Historically Scots are brave and stubborn. They always fought with Vikings and Britons and maintained their sovereignty. On target of Vikings from end of 8th century, Romans from 2nd century and England from 1200 to 16th century AD, Scots stood against the tides. The history of Scotland is exemplary in sense that it was never enslaved for long time.
The Romans called the tribes of the north ‘Caledoni’ and named their land Caledonia. The Picts, known as the ‘painted people’ were one of the Celtic tribes who inhabited Scotland. The ancient Celts were a collection of people that originated in central Europe and that shared similar culture, language and beliefs. Over the years, the Celts migrated. They spread across Europe and set up shop everywhere from Turkey and Ireland to Britain and Spain. In the 6th century Christian missionaries had begun the work of converting the Picts. Later Irish, Vikings and Britons mixed with Picts race.
It is incomplete history if we do not talk about Vikings in Europe history.
Vikings from Norway, in end of 8th century started raids on Scotland from North East Glencoe mountaineous region for looting churches. They used to attack in night, burned houses, killed children. Later they did this in entire Europe as well. They sold robbed valuables, women in market. The slaves were treated like animals and could be killed without punishment. If a female slave partnered male slave, the child was treated as free Viking while male slave if partnered with free Viking then child was slave. The Vikings women had great respect and freedom in society.
Gradually Scots learned the tactics to counter Vikings. They caught some Vikings and used them against Vikings. Later Vikings adopted blackmail and extortion techniques. They offered to protect locals from raiders and in turn exchanged for lands. Like this Viking gene spread in Scotland and Europe.
Our tour guide on Loch Ness tour told that Glencoe tough mountains, unpredictable weather and strong winds defended Scotland from Vikings.
In 1263, King Haakon IV of Norway made an attempt to raid Scotland but terrific winds wrecked their ship and on shore huge Scottish army was waiting for them. The King was killed and the Viking raids ended after 400 years. Still Vikings were integrated in Scottish society to the extent that Angus Og, was famous for leading a wing of the Scottish army in Robert the Bruce’s heroic win over England.
Let us look at the history of Scotland from 9th century. It was inhabited by Picts tribe and Celts and area was known as Pict. The so called King of Picts and were being continuously attacked by Vikings from Briton. But kings of Picts were successful in maintaining their sovereignty.
Constantine II and Malcolm I were known as King of Alba (Alba new name of Scotland till 10th century mid). There were kings from different houses till 1034. From 1034 (Duncan I to Alexander III) they were from House of Dunkeld also called House of the Caledonians, dynasty from North Ireland.
Alexander II concluded the Treaty of York (1237) which defined the boundary between England and Scotland, virtually unchanged today. His only son was Alexander III who married to Margret daughter of Henry III of England. Period of Alexander III was peaceful and stable. In 1286 he fell from horse and died. The heir to the throne was Alexander’s granddaughter, Margret, maid of Norway. But she was minor and could not be enthroned as she also died in voyage to Scotland. This led several families to compete for throne. Due to fear of civil war Scotland nobility invited Edward I, king of England to arbitrate. But Edwards I put the condition to recognize to accept English lordship over Scotland. Edward I brought his influence upon Scottish nobility process and selected John I Balloil as king. But John did not keep his promise to help in war and instead raided England while English were busy in war. This infuriated Edward and quickly reacted by winning several castles in Scotland and imprisoned John I Balloil in Tower of London in 1296.
Tower of London has many towers inside. John Balloil was imprisoner in tower Salt Lake. He was allowed to go upto 21 miles around tower. He had 21 hunting dogs, 2 grey hounds, several horses, 17 servants and a ‘pledge-man’ who remained in tower as hostage when John was out.
As later events Scot nobility designated Robert I, the Bruce as king and also entered treat with France. France was already not happy with English expansionism. This infuriated English and First War of Independence (1296-1306) started. John Balloil and English king Edward I on one side and Robert I, the Bruce on other side were actors in this war. Robert I is credited of freeing Scotland from English clutches. He is known for first major defeat to England.
