Geography of Scotland, Wales and North Ireland

In 1707, the Scottish and English parliaments were united at Westminster. But the Scots remained very independent. The scottish legal and education systems are quite different to the English ones. Scottish banks issue their own banks notes-they are not always accepted in eglish shops.
Young English couples who were under 21,and could not get married without their parents`consent, used to run away to Gretna Green, just over the Scottish border. There they could get married instantly, before angry parents could object.
Today many Scots are nacionalist. Although Scotland voted in referendum against having
separate Parliament in 1978,many people now think Scotland should be self-governing.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It is an elegant, grey stone city, with many beautiful houses and a magnicifent castle. The Palace Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Queen when she is in Edinburgh. Visitors can see the Palace when the Royal family is not here.
The Edinburgh Festival includes the Edinburgh Tattoo, a show of military bands and displays against the background of the castle.
GLASGOW SMILES BETTER
Scotland`s two main cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, have always been rivals. Glasgow used to be the centre of Scotlands engineering industry, with miles of shipyards along the River Clyde. The slums there were terrible. The shipyards have closed, and smart houses with the sea views are being built in the dock areas, although some very poor areas remain. Glasgow promotes itself with the slogan _„Glasgow Miles Better„ and a logo of a smiling face.
Many tourists visit Glasgow to see the Burrel Collection of works of art which were donated by a Glasgow shipowner. It was first show in 1983 after it had been in storage for almost 40 years.