The Road to the Scottish Parliament

This important book provides an invaluable guide to Scoland's new parliament. With his unique insight, gained in more than twenty years of covering Scottish politics as a journalist, Brian Taylor offers an analysis of the background and motivations for the most monumental political change in Scotland since the Union. Taylor examines the popular motivation for devolution - and traces the practical steps which led to the establishment of Scotland's new Parliament. In addition, he provides a challenging assessment of Scotland's political future: tackling the issue of whether devolution will content the Scots. The author provides a detailed analysis of the various parties' developing attitudes to Home Rule, based on exclusive interviews with the key players in the field including leaders past and present from each of the main political parties. There is substantial analytical coverage of the Referendum, and of the establishment of the Parliament, following the elections in May 1999. The Scotland Act is assessed, and thorny issues including the European Question and the implications for Westminster - and England - are addressed. Written in an entertaining and accessible style, this book will be ideal for all those requiring an insight and guide to the key issues and questions to be faced by the Scottish parliament over the coming years.