Scotland and Wales

United Kingdom Britain Scotland Wales Britain & Scotland linked together for almost 300 years Wales & Britain since 1200.. But all still retain their own identity

Scotland 1/3 of the land area of the UK – but less than 10% of the people! Rugged landscape carved by Glaciers Three regions: Highland, Central lowlands, Southern Uplands….

Highlands Large high Plateau with lakes (lochs) Grampian mountains (over 4,000 feet high) Coasts etched with inlets called “firths”. Moors & Bogs…..

Moor Broad, treeless rolling plains

Bog Areas of wet spongy ground Ask me about the “bog bodies” after the power point!

Highland Economy Fishing Sheep Hand-woven Tweed

Central Lowlands 75% of Scots live in this region Glasgow & Edinburgh

Lowlands = Industry Clyde River = shipbuilding Played a MAJOR role in establishing the UK as a world naval power Since the 1950’s heavy industries have decreased – more than 1/3 of Glasgow’s residents have left since 1960.

Southern Uplands Close to the English border Sheep raising Woolen mills Medieval abbeys Low hilly land Tourism

Economic Changes Steel making and shipbuilding declining Oil discovered in the North Sea Computer and electronic businesses in the Clyde Valley “Silicon Glen” (like our “Silicon Valley” Glen = narrow valley

Scottish Culture Politically united with England, yet culturally different When the parliaments were united in 1707, Scotland kept trading and political rights Many Scotts also remained Presbyterian instead of joining the church of England 1997 – creation of NEW Scottish parliament Some Scotts promote the idea of becoming a separate country again

Wales Conquered by England in 1284 Wales has its own capital city, postage stamps, flag and language 2.9 million people Physical Characteristics Language Economic Activities

Wales - Physical Peninsula Size of Massachusetts Landscape like Scotland – highland, lowland, mountains Marine west coast climate More rain than England due to wind patterns

Wales & Language Welsh representatives have sat in Parliament since 1500’s Some welsh have risen to high office Welsh still have fought for cultural independence 80% speak English, but 20% still speak Welsh as 1st language – mostly in the mountains of the north. 1980 – finally won permission to broadcast television programs entirely in Welsh!

Wales Economy Similar history to England & Scotland Late 1800’s – Early 1900’s – coal and mining Mid 1900’s heavy industry falling behind technology 1980’s most coal mines closed – much unemployment 1990’s foreign investment provided new jobs in high tech and service industries Tourism is growing

More Mummies! Remember the Bog Bodies???????

Don’t forget Nessie