Which animal is Scotland's national animal?

Historians date the unicorn's use as a Scottish royal emblem to at least the 15th century, when gold coins called 'unicorns' were issued under King James III. In Celtic and medieval legend the unicorn stood for purity, innocence and power, and it was believed that only a king or a maiden could tame one. The royal arms of Scotland were supported by two unicorns, often shown chained to symbolise their strength being controlled. After the union of the Scottish and English crowns in 1603, the royal coat of arms combined the English lion with the Scottish unicorn, as it still does today. Unicorn statues can be seen on many Scottish mercat crosses and castles.