Scotland was never ruled by England, although English forces did occupy parts of Scotland at times. We got our arses thoroughly kicked at Bannockburn and learned our lesson. Subsequent conflicts were as a result of border disputes or Scotland being too friendly with the Froggies, which was a serious threat to England. It was precisely for this reason, when the Stuart dynasty came to an end with the childless Queen Anne that the Act of Union was forced through to prevent Scotland from choosing the exiled Stuart James III as their monarch. It has been said that Scotland was 'bought and sold for English gold', with which sentiment as an Englishman I have to agree.