David II (1329-71), son of Robert I, the Bruce was enthroned at age of 5 and taking advantage Edward III of England and Edward Balloil (son of John Balloil) waged Second War of Independence. David II was exiled to France in this war for 11 years and later he attacked England in support of France during Hundreds years war. Although David II spent long periods in exile or captivity, he managed to ensure the survival of his kingdom, reformed the machinery of government, and left the Scottish monarchy in a strong position. He died childless and succeeded by Robert II, his nephew.
Again in time of Robert II the “second war of Independence” was fought from 1332 to 1357. It was a war initiated by Edward Balloil and English king Edward III against David II as Edward Balloil claimed the throne of Scotland.
Elizabeth I never married and so after her there was no one to claim English throne. Here comes Mary the queen of Scots became a claimant. James V (father of Mary Queen of Scots) of Scotland was the son of Margaret Tudor, eldest sister of Henry VIII of England. Therefore, James was Henry’s maternal nephew. It was because of that relationship that Mary and James V’s grandson James VI inherited the crowns of both England (as James I of England) and Scotland (as James VI of England). If not for that, England and Scotland might not have unified into one country in 1707 and it is even possible that England and Scotland would be separate countries today and there would not be a United Kingdom.
The 16th century history of Scotland is not complete until we mention Mary, queen of Scots story. This story was told to me by guide of Loch Ness tour to me. Its a long story of travails and travesty.
James VI (1567-1625) married daughter of King of England Henry IV and henceforth James VI time union of Scotland happened in 1603 and James VI also became king of England and ruled as James I of England. From henceforth the England and Scotland history became one. This was the first page of connection of Royal Scots with Royal English Empire. Though the kings of England and Scotland were same from 1603 yet Scotland was sovereign country till 1707.
Modern Scotland politics
Recorded parliament in Scotland dates in 1235 AD. In 1320 AD nobles from Scotland wrote to Pope that will of people is more important than that of monarch.
In 1707 Scottish parliament was dissolved by vote 106 to 69 in favor to merge with Britain.
The main catalyst in this were faltering economy, bankruptcies and threat of England to ban export to England unless union was negotiated -version taken from Scottish parliament gallery.
Modern Scotland in on line of ideal democracy where any one can approach the Scottish parliament and sit in their parlor and file a petition. Even children, foreign visitors petition is heard. The bill is first passed in Scotland parliament and then moved to London for queen approval.
There are 129 MSPs (Member of Scottish Parliament) elected by people from constituencies. MSPs elect one MSP as First Minister. First minister then appoints Ministers. First floor is for visitors. Currently there are 129 MSPs in parliament. There was quick check at security and we entered.
There are committee rooms to discuss particular subject area by small group of ministers. There is a big debating chamber where all MSPs assemble and is where laws and Scotland related issues are discussed.
It was established in 1999 and after acts of 1998, 2012 and 2016 all powers for Health, Social, education, Justice, police are passed to Scotland while immigration, national security, arms powers are with England.
What about Wales Genealogy
Henry Tudor (born in Wales in 1457), with Welsh support, took the throne of England from Richard III in 1485 (War of Roses), uniting England and Wales under one royal house. The governments of the United Kingdom and of Wales almost invariably define Wales as a country. The Welsh Government says: “Wales is not a Principality. Although we are joined with England by land, and we are part of Great Britain, Wales is a country in its own right.” The title Prince of Wales is still conferred on the heir apparent to the British throne, currently Prince Charles, but he has no constitutional role in modern Wales.
Epilogue
Almost every tourist who visits historic England ALWAYS tries to touch Edinburgh, high mountains of Scotland. If old Edinburgh has magical antique then its high lands have peculiar life style of people, Victorian houses still prevailing, green lands, unpredictable weather- that is the beauty of Scotland.
Scots are very proud of their PAST. They take pride of their Scottish origin national heroes, litterateurs , promote them in public places. They have fought continuous bullies from Vikings, Roman and English. Romans who conquered England failed to supersede Scot and preferred to erect wall to stop them rather than win. This was Scotland.
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