Scotland's history has been badly served over the years. Defined by its relationship to England Scotland's popular history is full of near-mythical figures & tragic events her past littered with defeat failure & thwarted ambition. The martyrdom of William Wallace the tragedy of Mary Queen of Scots & the forlorn cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie all give the impression of 'poor' Scotland; a victim of misfortune leading to the country's inevitable submission to the Auld Enemy. After the Union in 1707 Scotland's increasing reliance on England culminated in a crisis of confidence & identity that tortures the country to this day. But how accurate is this version of events? Using the very latest in historical research & by placing Scotland's story in the wider context of British European & global history some of the myths that pervade the past will be exploded to reveal a Scotland which forged its own destiny often with success.