Scotland - History - Art - About the UK - British Council

scotland history

Scotland's dramatic history spans 8,000 years, years marked by invasions and independence, wars and religious upheavals, intrigues and subjugation.

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Towards the Wars of Independence

William Wallace, the first of Scotland's freedom fighters, defeated occupying English at Stirling Bridge in 1297, but his army was defeated the next year.

The Stewart Kings

The Stewarts were originally descended from a Breton noble family and came to Scotland with David I when he returned from England to claim his throne in 1124.

The Union of the Crowns

In 1603, King James VI succeeded to the throne of England following the death of Elizabeth I, so uniting the royal houses of both countries.

The Jacobites

The Glorious Revolution of 1688-89 brought William and Mary to the British throne at the expense of James VII and II.

Scotland Culture

Whatever their ancient origins - Celtic, Norse or Norman-French - by the 13th century the clan system was well established in the Highlands of Scotland.

Government and parliament

Although part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has its own parliament which is responsible for creating the law in most domestic areas .