region in search for the elusive creature, which might just make a rare appearance.
On May 27, organisers of the Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Music Festival are aiming to break the world record for the highest number of ‘unicorns’ in one place.
To find out more about unicorn lore or for more magical ideas of where to go unicorn spotting visit www.visitscotland.com/unicorn I rather like this national idea!