"Since Devolution, Scotland has become a focus of intense interest both within Britain and throughout the world." "Looking at issues of politics, law, society, religion, education, migration, and culture, this Very Short Introduction explores how the Scottish nation's history has made it distinct from England, both before and after Union, and how it has today arrived at a political, social, and cultural watershed. Both concise, and authoritative, this is Scotland's story without myths: an ideal introduction for those interested in the Scots, but also a balanced yet refreshing challenge to those who already feel at home in Scotland past and present."--Book jacket.