[CLAIM] The Kingdom of Scotland

Scotland. The Kingdom of Scotland has enjoyed an, if not successful, intersting an illustrious history. From the ancient celtic tribes warring against the quintessential civilized Rome to the pictish tribes of the middle ages to the renaissance Kingdom of Scotland, the Scottish have fought hard, and against all odds, come out in triumph. Now, as the world begins to enter modernity, a new Scotland will once again rise from the shadows.

Though the Scots had been hiding from the world for many years, the rise of the renaissance throughout Europe changed this. King James IV, a member of the Stewart dynasty, was determined to change this, and bring Scotland to the front of world stage.

After many years under his unpopular father, the people of Scotland grew tired of the slow ruler, and the Scottish army rebelled against the king, with James IV at its lead. After a decisive victory, his father was killed Battle of Sauchieburn on June 11, 1488. The realm was now to be led by himself.

Though he had been the leader of the rebellion, James still felt guilty, and eventually understood that he was at fault for his father’s death. To do penance, he forced himself to wear an iron chain around his waist, and each Lent, he added to its crippling weight.

In spite of the guilt and sadness that plagued him, James was a wise and just ruler of his peoples. When it comes to politics, he consolidated his power and took control of the title of Lords of the Isles, a position of Scottish nobility. For many years, the internal affairs of Scotland would be peaceful and well-meaning.

Politics was not all that James had under his belt. A true man of the renaissance, he spoke numerous languages and was a student of science, not hesitating to reform the nation into a modern entity. He granted the royal charter to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, established one of the first printing presses, helped to found an chemical workshop, and turned Edinburgh Castle into a futuristic foundry. When it comes to the arts, James patronized music and invited many distinguished artists to his court.

Though he was a fierce fighter and invaded England at one point, James was also masterful administrator, and he understood that standing with England might be necessary. In order to stop the tumultuous times that would no doubt come, James signed the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with England, and married Margaret Tudor, a member of England’s royal family.

And even then, King James IV and his loyal peoples have an interesting future ahead of them. Heresies run rampant through Europe, England and France are once more at war, and the new world will soon be a battleground for the great powers of the world.

Though problems are plentiful and much is to be lost, Scotland will fight for control of the Isles, push itself into enlightenment, and become one of the world's great powers. It will be a long and winding road to prosperity, no doubt, but the great Scots know no other route to success. With the support of its people, Scotland will overcome its difficulties and take its rightful place on the stage of history.