A History of the Scottish Liberals and Liberal Democrats

The Scottish Liberal Party was a dominant force in Victorian Scotland but declined with the rise of Labour and Unionist parties. It merged with the Social Democratic Party in 1988 to form the Scottish Liberal Democrats, helping shape the modern devolution settlement. This book examines their histories, including organization, relations between the Scottish and UK parties, nationalist arguments, and strategic approaches to recover electorally and pursue constitutional aims.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The Scottish Liberal Party held a prominent position in Victorian Scotland, although its electoral fortunes witnessed a decline alongside the rise of the Labour and (Scottish) Unionist parties during the 1920s. Nevertheless, it remained a significant third force in the increasingly crowded Scottish political landscape, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. This significance was particularly evident after the party merged with the Social Democratic Party in 1988 to form the Scottish Liberal Democrats. This merger played a pivotal role in shaping the modern devolution settlement through the Scottish Constitutional Convention. This book delves into the histories of both parties through a chronological presentation, encompassing various themes such as organization, interparty relations, the utilization of nationalist arguments and rhetoric, and strategic approaches (post-1922) to regain electoral support and pursue specific constitutional aims, including devolution for Scotland. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive examination of the party's performance in devolved and Westminster government after 1999.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399506380