Arguments for and against Union with England

Economic Advantages: Union with England opened new trading opportunities for Scotland, including access to English colonies in the Americas. This was particularly tempting after the disastrous Darien Scheme which had nearly bankrupted Scotland.
Shared Monarch: Both Scotland and England had been under the same monarch since 1603, giving a sense of natural progression towards union. A formal union would cement this relationship politically.
Security: There were concerns about the threat of French invasion, especially given Scotland’s traditional ‘Auld Alliance’ with France. Union with England could offer greater protection against such threats.
Religious Similarities: Both countries were predominantly Protestant, providing a basis for union despite differences in church structure.
Ascendancy of William and Mary: The new Protestant monarchs, William and Mary, favoured union, helping sway Scottish opinion in its favour.

Loss of Independence: Many in Scotland feared that union would mean a loss of sovereignty and a subservience to English priorities.
Economic Exploitation: There was concern that England, with its larger economy, would dominate Scotland economically, leading to exploitation.
Cultural Differences: Despite religious similarities, there were clear cultural and legal differences between the two countries, leading some to oppose union.
Question Over Religious Freedom: Presbyterians in Scotland worried that the union would force them to accept the Anglican Church, with its bishops and formal liturgy, threatening their religious freedom.
Political Corruption: The process by which the Articles of Union were passed was fraught with accusations of bribery, leading to mistrust and opposition.