I’ve just completed this linoprint of the unicorns at Holyrood Palace.
Linoprint of Holyrood unicorns.
The unicorn is the official national animal of Scotland even though it is a mythological creature. Stories of unicorns date back many centuries and are featured in the cultures of the classical age including the Babylonians and the Indus civilisation
James II loved the legend, and the unicorn became the symbol of purity and power that Scottish kings and nobility identified with in the 15th Century.
Over time, this led to the unicorn becoming officially recognised as Scotland's national animal.
More recently Unicorns have featured in JK Rowlings ‘Harry Potter’ books where their blood is supposed to give Voldemort a renewed vigour to create more mayhem.
There is a Scottish saying, ‘Unicorns for everyone’ which is similar to the sentiment behind that other well used saying ‘the magic money tree’!
As you enter the gatehouse at Holyrood Palace you will see a relief sculpture of these unicorns. The photo was taken 10 years ago so I have finally got round to carving and printing this print. There are some lovely emblems of Scotland including the national flower the thistle.
Holyrood unicorns