The 1930s was a significant period in Scotland. There were a large number of writers who contributed to what was sometimes referred to as ‘the Scottish Literary Renaissance’ and there were important political developments, not least the establishment of the National Party of Scotland, which ultimately became the modern Scottish National Party. Accompanying these developments, a number of journals and magazines were circulating, one of which – the Claymore – was specifically aimed at young Scottish boys and had a stated aim of strengthening their sense of national identity. This paper describes the context in which the Claymore operated, discusses the content of the magazine and its impact, and describes the later adventures of its founders.

Scottish independence is a matter for debate, not only in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK, but also in the Scottish diaspora. Their views have rarely been sought, yet they will have a view on the constitutional future of their homeland. This paper draws on research on attitudes to independence within the diaspora, and concludes that individuals in North America generally favour independence more than those in England. But attitudes are changing, partly because of Brexit, and partly related to the UK Conservative government, which is seen as not reflecting Scottish views and values. Independence is now considered more positively.

Relations between the UK Government and the devolved executives in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been challenging in the recent past. How could relations be improved?

It is generally accepted that members of diasporas tend to maintain a connection with and identification with their home nation. This is often expressed as a hyphenated identity and may be maintained through generations; later generations may become involved in family research to reactivate ties to the homeland. The Scottish diaspora is a classic example of such an identity but, although that sense of identity with the homeland is expressed by the diaspora, it is not clear if this is reciprocated by the homeland, whose attitude to diaspora members may not necessarily be an inclusive one. Contemporary Scotland, a nation with a very large diaspora, provides us with an opportunity to examine this closely. In this paper, we explore attitudes towards the Scottish diaspora and how things have changed, with a Scottish Government proactively connecting with its diaspora. In particular, we explore their recent diaspora policy framework document, which has begun to redefine ‘Scottishness’ to be a more inclusive and transnational identity.

The 2014 Scottish independence referendum settled little in terms of Scotland's constitutional future. The after-effects of what was the largest exercise in democracy in Scottish history certainly increased Scotland's devolved authority but, following withdrawal from the EU and with continuing differences and disagreements between the Westminster and Scottish governments, there have been increasing demands for a second referendum. One aspect of these conversations has been about the voting rights of Scots living outside Scotland, whose relationship with the nation would certainly be impacted by any successful vote for Scottish independence. And yet, they have had no voice in that decision and despite calls for their inclusion in any future vote, such inclusion remains unlikely. This article examines the reasons why such inclusion would be challenging and then considers what the Scottish diaspora think about Scottish independence and voting rights, by considering qualitative responses to a survey of members of the Scottish diaspora.

The UK's decision to leave the EU was partly influenced by a desire to reduce immigration. This followed a period of increased Euroscepticism, and an 'othering' of those of a different background, nationality or religion, and ultimately the EU itself. Post-Brexit, this has been linked to a rise in hate crime in England, and the referendum decision has been characterised as an expression of a strengthened English identity. Hostility towards those perceived as 'foreigners' or 'others' seems also to have affected people from the other nations within the British Isles, with speculation that Brexit might lead to the break-up of the UK. Here, we focus on Scots living or who have lived in England and, while their experiences are mixed, it appears that some hostility towards Scots (and indifference to Scotland) has grown. We speculate that this and additional political tensions may, eventually, bring about the end of the union.

Like many countries, Scotland has its population challenges, including a low birth rate and an ageing population. Some countries have sought to offset these challenges by the promotion of 'replacement immigration' or by economic policies to attract migrants. But, as part of the United Kingdom, Scotland lacks many of the policy levers available to promote wide-ranging socioeconomic development and has no powers over immigration, as this is reserved to the U.K. Government. In this paper, we explore the potential for attracting members of the Scottish diaspora as a means of boosting population growth, using data from a series of surveys we have undertaken during the last decade. Although Scotland's quality of life may be attractive to returners, employment opportunities are crucial. However, the coronavirus pandemic has shown the potential for widening home-based working and this demonstrates additional possibilities for returners to live in Scotland while working elsewhere.

The diversity of the EU is both a strength and a weakness, with Issues of National and European identity contributing to division, marginalization and exclusion. Many European citizens have very firmly entrenched, but frequently simplistic, views about the value of the European Union as good (pro EU) or bad (anti EU). To promote a culture of increased tolerance and inclusion, EU citizens need to develop a more mature and nuanced understanding of National and European identity that considers the validity of others’ points of view. Serious Games are increasingly recognised as active and effective methods for tackling complex social problems. Therefore, the RU EU? (are you EU?) project developed a game to increase players’ awareness of the complexity of European identity and values, to help players develop a more detailed understanding of European identity and promote critical thinking about their own views, the views of others, and the wider societal consequences. In this paper we describe the RU EU? Game as a case study explaining the thinking behind the game design. We outline the early design tasks that led to development of the multicomponent model of European identity that we used in the game, the adoption of the journalist narrative and the tools that assisted the player in his goal of compiling and publishing a set of articles about European identity. We discuss the potential of the game tools and mechanics to be used more widely to promote social understanding and inclusion.

