The Kingdom of Scotland was a sovereign state in northwest Europe that existed from the 9th century until the merging of the parliaments of England and Scotland in 1707, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain. It comprised the northern third of the island of Great Britain, sharing a land border with England to the south, and was surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the remaining three sides.
The kingdom emerged as a result of the expansion of the Gaelic kingdom of Alba, primarily through the efforts of Kenneth MacAlpin, who became the first king of a unified Scotland in the late 9th century. Over the centuries, the kingdom faced various conflicts, alliances, and political changes, including the Norman conquest of England and its subsequent influence on Scotland's monarchy.
The Kingdom of Scotland had its own legal and political systems, including its own Parliament and monarchy, distinct from those of England. It had a turbulent relationship with its southern neighbor, often engaging in border wars and power struggles. The kingdom's society and culture were shaped by a blend of Gaelic, Celtic, and Norman influences.
Throughout its existence, the Kingdom of Scotland experienced periods of prosperity and expansion, as well as internal divisions and external threats. Nevertheless, it maintained its independence and sovereignty until 1707 when the Acts of Union were passed, leading to the incorporation of the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England into a new political entity, the Kingdom of Great Britain.
