The Vote is "No"

Last night Scotland voted on whether or not it should become its own country, separate from the United Kingdom. The results of the vote showed strong support for remaining in the union, but the question of Scottish independence has a long history. 

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Viking raids and the separation from the Roman Empire by Hadrian's Wall caused the Picts and the Dál Riata tribes of the north to unite and in 843 officially become the Scottish Kingdom.

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In 1237, the Treaty of York with the English kingdom to the south established the border between England and Scotland. However, under English King Edward III, Scotland was invaded. This was resisted by Scots like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, who fought the Wars of Independence in the late 1300s to early 1400s in order to preserve Scottish sovereignty. 

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In 1603, when Shakespeare was writing, James VI of Scotland, cousin of Queen Elizabeth I, inherited the thrones of England and Ireland and created a "Union of the Crowns", although all three remained sovereign states. Periods of instability followed his death but while Scotland managed to retain its separate identity and institutions, the center of political power remained in London, and in 1707 Scotland united with England to create the Kingdom of Great Britain.

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In the 1800s the Home Rule movement gained traction. While Scotland was represented in Parliament, the Scots, like the Irish, wanted more control over their own affairs. However, due to the Irish rebellion and two World Wars, Scottish home rule was not fully addressed until the 1960s. 

Photo: thescottishdiaspora.co.uk

Independence is desirable but so is security. Voting to remain within the UK indicates the Scottish people wish to maintain economic security for Scotland, among other reasons. 

Photo: today.co.uk