a country that is part of the United Kingdom, occupying the north of Great Britain; the English and Scottish thrones were united under one monarch in 1603 and the parliaments in 1707; a devolved Scottish parliament was established in 1999; referendum (2014) decided in favour of Scotland staying within the UK. Scotland consists of the Highlands in the north, the central Lowlands, and hilly uplands in the south; has a deeply indented coastline, about 800 offshore islands (mostly in the west), and many lochs. Capital: Edinburgh. Pop: 5 295 403 (2011 est). Area: 78 768 sq km (30 412 sq miles)