Brexit and the Scottish Question

The 2016 Scottish vote for remaining in the EU received no consideration by the UK government for possible special arrangements.  The prospect of a new independence referendum gains credibility as the paper shows the constitutional convention on consultation was considered irrelevant by the UK government.

Type of Resource
Academic Paper
Date Published
Primary Author or Creator
Sionaidh Douglas-Scott
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Queen Mary University of London

Scotland’s new choice; Independence after Brexit

, we have drawn together leading experts to examine the key issues, opportunities and challenges surrounding the prospect of independence. Much has changed since the 2014 referendum – most notably, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. By providing factual information and impartial analysis, we hope that the book can support citizens to engage in debates and make up their own minds about Scotland’s future.

Type of Resource
Book
Primary Author or Creator
Eve Hepburn
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Michael Keating, Nicola McEwen, Centre on Constitutional Change

Scottish Sovereignty Research Group

  • Research means to become independent which will be legally recognized other than through a Westminster sanctioned referendum

  • Continue to develop a written constitution.

  • Hold a broad survey among Scots to determine what kind of country they would like to see

Type of Resource
Web site
Primary Author or Creator
Scottish Sovereignty Research Group
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Add additional Authors and/or Publisher

An Unequal Kingdom: The Barriers to Federalism in the UK

The constitutional question over Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom was not resolved by the results of the 2014 independence referendum. In addition to the ongoing debate around independence at least two political parties – the Liberal Democrats and Scottish Labour – currently support constitutional reform for the whole of the UK along some kind of Federal structure.

This paper examines the case for federalism and outlines the challenges and barriers to reform of the UK in this manner.

Type of Resource
Policy Paper
Primary Author or Creator
Craig Dalzell
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Isobel Lindsay, Common Weal

Constitution for Scotland; an Interactive Consultation

The Constitution sets out the conditions under which the people agree to be governed. It lays down the basic principles of the State, the structures, and processes of government, defines the limits within which our politicians, at all levels, must operate and the fundamental rights of citizens in a higher law that cannot be unilaterally changed by an ordinary legislative act.

Type of Resource
Web site
Primary Author or Creator
Constitution for Scotland

Clyde-Built Scottish Constitution

This wiki-based Scottish Constitutional, Legal, and Institutional development platform has undergone considerable development since  launch on December 1, 2018. 

Numerous amendments submitted by users to the constitutional text. all of which were excellent improvements. I never cease to be struck by the power of collective wisdom.

A Constitutional Blank Slate for Scotland?

Type of Resource
Web site
Date Published
Primary Author or Creator
Dr. Mark McNaught