The Champions of Reform including Henry Brougham (top) 1832

It is perhaps ironic that having been absorbed (as they saw it) by the English to form Great Britain, that Scots should have been and continue to be so prominent in British public life. Not long after the Jacobite Rebellion some of the most powerful men in British politics were Scots. The power behind the throne of the young George III was John Stuart, Earl of Bute who became First Lord of the Treasury in 1761, while the Lord Chief Justice was Lord Mansfield. Henry Dundas, known as Harry the Ninth was immensely influential. A great friend of William Pitt, from 1791 he served as Home Secretary and from 1794-1801 as Secretary of State for War under Pitt. One of the most powerful Whig politicians of the next generation was the Edinburgh-born Henry Brougham who became Lord Chancellor and played a leading part in drafting and promoting the Reform Bill of1832. In 2004 the British government continues to be dominated by people born or educated in Scotland.

The Scots were a major force in British military life. A great many Scottish regiments fought at Waterloo. One of the most famous episodes took place when the 92nd Foot Brigade of the Gordon Highlanders combined with the Royal Scots Greys cavalry in the famous Scotland for Ever charge. Sergeant Charles Ewart of the Royal Scots Greys captured the Eagle of the French 45th Infantry. They even struck fear into Napoleon, who is said to have commented, Ah! Ces terribles cheveaux gris (Oh! those awful grey horses).