The Labour Party manifesto in May 1997 promised several actions to "modernise" the constitution.

Of these, the most constitutionally significant pledge was for devolution in Scotland and Wales.

Labour delivered on this promise and legislation has since been passed setting up devolved assemblies in Scotland and Wales.

The most ambitious scheme was that which led to the establishment of the Scottish Executive, the devolved government of Scotland.

The concept of devolution to Scotland and Wales has a protracted past within the United Kingdom. This is especially so in Scotland.

Wales has had less of a perceptible identity - it was conquered by England and annexed by the Acts of 1284, 1536 and 1543.

Until 1707, Scotland remained an autonomous land (although the English and Scottish Crowns were unified in 1603 when James VI of Scotland became King of England).

Since 1707, when union of governments and Parliaments occurred to form "Great Britain", there has been legal devolution to Scotland.