Changes

===Lockerbie bombing===

===Lockerbie bombing===

The Government of Scotland has recently come under global scrutiny for its decision, led by Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill, to release Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahl, the only man convicted of the terrorist attack leading to the destruction of Pan Am Flight 103 over [[Lockerbie]], Scotland in 1988. He had served only 8 years of his term when he was released on grounds of compassion because he had terminal cancer, as required by Scots Law. A majority of the victims were American, and this decision received strong criticism from many Americans as well as the FBI Director Robert Mueller.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/22/fbi-director-slams-scotland-lockerbie-bomber-release/</ref> The original conviction of al-Magrahi was controversial, however, both within Scotland and in the UK in general because the evidence leading to his conviction was extremely flimsy and it has been alleged that the key witness had been paid for giving his evidence by the [[Clinton]] administration or [[Blair]] government.<ref>http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=in_the_back&article=122</ref>

The Government of Scotland has recently come under global scrutiny for its decision, led by Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill, to release Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahl, the only man convicted of the terrorist attack leading to the destruction of Pan Am Flight 103 over [[Lockerbie]], Scotland in 1988. He had served only 8 years of his term when he was released on grounds of compassion because he had terminal cancer, as required by Scots Law. A majority of the victims were American, and this decision received strong criticism from many Americans as well as the FBI Director Robert Mueller.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/22/fbi-director-slams-scotland-lockerbie-bomber-release/</ref> The original conviction of al-Magrahi was controversial, however, both within Scotland and in the UK in general because the evidence leading to his conviction was extremely flimsy and it has been alleged that the key witness had been paid for giving his evidence by the [[Clinton]] administration or [[Blair]] government.<ref>http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=in_the_back&article=122</ref>

Libyan ruler Qaddafi profusely thanked British officials, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, for helping secure the release of the terrorist back to Libya. British Prime Minister Brown replied with a confusing set of denials, a disapproval of the hero's welcome that the terrorist received upon return to Libya, and a partial release of voluminous communications leading up to the release.<ref>https://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14376240</ref>

Libyan ruler Qaddafi profusely thanked British officials, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, for helping secure the release of the terrorist back to Libya. British Prime Minister Brown replied with a confusing set of denials, a disapproval of the hero's welcome that the terrorist received upon return to Libya, and a partial release of voluminous communications leading up to the release.<ref>https://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14376240</ref>

The [[Glorious Revolution]] of 1688 made parliament supreme, and King [[William III]] neglected Scotland. The social and economic problems of this period were thrown into the lap of the inexperienced Scottish parliament, historically a tool of the crown. The failure of the Darien Scheme to establish a Scottish colony in Panama in 1700 led to a wave of anti-English sentiment. At the same time, the episode exposed Scottish financial weakness and its inability to challenge English dominance effectively. In 1701, the English Parliament passed the Act of Settlement to adjust the rules of royal succession. This act made the ruler of Hanover next in line to the English throne, although he was only distantly related to the British royal family. A law enacted in 1704 provided that the Scottish Parliament would pick a successor to the Scottish throne upon Queen Anne's death. The English feared that the two thrones might pass to rival Jacobite and Hanoverian candidates. The French under [[Louis XIV]] would then back Scotland against England. The English army, led by Marlborough at this time, included many Scottish soldiers. The English Parliament demanded that Scotland agree to union and threatened sanctions in 1705. Scotland capitulated and a joint commission was set up to iron out terms. A customs unions was agreed to, something Scottish business interests had long sought. The two parliaments were merged in 1707. Free trade brought prosperity, but it could not replace the Stuart monarchy in Scottish hearts. In a poem written in 1791, [[Robert Burns]] called those responsible for union "a parcel of rogues" who said "fareweel our ancient glory."

The [[Glorious Revolution]] of 1688 made parliament supreme, and King [[William III]] neglected Scotland. The social and economic problems of this period were thrown into the lap of the inexperienced Scottish parliament, historically a tool of the crown. The failure of the Darien Scheme to establish a Scottish colony in Panama in 1700 led to a wave of anti-English sentiment. At the same time, the episode exposed Scottish financial weakness and its inability to challenge English dominance effectively. In 1701, the English Parliament passed the Act of Settlement to adjust the rules of royal succession. This act made the ruler of Hanover next in line to the English throne, although he was only distantly related to the British royal family. A law enacted in 1704 provided that the Scottish Parliament would pick a successor to the Scottish throne upon Queen Anne's death. The English feared that the two thrones might pass to rival Jacobite and Hanoverian candidates. The French under [[Louis XIV]] would then back Scotland against England. The English army, led by Marlborough at this time, included many Scottish soldiers. The English Parliament demanded that Scotland agree to union and threatened sanctions in 1705. Scotland capitulated and a joint commission was set up to iron out terms. A customs unions was agreed to, something Scottish business interests had long sought. The two parliaments were merged in 1707. Free trade brought prosperity, but it could not replace the Stuart monarchy in Scottish hearts. In a poem written in 1791, [[Robert Burns]] called those responsible for union "a parcel of rogues" who said "fareweel our ancient glory."

A referendum on independence took place in September 2014 to determine whether Scotland will become an independent country. Most people wanted to stay in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/events/scotland-decides/results</ref>

A referendum on independence took place in September 2014 to determine whether Scotland will become an independent country. Most people wanted to stay in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/events/scotland-decides/results</ref>

====Monarchs of Scotland====

====Monarchs of Scotland====