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"This study explores modern Scotland AND examines how Scottish politics, culture and identities have interacted within the national and international contexts in the last thirty years. It considers which voices and opinions have proven influential and defining, and charts the boundaries of public conversation to and beyond the independence referendum. This book locates contemporary debates on Scottish self-government in an analysis of the long term historic development of Scottish autonomy and difference. Based on extensive interviews with leading members of the Scottish political commentariat, it applies the idea of 'elite narratives' to articulate how ideas and debate can slowly shift and frame public opinion. It draws on ideas of the construction of the near-past, folklore, collective memories, power, voice and space, to bring together an original contribution to politics, media and the dynamics of public debate"--

This study explores modern Scotland and examines how Scottish politics, culture and identities have interacted within the national and international contexts in the last 30 years. It considers which voices and opinions have proven influential and defining, and it charts the boundaries of public conversation to and beyond the independence referendum. This book locates contemporary debates on Scottish self-government in an analysis of the long term historic development of Scottish autonomy and difference. Based on extensive interviews with leading members of the Scottish political commentariat, it applies the idea of "elite narratives" to articulate how ideas and debate can slowly shift and frame public opinion. It draws on ideas of the construction of the near-past, folklore, collective memories, power, voice and space, to bring together an original contribution to politics, media and the dynamics of public debate

The Scottish National Party has played a significant role in the politics of Scotland in the last forty years. In particular it has contributed to and shaped the impact and dynamics of devolution. This collection brings together academics, writers, commentators and analysts of Scottish politics to address the nature of the SNP: its position in Scotland, its influence on devolution, its role as a minority administration and its relationship with other institutions in Scotland, the UK and Europe.

AbstractThe establishment of the Scottish Parliament created new institutions and a political environment which has had lasting implications for Scottish and UK politics, including furthering the rise of the Scottish National Party and the independence question. One central element of this new terrain has been the emergence of the Scottish government and the post of First Minister of Scotland. The latter, the most prominent devolved political position in Scotland, has so far been subjected to little detailed analysis.Drawing on a wide array of material, research and interviews with key individuals, this article explores four aspects: first, the nature of the office of first minister; second, how it has evolved over the past quarter century; third, what various post‐holders have brought to the role; and finally, how they have been influenced by wider contextual factors such as the changing dynamics of party support, electoral competition and intra‐party considerations. The article offers some provisional conclusions about the changing nature of political leadership and the interplay between institutional factors, public opinion and the role of the individual political actors in the twenty‐first century, which has relevance not just for Scotland but further afield.

Much has been written about Scottish civil society in recent decades – by academics, writers and commentators. Most of these interventions have not attempted a detailed and critical examination of civil society by locating it in its structural, social and ideological locations, noting who it speaks for and who it doesn't. Similarly, examination of the media in Scotland has tended to not address its place in wider civil society and the consequences that flow from this. This essay attempts to begin to address this by offering an overview of this state of affairs, while critically assessing the state of civil society, the media and the role of both, historically and contemporaneously.

AbstractScotland's media has traditionally provided one of the central aspects of Scottish distinctiveness, autonomy and identity. This has often historically been viewed unproblematically and uncritically, but in recent times, the selective discourses of the mainstream media have come under increasing scrutiny and challenge, particularly in the recent independence referendum.This article examines the changing output of BBC and STV, considering in detail the evening news and current affairs programmes of both channels, and charting how they have evolved in media content and output. It also examines wider output and representation by BBC and STV, and concludes by addressing the evolving political and media environment.