We wanted to choose meaningful elements that represent both Scotland and Yemen. The Scottish thistle and the Yemeni coffee are considered major icons for both cultures and have significant role in the history of both countries.

The Story

The Scottish Thistle:

The prickly purple thistle was adopted as the Emblem of Scotland during the rein of Alexander III (1249 -1286). Legend has it that an Army of King Haakon of Norway, intent on conquering the Scots landed at the Coast of Largs at night to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. In order to move more stealthily under the cover of darkness the Norsemen removed their footwear.

As they drew near to the Scots it wasn't the only thing hiding under the cover of darkness. For one of Haakon's men unfortunately stood on one of these spiny little defenders and shrieked out in pain, alerting the Clansmen of the advancing Norsemen. Needless to say the Scots who won the day.

Source: The Scottish History Online

The Yemeni Coffee:

The coffee plant is said to have been discovered in Ethiopia in the 11th century. However, Yemen also plays a big part in the discovery of coffee as it is believed that this is where the drink matured. Mocha coffee that we know today is actually named after the port of Mocha where coffee was shipped from Yemen to the entire world. Yemen had huge success when they first began to trade coffee and was shipped from the port of Mocha. Based on the Red Sea coast of Yemen this port is famous for being the major marketplace for coffee from the 15th century until the 17th century.

Source: Caravel Magazine

The Colours

The 3 chosen colours were inspired by the Scottish Flag, the Yemeni flag, the thistle and the Yemeni coffee red fruit.

The blue was taken from the Scottish flag. the red from the Yemeni flag and coffee fruit and the purple is the result of mixing blue and red, also is the colour of the Scottish thistle. We wanted to show that although both countries and different in culture and history, yet they still have many similarities and can integrate with one another.