Scotland, with its rich history and distinct culture, has been settled for millennia and has maintained its fierce independence from various empires. It is part of the United Kingdom, comprising highlands, lowlands, and an archipelago. The term "Scot" originates from the Roman name for Gaelic people, and Scotland's Gaelic name is "Alba." The country's history includes resistance to Roman conquest, the unification under Kenneth McAlpin in the 9th century, and the influence of Anglo-Normans leading to the Wars of Scottish Independence. The Union of 1707 with England allowed Scotland to flourish economically, especially during the Age of Enlightenment. However, the 20th century brought economic challenges, leading to a revival of Scottish Nationalism. A 1997 referendum granted Scotland self-governance powers, and a 2014 independence referendum was narrowly defeated. The question of independence remains a key political issue.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Scotland is a country within the United Kingdom and is the most northerly part of the island of Great Britain.
2. Scotland is composed of three main parts: an archipelago, highlands, and lowlands.
3. The word "Scotland" comes from the word "Scot," which was given to the Gaels, or Gaelic people, by the Romans.
4. The Romans referred to the tribes north of the River Forth as the Caledones, and Caledonia has been used as a romantic alternative name for Scotland since then.
5. People have lived in Scotland since the end of the last ice age, around 13,000 years ago.
6. The Orkney Islands were occupied in the Neolithic period, before 2,500 BC.
7. The Celts arrived in Scotland around 500 BC and became the dominant people in the British Isles prior to the Roman invasion.
8. The Romans were unable to subdue Scotland due to the fierceness of the Scottish tribes, the mountainous terrain, and the climate.
9. The Anglo-Saxons occupied England and eventually South-east Scotland, while the rest of Scotland remained dominated by Celtic tribes.
10. The Picts were a group of people who lived in Scotland during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval periods.
11. The Highland Clearances occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries and saw many Scottish Highlanders forced off their land.
12. The Jacobite Risings of 1689, 1715, and 1745 were attempts to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne.
13. The Acts of Union in 1707 united England and Scotland under a single government.
14. The Scottish Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in Scotland during the 18th century.
15. The Industrial Revolution transformed Scotland's economy and society in the 18th and 19th centuries.
16. Scotland was a major contributor to the British Empire, with many Scots serving in the British Army and playing key roles in the colonial administration.
17. The 20th century saw significant social and economic changes in Scotland, including the decline of traditional industries and the growth of nationalism.
18. A referendum on Scottish independence was held in 2014, but was defeated by a margin of 55 to 45%.
19. The issue of Scottish independence remains a key topic in British politics today.
20. The Scottish Parliament was re-established in 1999 after a hiatus of 292 years, and has since gained more powers for self-governance.