by Beth Mckinney

Created on: February 16, 2010

In spirit, the Scottish have always been independent from the rest of Great Britain. In historical fact, Scotland's independence ended in 1746. However, many modern Scots continue to hope for greater autonomy. Hugh MacDiarmid spoke for the hearts of many when he spoke of Scotland's relationship to England when he said,  “The present's theirs, but a’ the past and future’s oors.”

The relationship between Scotland and England has always been difficult. In the beginning, the kingdom of the Scots grew steadily, and did gain a great deal of autonomy under King David I, who actually owned a great deal of English land. Though he continued to have a relationship with the English king, Scotland grew strong and mostly independent under his rule.

When a controversy over succession occurred, however,  the relationship between England and Scotland became hostile. Scotland allied themselves with France, but were easily taken by Edward's army in 1295.  However, the spirit of independence grew steadily from then on. William Wallace, a knight's son, gathered forces and eventually  defeated the English at Stirling Bridge. However,  the exuberance didn't last long.  He was defeated at  Falkirk less than a year later. He was executed in London in 1305.

Many Scots regarded him as a national hero, but came to believe that heroic leadership without social status would not bring them independence. When the eighth Robert of Bruce rose in revolt in 1306 and crowned himself King Robert I of Scotland, he had the support of most of the nation. 

However, his reign was not easy. He had enemies within and without Scotland. He was able to take advantage of the confusion that followed Edward I's death and the succession of Edward II. As a great military leader, he led his troops to several victories, including the battle at Bannockburn in 1314. In 1328 the English signed the Treaty of Northampton, which recognized Scotland's independence. However, Robert died in 1329.

Under his son, David II, the struggle for independence was renewed. In the 1330s Edward Balliol, son of John, was able to gain control of Southern Scotland with the help of the English. As a result, land that had been in Scottish hands for over a century were returned to England.  After another military defeat,  the Scottish King David fled to France.

He returned in 1341, but was captured five years later at the Battle of Neville’s Cross. After ten

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