We can’t do a series about Scottish history and myths without doing a piece about Scotland’s battle for independence that, without a doubt, moulded the country into what it is today. If you’re thinking about hiring a motorhome in Scotland and travelling around, almost everywhere you go, you will see snippets of our country’s constant battles for independence throughout history.
Read on to find out what events defined modern Scotland.
The First War of Scottish Independence
Most historians will agree that the death of King Alexander III in 1286, which plunged Scotland into a succession crisis, was the beginning of the battle for Scottish independence.
At the time, the three-year-old daughter of King Alexander, Margaret, Maid of Norway, was named as the new Queen of Scotland, although she wasn’t initially crowned. On her way to Scotland in 1290, she died in Orkney, Scotland, while travelling from Norway to claim her throne, after falling ill during her travels.
The crown is disputed, known as the Great Cause, with John Balliol and Robert de Brus (Bruce’s grandfather) as leading claimants. Edward I of England is asked to arbitrate but leverages the process to assert overlord-style authority.
And then came the wars.
The First War of Scottish Independence, dated 1296–1328, began with Edward I’s invasion (1296) and ended with a formal recognition of Scottish independence in 1328 after the massive military success, especially in 1314 and the pivotal Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce led Scottish forces to a decisive victory over King Edward II of England.
It was a de facto win that gave Scotland its independence before being formally and legally recognised in 1328 with the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton.
The Most Notable Battles, People, and Moments
- William Wallace, Andrew Moray, and the rise during the 1297 rebellion.
- Robert the Bruce and the turning point in 1306, after the Comyn killing and his coronation.
- Battle of Falkirk (English victory), 22 July 1298
- Wallace’s capture and execution, 23 Aug 1305
- 10 Feb 1306: Robert the Bruce kills John (the Red) Comyn in Dumfries (in a church), triggering excommunication and civil conflict dynamics.
- 25 March 1306: Bruce is crowned King of Scots at Scone.
- 1306: Battle of Methven (Bruce setback)
- 1314 – Battle of Bannockburn (Scottish victory, turning point)
There was also the Second War of Independence (1332–1357) that began with Edward Balliol‘s English-backed attempt on the throne (David II of Scotland was a child). The Treaty of Berwick (1357) ended that, and David II was released for a ransom.
When Did Scotland Become Independent?
Well, Scotland’s first taste of independence was de facto after the win at Bannockburn. Under the rule of Bruce, Scotland was much stronger and more stable. Then there was the independence in law (de jure), after the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton.
Most will say that the treaty was the true turning point, with the English Crown finally recognising Scotland as fully independent and recognising Bruce and his heirs as rightful rulers. The treaty was officially signed on 17 March 1328 and ratified in England on 1 May 1328.
What most people don’t know is that as part of the treaty, Scotland agreed to pay £20,000 sterling (a lot in modern-day money) for compensation and war damages.
The Acts of Union That Created The United Kingdom of Great Britain
Scotland won independence from English rule in the 1300s—but centuries later, it entered a political union with England. What 1300s Scotland would think of that, we can’t comment on, but one of the key stepping stones to the moment of the Acts of Union was hundreds of years after the battles for Scotland’s independence, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England and the two kingdoms shared a monarch, known as the Union of the Crowns.
And in 1707 came the Acts of Union, passed by the English and Scottish parliaments to create a united kingdom we now know as Great Britain, effective 1 May 1707, with a parliament at Westminster. Scotland’s separate parliament was dissolved and merged into the new British parliamentary structure.
Why did Scotland agree? Money. Union negotiations included £398,085.10, intended to compensate Scotland for taking on a share of England’s national debt and, in practice and politics, tied to financial pressures after the Darien Scheme disaster.
So, is Scotland still independent? To some extent, yes, but to all intents and purposes, no. It’s interesting to explore the history that led to Scotland being what it is today and the battles that shaped the history of Scotland.