Scotland JOINED the UK/Great Britain in 1707 by choice(unlike the conquered Irish and Welsh).So we are in a position of political and economic strength in terms of leaving.
Most Scots believe that we are better in the union of the UK than on our own(which doesnt mean we would a be a poor country,we would be a rich country,but most Scots believe for that we would be richer and stronger to remain in the UK)
So why have I heard the rumblings of independence in the last 15-20 years?
Whatever you Scots did with the UK over your oil in the North Sea could come in handy down in Iraq right about now.