Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scotland Today
Scottish Politics
Although an integral part of Great Britain since 1707, Scotland has maintained a separate
and distinct identity throughout the last 300 years. The return of a devolved Scottish parlia-
ment to Edinburgh in 1999 marked a growing confidence and pride in the nation's achieve-
ments.
The first decade of devolution saw Scottish politics diverge significantly from the West-
minster way. Policies that have been applied in Scotland but not the rest of the UK include
free long-term care for the elderly, the abolition of tuition fees for university students and
higher pay for teachers.
The Scottish National Party (SNP), which had
led a minority government in Edinburgh since
2007, surprised the nation in the 2011 elections
with a landslide victory in the Scottish parlia-
ment, winning 69 out of 129 seats. Suddenly the
question of Scotland breaking away from the
United Kingdom was all over the news.
The election of a Conservative/Liberal Demo-
crat coalition government in Westminster in 2010 only served to heighten the political dif-
ference between Scotland and the rest of the UK - only one of Scotland's 59 constituencies
»Highest point: Ben Nevis (1344m)
»Annual whisky export: 1 billion bottles
»Value of haggis sold for Burns Night: £1.2 million
»Number of times Scotland has won the football
World Cup: 0
