Based on a multidisciplinary approach, this dissertation aims at giving a coherent introduction to the question of language in Scotland. The relationship between Scots and English, the two national languages, has led to a situation which has no exact parallel in the English-speaking world. To begin with, a short linguistic history of Scotland presents major sociopolitical events which had an impact on language use in the country. In the second part of this work, a synchronic and comparative approach highlights the differences between one variety of the country, Scottish Standard English, and the best-known manifestation of Southern British English, namely RP (or Received Pronunciation). The comparison between the two varieties shows that there are differences both in terms of pronunciation and grammar. However, Scotland's unique situation cannot be understood without looking at the crucial question of identity. Thus, a number of variationist works are used to account for the main differences found between Scottish speakers.