Effects of the Union, to 1740

Access to Global Trade Networks: The Treaty of Union opened up the British Empire’s growing trade networks to Scotland. This allowed Scottish merchants access to markets in the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Economic Growth: The Union led to considerable economic growth in Scotland, particularly in sectors such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton, which benefited from access to overseas markets.
Treaty of Union Clauses: Certain aspects of the Treaty of Union, such as equal taxation and the clause forbidding separate trade, were often bypassed. This led to increased smuggling activity and eventual calls for reform.

Representation in the British Parliament: Post-Union, Scotland was represented in the British Parliament by 45 MPs (Members of Parliament) and 16 elected peers in the House of Lords. This was a significant decrease from the over 200 that sat in the old Scottish Parliament.
Increased British Control: Scotland was more directly controlled by Britain. This led to discontent among some Scots, who felt they had lost their independence.
Jacobite Rebellions: The Union, and the resulting direct rule by Britain, was one of the factors that led to a series of Jacobite rebellions. The most significant of these took place in 1715 and 1745.

Preservation of Scottish Legal System: The Treaty of Union preserved the separate Scottish legal system. This allowed Scots law, and therefore Scottish legal professions, to develop independently within the Union.
Change in Scottish Society: The Union contributed to a profound reshaping of Scottish society throughout the 18th century. It helped to bring about industrialization, urbanization, and cultural shifts, most notable in the Scottish Enlightenment.
Advancements in Education: The post-Union period saw considerable advancements in Scottish education, helped by close contact with English universities and scholars.
Scots Language and Identity: The Union sparked debates about Scots language and culture. Some feared Anglicisation, while others embraced British identity - this led to an ongoing dialogue about what it meant to be Scottish.