Back to topic guys:

Many people underestimate the Scots, understandably enough.

First, they will always get Dublin and Inverness first in the hands of a human, and can get York too if they want it.

Second, They can get DFK, Highland Nobles, Border Horse, and Noble Highland Archers from a 3rd level Castle, and from a third level city they can get Scots Pike militia, with Heavy Pike Militia on the way. If you use a Pike fix or your willing to put a lot of micromanagement into your pikes you will find them to be VERY effective. the reality is that the force I just described above can easily take almost any army in the game from any time period. HA ones being the only problematic ones.

With good management it's possible to get an army like this out at around turn 30-40. Thats long before most factions have got beyond the spear militia stage in my hands.

And THAT is the strength of the Scots, their ability to get one of the best late period armies in the game, but to do so in the early stages of the game. Only Gunpowder/HA missile units really present a threat to Heavy Pike Militia, their Armour and numbers protecting them from lesser units.