BBC History Magazine view of the Act of Union

A UK Parliament view of the Act of Union.

A Scottish historical view of the passing of the Act of Union.

This primer covers Scottish sovereignty from the Roman era to the Jacobite revolts, the 2014 referendum and Brexit

A largely neutral record of the events leading to the union of England and Scotland.

A brief description of the formation of the UK and its domination by England.

The union of England and Scotland was hindered in the 17th century by Scottish fear of becoming a region of England.  England feared alliances with France.  The Darien Scheme bankrupted much of wealthy Scotland.  Amidst allegations of bribery, the Scottish Parliament in 1707 voted for union with England. 

Decisions on independence are balanced between a few elements:

A rebalancing of relations with England outside the EU.

Independence with the objective to join the EU, creating a hard border with England.

Independence outside the EU and some trading arrangement with England.

Independence with membership of EFTA and a softer border with England.

The arrangements for the countries of the UK are likely to continue to develop through piecemeal change. This change process is more difficult as a result of the 2016 referendum on the EU. This presents an ongoing threat to the survival of the UK as a unitary state.

The most likely overall outcome for taxation is that rUK would treat Scottish individuals and companies in the same way as it treats any other country's individuals and companies (and vice versa).  Scotland will need to establish its own financial regulator and resolution authority and make arrangements for continuing the licences and supervision of Scottish firms.  Arrangements for pension investments and payments will be required.