The Scotland of the Sunshine State

The city of Dunedin can be found on Florida's tropical Gulf Coast and is famous for its award-winning sandy beaches and pine forests. Established by two travelling Scotsmen in search of sunny weather in 1899, the city is a little piece of Scotland on Florida's Gulf Coast. Scottish by name and Scottish by nature, the name Dunedin is derived from the Gaelic name of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, Dùn Èideann. The city of Dunedin is even the sister city of Stirling, Scotland! Dunedin has maintained its strong Scottish roots throughout its history, with many Scottish societies and traditions found throughout the city. This Scottish influence can be seen in the presence of the Scottish American Military Society; the Dunedin Chapter of the New World Celts; several different pipe bands and highland dance groups; a Celtic Shop in the city's downtown. Additionally, Dunedin is home to Highlander Park, Scottish Towers, Stirling Heights, and Brae Moor! Who knew that Florida had so many Scottish influences?

With so many similarities between Dunedin and Scotland, we thought that it would be fun to explore a few of the links between Scotland and the Scotland of the Sunshine State.

Tartan

Here at ScotlandShop, we know our tartan, but we can't help but think we're seeing double when we look at Dunedin tartan. This colourful tartan was designed by Bill Mathews in 1986 to commemorate the strong links between the city and Scotland. The colours in the design are said to influenced by the tropical surroundings of Dunedin, but we can't help but think that it reminds us of something...that's it! Edinburgh! Edinburgh District Tartan was created 16 years prior in 1970, by Hugh MacPherson, to mark the Commonwealth Games which were being held in the city at the time. This tartan draws its influence from the blue and white of the Saltire and combines this with the green and reds found in the landscape surrounding Edinburgh to create this bright and colourful tartan. Both of these tartans are equally beautiful and go a long way to strengthening the bond between Dunedin and its namesake.

Dunedin is famous for its white sandy beaches, with Caladesi Island beach consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the country. Famed for its pristine beaches, Caladesi Island is great for a walk along the coastline, with warm turquoise water and beautiful scenery what's not to love? You can even go kayaking amongst the islands mangrove forest!

Scotland is more famous for its wet and windy weather than white sandy beaches, but we've got more than a few hidden gems. Nestled away on the Isle of Harris is Luskentyre beach which has been voted as one of the best beaches in the whole of Europe, fighting off competition from some of the best beaches the Mediterranian has to offer. With white sandy beaches, turquoise water and not a shark in sight, Luskentyre beach gives anything found in Dunedin a run for its money! It's probably a good bit chillier though!

Dunedin's picturesque Honeymoon Island is a popular spot amongst tourists and locals to watch the majestic ospreys fish in the local lagoons. This is a great day out and the island's osprey trail provides excellent views and opportunities to explore the surrounding pine forests and watch the birds fish.

Here in Scotland, we have our very own osprey population that visits the country in the 'warm' summer months. There are several different places to see ospreys throughout Scotland, but our favourite place to visit is the Tweed Valley Forest Park in the Scottish Borders... not too far from our office in Duns! They are certainly better at fishing than me!

Dunedin is famous for its wide range of festivals, hosting 25 different festivals throughout the year. There is a wide variety of events on show from beer, arts, and craft festivals; to Mardi Gras; to our personal favourite the Highland Games, the city has a lot to offer.

In Scotland, we also enjoy attending different festivals throughout the year, with our capital city, Edinburgh, earning the nickname 'The Festival City'. With over 3000 events each year there is plenty to see and do in the city. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world and is held in the city throughout August. It is surpassed only by the Olympic Games in terms of global ticketed events and attracts flocks of tourists to the city each August.

Dunedin is also home to the Scottish American Society of Dunedin, who aim to carry on and maintain the Scottish tradition that the city was founded on. The society achieves these goals by engaging with the local community and hosting several Scottish-centric events in their Historic Scottish Hall; which was made the city's first Historic Landmark in August 2019. From 'Tartan Nights' to 'Celtic Concerts' the Scottish American Society is the hub for all things Scottish in the Scotland of the Sunshine State.