Scottish history
Scottish history is rich and complex, beginning with ancient tribes like the Picts and Gaels. Over centuries, Scotland saw the rise of powerful clans and the establishment of the Kingdom of Scotland in the 9th century. Key events include the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where Scotland secured its independence from England, and the unification of the crowns in 1603 when James VI became James I of England.
The 18th and 19th centuries brought significant changes, including the Industrial Revolution and the Jacobite risings, which aimed to restore the Stuart monarchy. In 1707, the Acts of Union merged the Scottish and English parliaments, forming the Kingdom of Great Britain. Today, Scotland maintains a distinct cultural identity within the United Kingdom.