However, few people realize the importance the Scots played in the creating of this empire. Over 300 years ago, as all good Scottish stories are, there lived a young King in need of a bride. The King of Denmark had a daughter and so the two were married. As a gift, the King of Denmark gave the Orkney islands to King James III Scotland.

Years later their great-great-great grandson, who was also King of Scotland, King James VI, was also in need of a bride. Again, the King of Denmark had a daughter and again the King of Scotland and the daughter were married. Once again, Danish lands and titles were given as a wedding present.

It was during the reign of James VI that the American colonies were establish with Jamestown.

Several of their children also helped spread the empire. Their grandson, King Charles II married Catherine de Braganza of Portugal. Her dowry included Bombay and Tangier from which sprang the British holdings in India, Pakistan and Northern Africa, with the help of Scottish military regiments.

James VI had a daughter who married the Prince of Orange. Their son would later bring to Scotland, and England lands in Northern Europe.

Another daughter of James VI would marry the prince of Saxe-Coburg or Hanover. When the Stewart line ended, the great-grandson of James VI became King of Scotland and England, bringing with him, the Elector of Hanover, thus started the Hanoverian Kings and more holdings in Europe.

The close associate between Denmark and the Scottish Kings help create the Dutch East India Company which founded colonies in Southern Africa.

So, although the British empire circled the globe, it was the influence from Scotland that made it possible.