Churchill: The Scottish Years

by Andrew Liddle

Overview

This is the true story of Winston Churchill and Scotland.

In the popular imagination, Winston Churchill is the bulldog of 1940 – uncompromising and Conservative. But in 1922 he was the reforming, progressive Liberal MP for Dundee who, after five successive election wins and a majority of 15,000, could confidently claim to have a seat for life.

But one man had other ideas. This is the story of how god-fearing teetotaller Edwin Scrymgeour fought and won an election against Britain’s most famous politician. Andrew Liddle vividly brings to life an extraordinary rivalry as it unfolded over fifteen years, and also explores for the first time Churchill’s controversial Scottish legacy, including his attitude to devolution.

'Rich and well-written . . . a vital insight' – The Scotsman

'A fascinating story' – Times Radio

'A brilliant book' – Andrew Adonis

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780278599
Publisher:	Birlinn, Limited
Publication date:	08/06/2024
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.80(h) x (d)

About the Author

Andrew Liddle is a political writer and consultant based in Edinburgh. He was previously Political Correspondent for The Press and Journal and Chief Reporter for The Courier.. His previous books include Ruth Davidson and the Resurgence of the Scottish Tories and Nigel Farage in His Own Words. He lives in Edinburgh.

Editorial Reviews

"...a triumph of fact over the ubiquitous myths about Winston Churchill's hatred towards Scotland."

Alastair Stewart

"Liddle's diligent research helps shine a welcome light on this romanticised and maligned figure's Scottish years."

Scottish Field - Megan Amato

"A masterclass in myth-busting, balance and page-turning readability."

Aspects of History - Steven Veerapen

"This is a highly readable account of an overlooked period in British political history."

Journal of Liberal History - Ian Cawood

"A fascinating story."

Times Radio

"A fine piece of revisionist historical writing which restores Churchill's place in Scotland's story."

David Torrance

"A brilliant new book by Andrew Liddle."

Prospect Magazine - Andrew Adonis

"In a carefully researched and lively account, Andrew Liddle finally sets the record straight on Winston Churchill's attitude to Scotland."

The House Magazine

"A rich and well-written history of stirring times, as well as a vital insight into the early career of a politician who...was not always the dogged old reactionary of modern political legend."

The Scotsman - Joyce McMillan

"Until now, this phase of Churchill’s life had gone virtually undocumented in book form. Liddle plugs that gap with a captivating chronicle of an iconic, complex man during one of the most important, transitional phases of his political life."

The Herald - Alastair Mabbot

"A rare treat to find something new in the ocean of Churchill scholarship, and Liddle pulls together a refreshing new take on Scotland to make for an entirely fresh viewpoint."

Finest Hour

"A triumph ... demolishes myths about Churchill while examining a mistakenly neglected period of his political career."

Brian Taylor

Genuinely new and useful ... fills [the] gap in the historical record admirably and with no small measure of panache too'

The Spectator - Alex Massie

"Well-researched, well-written and genuinely groundbreaking … forces us to look anew at Winston Churchill’s relationship with Scotland."

Andrew Roberts