A tradition of independence

Scotland has not always been a part of the United Kingdom. The Scottish people had their own royal family and fought the English for centuries. In 1603, King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England and Scotland. When he moved to London, Scottish independence ended.

In 1707, Scotland formally became part of the UK when the government of Scotland moved to Westminster, in London. Scotland managed to keep its own legal and education systems. Scotland still has different marriage laws from England. Young couples in England must have their parents' consent to get married if they are under 18, but in Scotland they can get married at the age of 16 without asking.

Scotland now has its own parliament in Edinburgh. The Scottish Parliament can decide on local matters and reduce tax a little. Some Scottish people still want their country to be completely independent. People in favour of Scottish independence say that the large quantities of oil found off the coast of Scotland are Scottish, not British, and the profits should go to Scotland.

True or false?

a  Scotland is a flat country.

b  The kilt is Scotland's national costume.

c  Scotland is a poor country.

d  Scotland has its own parliament.

e  Most people live in the Highlands.

f  Computers are made in Scotland.

Michael Vaughan-Rees, Geraldine Sweeney, Picot Cassidy: In Britain; Cornelsen Verlag, 2000, page 84