Scotland has a population of around 5.2 million people. Biggest cities are Glasgow, Edinburgh (The Capital), Aberdeen and Dundee. Many useful items have been invented by Scottish people… The television, telephone, video cassette recorder and penicillin.

In 1707 the Acts of Union between Scotland and England were made. The two countries were united to form Great Britain. As a result, Scotland became part of the British Empire which invaded parts of North America, Asia and Oceania. This is now known as the commonwealth.

By 1922, the British Empire ruled over 458 million people, one-fifth of the world's population at the time. The empire covered more than a quarter of the Earth’s land area. As a result, the UK’s political, legal, linguistic and cultural legacy is widespread.

The Union created a common purpose and drive. Scotland was at the front of the Industrial Revolution, which is still benefits us today. It gave opportunities for trade with goods as well as languages and religion.

Being part of the British Empire gave Scotland access to the commonwealth markets and allowed the Scottish to grow as traders. This brought wealth and prosperity back to Scotland and meant lots of Scottish people moved around the world. Instead of using the Euro we use our own currency called Pound Sterling.

Being in the United Kingdom gave Scotland security Scotland benefited in the UK’s shipyards and communities from the money spent on the military. The Scots did however fight in many imperial wars before they joined the United Kingdom (UK).

Britain had a large military so could control smaller countries Britain had a strong bargaining position for international negotiations so Scotland benefited.

There has always been tension between Scotland and the neighbouring country England. There was many wars between the two countries before they were united with Wales and Northern Ireland to make the United Kingdoms. Nowadays there is still ill feeling between the national sporting teams but overall relations are positive.