Scotland Decides: The Devolution Issue and the 1997 Referendum

by Hugh Bochel, David Denver, James Mitchell, Charles Pattie

Overview

Scotland has a parliament for the first time in almost 300 years, and this book is an account of how this came about. The authors trace the origins and history of the demand for home rule in Scotland, focusing particularly on developments following the failure of the first referendum on the issue in 1979, which culminated in a second referendum in September 1997.
This major political event attracted national and international interest, and its decisive result was a milestone in Scottish history. This work presents an analysis of the referendum campaign at both national and local levels, including media coverage of the event and the outcome. The reactions of voters are explored on the basis of a large survey of the electorate, and lessons to be learnt about referendums in the UK and elsewhere are discussed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780714681047
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/30/2000
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

David Denver, James Mitchell, Charles Pattie, Hugh Bochel

Table of Contents

Scottish devolution - the historical content: introduction; the political parties and home rule; social cleavages and political parties; the first devolution referendum, 1979; conclusion. The politics of devolution 1979-97: home rule and working-class politics; the constitutional convention; the conservative response; the tartan tax and decision to hold a referendum; the Referendum (Scotland and Wales) Bill; conclusion. The national campaign: the emergence of Scotland forward; the late start of think twice; SNP involvement; further campaign research; the campaign proper; business and devolution; conservative dilemmas; Diana's death; the last 100 hours; conclusion. The Scottish media and the referendum: broadcasting; the Scottish morning press; the local weekly press; the media and the public. Local campaigning in the referendum: the parties; the ad hoc groups; the death of Diana; the view from the electorate; the impact on the outcome; conclusion. The referendum results: turnout in the referendum; the vote for the Scottish Parliament; support for tax-varying powers; a mandate for change? Voting in the referendum: voting and non-voting; voting on the Scottish Parliament; conclusion. The referendum in context: referendums in the United Kingdom; the United Kingdom referendums in comparative context; conclusion. The aftermath of the referendum: legislating for the Scottish Parliament; preparing for the parliament; the electoral system; public opinion in Scotland. Postscript - the first elections to the Scottish Parliament: trends in public opinion; the result of the election; list voting; turnout; conclusion. Appendices: the referendum results; the survey of electors - mechanisms of the survey.

Editorial Reviews

'If one wants a comprehensive examination of the Scottish referendum this is the book to buy ... it is not an exaggeration to describe the work as a masterpiece of its genre.' - British Politics Group Newsletter

'This book represents an extremely valuable contribution to the literature and must be highly recommended.' - Regional and Federal Studies

'The real value of the book lies in its analysis of the lead-up to, and the information generated by, the 1997 referendum ... if we are indeed moving toward a quasi-federal island, then there is much to be learned here.'
- Talking Politics

Contemporary British History
"an exceptional book which reveals the motives and aspirations of Scottish Voters"

"the real value of the book, however lies in its analysis of the lead-up to, and the information generated by, the 1997 referendum...if we are indeed moving toward a quasi-federal island, then there is much to be learned here"

From the Publisher