Scotland (Royal Prerogative)

From Alternative History

Scotland (Alba in Gaelic) is an ancient European nation state founded in the early 7th cent, located in the northern half of the British Isles to the north of England. It has been an independent nation state for over a thousand years; its proximity to, and economic and political links with, its southern neighbour England has shaped much of its history. Scotland also has a long history of association with France. This association was brought to an end during the Great European War in 1936, when Scotland sided against France for the first time in centuries. In modern terms Scotland is a socially progressive society with an economic bases that has improved markedly through innovation and advances in technology.

Scotland is a major player in diplomatic affairs, often being cited to overcome disputes between its neighbours across Europe, notably between England and France.

As a military power, techonology has allowed Scotland to assist those nations that it views as sharing its social & democratic values notably the Aotearoa Empire and Free Canada. It has sought to reduce its reliance on nuclear power and has sought to enhance the use of hydro and other alternative power sources. Though this has placed the present government under intense scrutiny from private business and energy companies involved in oil exploration, as Scotland's continental shelf has 80% of Europe's oil reserves

Contents 1 History 2 Monarchy 3 Government 4 Religion 5 Politics 6 International Relations

[edit] History

The historic sovereign state of Scotland traces its roots to the unification of the ancient Irish state of Dál Riata (also Dalriada or Dalriata) and the powerful druidic pictish state of Alba, formally unified in 843 by Áed I.

Its ancient and impressive royal city of Dunadd lies to the west with the administrative government capital now residing in the An t-Oban (Oban) the burgeoning metropolises of north West Europe, which has direct sea inks to the nations of the Americas, and Baltic’s

Other notable towns include the four historical university cities of Glaschu (Glasgow, 483AD), Dùn Èideann (Edinburgh, 600AD), Obar Dheathain (Aberdeen, 765AD)) and Dùn Dèagh (Dundee, 1065AD) which continue to lead the way in scientific and philosphical research. Additionaly, the island of Ì Chaluim Cille (Iona) is the spiritual home of Celtic Christianity and home to the Abbot of Ì Chaluim Cille (Iona) spiritual leader of the the Celtic Rite. The Celtic Church considers the Pope as head of the Church, though it is considerably more liberal than the Roman Church. The present Abbot is Mugron II .

[edit] Monarchy

The monarchs of Scotland have tradtitionally not been the sovereign, as sovereignty lies with the people.

In religion the crown became Roman Catholic after the marriage of Malcom Can Mor to Margaret of England. Nevertheless, the Monarch has sought to support were possible the traditional Celtic Rite which has agreements with the Roman Church. This proces eventaully saw the monarchy formally re-enter the Celtic Rite in 1789 with permission of the Pope.

The present Monarch is James XII (Seamus XII)

[edit] Government

Scotland is one of the earliest examples of a European constitutional monarchy, with the monarch currently being James XII of Scots. The elected proportional Parliament, is headed by a Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and has a bicameral chamber with a Seanadh (upper chamber) and the Dàimh (lower chamber) where most direct power lies. The Crown and Parliament historically quarrelled for control and squabbled over their powers; the Statute of Perth finally concluded this argument in 1403 and laid down the founding powers of each, though earlier attempts notably in 1320 at Arbroath laid the principle foundations of the present constitutional set up. These formal pacts between the three states and the Crown ensured some form of early European representative government. Only Parliament may raise revenue (including taxes) or declare war, the King though Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and defender of the faith (Celtic Rite) has little if no executive authority; in line with Scottish political history this lies solely with the people. The present Taoiseach is Alex Salmond, of the Scottish Peoples Party.

The Taoiseach is supported in their position by the priviy council (cabinet) which is appointed by the Taoiseach from governement members

[edit] Religion

The Celtic Church having seen off the expansion of the Roman rite at the Council of Dunkeld in 1020, agreed to a mutual recognition treaty. The Celtic Church though recognising the Pope as head of the church nevertheless retains independence in liturgey and theology. The Celtic Rite Church sends 1 representative to the conclave for the election of a Pope usually the Abbot of Iona (exluding female Abbots who send a male representative), no Abbot has ever been elected Pope.

Scotland (Alba) recognises the role of the church as being the national church whilst upholding religious freedom.

The Celtic Church is liberal in theology, with differing orders from the Roman rite. Notably, the church has no Bishops but Abbots or Lord Abbots equal to an Archbishop. These Abbots can be either male or female, though the majority of the clergy can marry senior clerics such as Abbots must be celibate or widowed.

Though once a major power in the country, the Church no longer has a presence in the upper chamber and has lost the majority of its lands after the Statute of Perth under presure from the main European reformation.

The Church has provinces not only in Scotland but also in Northumbria (Britain), Armargh (Kingdom of Ireland & Manx), Wales (Britain), Canada, USA and Mexico.

Scotland has large a Jewish population who were driven from England and other Catholic nations in the 1200's, it also has smaller Muslim and traditional druidic communities in the north (the druidic peoples have special protection in law).

[edit] Politics

The political structure of Scotland is that of a consititutional monarchy with power residing in the sovereign parliament elected under a proportional system. Traditionally soveregnity has resided with the people which was formalised under the Statute of Perth. Both upper and lower chambers are elected to a four year term.

The present parliamentary split is

Upper chamber:

Independent - 25

Peoples Party (Social Democrat)- 15

Liberal (Centre Right) - 10

Farmers (Centre / Liberal) - 5

Lower chamber:

Independent -5

Peoples Party - 40

Liberal - 39

Farmers - 16

With a proportional system the government includes a coalition of the Peoples & Farmers Parties which has been in control of the present parliament since 1993.

Constitutional Framework:

Constitutional Monarchy

Bill of Rights (Decleration of Arbroath) (Updated)

Constitution - Seperation of Powers and Dis-establishment of the Celtic Church (Statute of Perth) (Updated)

[edit] International Relations

Since the European war of the 1930's Scotland has concentrated its international efforts in alliances away from its traditional European partner France, concentrating on the USA and Free Canada both of which have strong links historically to Scotland. Scotland nevertheless, has a strong though sometimes difficult relationship with its neighbour England (England & Wales) which is as an absolute monarchy leading to difficulties over human rights, notably in Wales and Cornwall. Scotland has been seen to interfere in internal English politics by supporting greater cultural freedoms within the prinicipalities of Cornwall & Wales celtic speaking nations.

Though essential a non-imperialist power Scotland in the 1720's did venture to colonise Aotearoa (New Zealand). After a disastrous expedition the colonists ventured to live amongst the Māori population. Subsequently, the Scottish population has been become a integral party of Aotearoa society, allowing strong links to exist with Scotland to this day. Scotland and Aotearoa signed a military pact in 1835 to defend Aotearoa's pacific empire from the expansion of the English and Japanese Empires.

Patcs

Scotland, Britain & the Kingdom of Ireland & Manx agreed a mutual protection pact after the last European war, though militarily based it has brought about substantial economic benefits as well as combating organised crime.

Scotland also maintains close military & economic links with Russia, Japan, Mexico and the Zulu Republic.