Why Scotland Has Its Own Parliament: Devolution (1998)

Scotland's Parliament was established by the Scotland Act 1998 following a 1997 referendum (74% voted yes on a 60% turnout). This devolution—not independence—transferred specific powers from Westminster to Edinburgh while retaining the UK framework.

Devolved Powers (Holyrood decides)

• Health & social care
• Education & training
• Justice & policing
• Environment, agriculture, fisheries
• Local government, housing, planning
• Economic development, tourism
• Some tax powers (income tax rates/bands, landfill tax, stamp duty)

Reserved Powers (Westminster decides)

• Defence, foreign policy, constitution
• Immigration, nationality
• Fiscal/monetary policy, most taxes
• Social security, employment law
• Energy, trade, equal opportunities

Structure

• 129 MSPs elected via Additional Member System (constituency + regional lists).
• First Minister (head of government) elected by Parliament.
• Fixed 5-year terms.

Devolution aims to bring decisions closer to Scots while maintaining UK union benefits.