The Acts of Union 1707 — Scotland & England

The Union of 1707

1. 1 The Acts of Union (1707) Scotland and England merged their parliaments to create Great Britain. The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh was abolished; Scottish MPs joined the Parliament of Great Britain in Westminster. Scotland retained its own legal system, church (Presbyterian Kirk), and education system.
2. 2 The Darien Scheme (1698–1700) Scotland's catastrophic attempt to establish a colony on the Darien Peninsula (Panama). Approximately 2,000 Scottish settlers died. The scheme cost Scotland approximately 20-25% of its total wealth and ruined the economy.
3. 3 Why Scotland accepted the Union Economic desperation after Darien. English pressure (threat of trade restrictions). Bribes — 32 Scottish commissioners each received a sum of money (the 'equivalent'). Robert Burns later wrote of 'a parcel of rogues in a nation' (bought and sold for English gold).
4. 4 What Scotland kept The Church of Scotland (Presbyterian, not Anglican). Scots law (different from English law). Scottish education system. These three 'pillars' maintained Scottish distinctiveness within the Union.
5. 5 The Scottish Parliament (1999–) Following the 1997 devolution referendum, the Scottish Parliament was re-established at Holyrood, Edinburgh. Has powers over health, education, justice, taxation, and many other areas.
6. 6 Independence debate The SNP (Scottish National Party) campaigns for independence. The 2014 independence referendum: 55% voted No. Since Brexit (2016), support for independence has grown. A second referendum remains a live political question.