The thistle has been the national emblem of Scotland since the reign of Alexander III (1249–1286) and
was used on silver coins issued by James III in 1470.

According to a legend, an invading Norse army was attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scottish
army's encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norseman had the misfortune to step upon a
thistle, causing him to cry out in pain, thus alerting Scots to the presence of the Norse invaders.
Some sources suggest the specific occasion was the Battle of Largs, which marked the beginning of the
departure of King Haakon IV (Haakon the Elder) of Norway who, having control of the Northern Isles
and Hebrides, had harried the coast of the Kingdom of Scotland for some years. ~ Wikipedia


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