National Symbol of Scotland

I think I know why the Scots chose the thistle. Picture with me if you will two gardeners somewhere in the Highlands.....

Gardener 1: Ach! Bugger all!
Gardener 2: What's the matter Alistair?
Alistair: It's these blasted thistles. I can't get the whole thing out. How 'bout you Dougie?
Dougie: Aye. It's the same wi' me. Hey Alistair I've a grand idea! Let's tell everyone they're our national symbol! Then we won't have to pull them up.
Alistair: Are ye daft? Who would believe we'd pick these wretched things as our national symbol?
Dougie: It's worth a shot don't you think?

The faint sound of bagpipes wafts through the air....