At a time when the world is becoming more mobile, and migration levels are high, relatively limited attention has been paid to return migrants. Yet returners can play an important role in their homeland. In Scotland, with a sluggish population growth fuelled entirely by immigration, return movement is an important way of growing the population and the economy. This paper reports on a study of return migrants to Scotland in 2019/20 and discusses their reasons for return, their experiences and their long-term commitment to the country. Respondents generally felt positively about their return and there was considerable support for Scottish independence, particularly if that led to rejoining the European Union. Brexit was an important factor in making Scots feel unwelcome in England and helping to encourage return to Scotland.

This paper explores the contribution to geography teaching which can be made by serious games. We describe the ways in which gaming has progressed from "dissected maps" and jigsaws through board games, to the range of online games which are available today. We describe the development, in conjunction with European partner institutions, of a new game, entitledRU EU?, intended to raise student awareness of European issues, notably the question of European identity; this seems to be both important and topical at the time of Brexit. We describe the development and the nature of the game and its launch, and the feedback which we have received from students who have played it, and suggest that, while it is not necessarily a substitute for traditional lecture-style teaching, games such as this can provide an additional tool in the geography lecturer's armoury.

Scottish identity is closely linked to the development of a Scottish culture. There is a body of literature that has explored aspects of art, culture and literature and its distinctiveness from other British culture. This chapter explores art and culture, the role it plays in Scottish life and its role in maintaining a distinctive Scottish identity within Scotland.

We use this chapter to explore the Scottish education system and its strengths and weaknesses. We also explore the current employment situation within Scotland and, using census and other data, describe the changing nature of employment as the country has increasingly moved from being dominated by heavy industry to being increasingly characterised by science, technology and businesses associated with the so-called ‘Silicon Glen’.

Scotland is often viewed as a rather ‘macho’ society, although research suggests that things are changing. Nonetheless, gender is still an issue in terms of female representation in politics and the boardroom, as well as in senior levels of management, although women play a crucial role in the workforce overall. This chapter explores the position of women within Scottish society and the changes that have been made and that are currently taking place.

Brexit has brought many uncertainties, including the future position of UK-based EU migrants. Our concern is with a much less studied group, albeit one of the largest socio-political sub-groups within England – the Scots. These are migrants who live in a different country but within the same state and recent constitutional decision making has not been kind to them. In 2014, English based Scots had no vote in the independence referendum and in the EU referendum they witnessed Scotland voting significantly differently to England, resulting in ongoing tensions between the UK and Scottish Governments. If Brexit leads to another independence referendum, what are the implications for Scots in England, in terms of their citizenship, identity, and residence in a very different (r)UK? We explore their status in a (r)UK outside the EU, we speculate on whether some might move back or whether, if they remain, they would experience hostility within post-Brexit England. Might the current position of the English Scots tell us something about the future relationship between England and Scotland?

Sport plays an important role within Scottish life, not least as a focus of national identity. Although Scotland is not an independent state, it has its own international football, rugby and cricket teams and competes independently at the Commonwealth Games. Scotland has played a significant part in the development of sport, particularly within football and in golf, with the world headquarters of golf being at St Andrews. This chapter explores the role that sport plays within Scottish life and in helping to sustain a separate and distinct sense of Scottish identity.

The census has demonstrated that Scotland is increasingly a multicultural society and the proportion of black and minority ethnic (BME) people in Scotland has doubled to 4 per cent between 2001 and 2011. In Glasgow it is 12 per cent. This chapter looks at the 'ethnic' make up of Scottish society and discusses the experiences of minority groups, refugees and asylum seekers and migrant workers. The chapter will make reference also to white migrants within Scotland, for example from Europe, Ireland and the rest of the UK.

There is a sizeable literature on how Scotland is portrayed or indeed portrays itself. We look at tartan imagery (the ‘Tartan Monster’, as Tom Nairn put it), at images of the ‘kailyard’, ‘Clydesidism’ and the international image of Scotland as a land of heather and glens, whisky, haggis and shortbread. All nations use different forms of imagery but Scotland’s imagery (particularly tartan) is recognised worldwide. Scots are sometimes uncomfortable with this but recognise it as an important marketing tool. We add to the traditional considerations and presentations by looking at how Scotland and being Scottish is employed in contemporary literature and Arts both within and outwith Scotland. We will ask if there is a modern image of Scotland to which all Scots could subscribe and that might be more appropriate in the twenty-first century.