Scotland’s History: From Mary Queen of Scots to Today
A Brief History of Scotland
In 1542, Mary became Queen of Scotland at just six days old, the second woman to hold the title. Mary, Queen of Scots, grew into a tall and beautiful woman, but some Scots opposed her reign. Seeking help, Mary went to England and appealed to Queen Elizabeth, but her request was denied. She never returned to Scotland and died in England after nineteen years. Her story is detailed in Mary, Queen of Scots (Oxford Bookworms Stage 1).
Mary’s son, James Stuart, became King of Scotland and later King James I of England. In 1707, the two countries united to form Great Britain.
During the 1700s, Scotland was divided. The south boasted rich cities, while the Highlands (the central and northern hill country) remained impoverished. Edinburgh was a prominent European city, home to many famous thinkers. In the 1800s, Glasgow prospered with shipbuilding and later, train manufacturing. The south of Scotland thrived with busy cities, beautiful architecture, ample work, and wealth.
The Highlands faced different circumstances. After 1714, Great Britain was ruled by German kings from Hanover. Many Highland Scots desired a Scottish king from the Stuart family, like Mary and James, rather than a German king in London. They supported Charles Stuart, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie,’ the grandson of the last Stuart king, James II of England and VII of Scotland.
Charles Stuart arrived in Scotland from France, aiming to become King of both Scotland and England. However, Charles and his forces were defeated at the Battle of Culloden near Inverness in 1746, the last major battle in Great Britain. After the battle, British soldiers searched for Charles, who fled into the hills. The Highland people helped him return to France, but they faced hardship afterward. British soldiers occupied the Highlands, confiscating homes and land from Charles Stuart’s supporters.
Subsequently, many poor families left the Highlands for cities in southern Scotland or emigrated to countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Some sought new opportunities, while others were displaced by wealthy landowners who wanted to use the land for animals. Between 1840 and 1880, 40,000 people emigrated from the Isle of Skye alone.
Life became more challenging in the 1900s, but the discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea brought renewed prosperity to Scotland in the 1970s.
Edinburgh: Scotland’s Capital City
Many visitors begin their Scottish journey in Edinburgh, the capital city. Edinburgh is an old city with many important and interesting buildings, and about 470,000 people live there. After London, Edinburgh is the second most visited city in Britain. Arriving by train from the south, you’ll reach Waverley Station. Upon exiting the station, Edinburgh Castle stands prominently on a hill. From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and witness the famous One O’Clock Gun, which fires every day except Sunday.
Edinburgh is built on hills, but the city is easily walkable. From the castle, you can stroll down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse, a three-hundred-year-old building that serves as Queen Elizabeth II’s residence when she visits Edinburgh. This area is known as ‘the Old Town’.
Next, take a walk along Princes Street in ‘the New Town’. Despite being over 150 years old (1767-1840), the New Town retains its name. Many shops display famous Scottish tartans. Each clan, a large, old Scottish family, has its own tartan. You can see the different tartans for famous Scottish clans in the shop windows. People with a Scottish family name can purchase and wear their family tartan. (Even those without a Scottish name can buy and wear a tartan!)
Edinburgh offers many wonderful attractions. The buildings in the New Town, such as those in Charlotte Square, are exceptionally beautiful. There are excellent museums, including the National Museum of Scotland near the Royal Mile, which provides insights into Scotland’s past and present. The National Gallery of Scotland, near the castle, houses beautiful paintings from Scotland and other countries.