1997 devolution referendum

The 1997 Scottish devolution referendum was a vote held in Scotland to decide whether to create a independent Scottish Parliament with devolved powers from the UK government. Over 60% of voters supported establishing the parliament, which would handle areas like education, health, and transportation, while the UK retained control over defense and foreign policy. This referendum marked a significant step toward Scottish self-governance, leading to the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and allowing Scotland to make decisions on many local issues while remaining part of the United Kingdom.