”In Britain, the formation of the nation–state was not the result of a sudden upheaval or revolution. It was the result of a long-drawn-out process. (i) The primary identities of the people who inhabited the British Isles were ethnic ones–such as English, Welsh, Scot or Irish. There was no British nation prior to the 18th century. (ii) All of these ethnic groups had their own cultural and political traditions. (iii) Steady growth of the English nation steadily in case of wealth, importance and power, it was able to extend its influence over the other nations of the islands. (iv) The Act of Union 1707–between England and Scotland resulted in the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’. It meant that England was able to impose its influence on Scotland. (v) The English parliament, which had seized power from the monarchy in 1688 at the end of a protracted conflict, was the instrument through which a nation-state with England at its centre, came to be forged. (vi) The growth of the British identity meant that Scotland‘s distinctive culture and political institutions were systematically suppressed. (vii) The Scottish Highlanders were forbidden to speak their Gaelic language or wear their national dress,and large numbers were forcibly driven out of their homeland.