Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 33 on 22/06/2007.

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The Act of Union

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the union between Scotland and England. Paul Riddell looks at where events unfolded

It is now 300 years since Chancellor Seafield, the second most powerful man in Scotland, stood up in the Scottish Parliament and proclaimed: “Now there’s ane end of ane auld sang.” His melancholy statement marked the end of one of the most tempestuous periods in the country’s remarkable history. Between October 1706 and March 1707 members debated and, after much turmoil both inside and outside parliament, approved the Act of Union between Scotland and England.

It was clearly a period when, in that famous phrase, history rattled over the points. Yet for many people these events remain deep in lost time, accessible only through rather dry history books. Don’t be fooled. In Edinburgh, history remains on show to the visitor. The main locations for the events that are being commemorated in this tercentenary year still exist. They have all been modified, some dramatically, others less so. But their essence remains, and a walk on the city’s spine – the Royal Mile, will take you to them.

PARLIAMENT HALL
Reached via Parliament Square and tucked in behind St Giles Cathedral, Parliament Hall is one of Scotland’s hidden treasures. As part of the Court of Session, it is, however, very much part of modern working Scotland. Built in 1639 in Scots renaissance style with a magnificent hammerbeam roof, the interior is almost exactly as it was (the exterior was faced off in the 19th century with classical screens), although the parliamentary benches on which the three estates – nobles, baron.....

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By Paul Riddell

Section : Scottish Politics

Page number : 42