This book "outlines a case for independence while maintaining a critical distance from some of the cliches about the distinctiveness of Scottish political culture." Bella Caledonia
"Scotland Rising is a welcome contribution to the debate on Scotland’s future. Although true believers in the cause will find plenty in the book to reaffirm their commitment, Hassan’s real aim is to persuade those who do not yet support Scottish independence to take the plunge. He provides an eloquent account of Scottish statehood as a means of advancing democratic self-government (especially when contrasted with the deficiencies of the UK constitution); of creating a more egalitarian society and economy; of playing a more constructive role in international affairs; and of encouraging a culture of greater responsibility and democratic participation within Scottish society.
Hassan also writes wisely about the historical context of the current debate on independence and about the mechanics of how a referendum might come about. He is confident that a new referendum would be hard for the UK government to resist were there to be strong majority support for holding one within Scotland. He is clear-eyed that such conditions do not yet exist.
The book also illustrates some of the work to be done on the case for independence. As Hassan shows, the democratic arguments for Scottish independence remain robust, in the sense that the claim that a Scottish government and constitution should reflect the democratic preferences of the Scottish people is a difficult point to counter and has gained added salience in the wake of Brexit. But the economic arguments are trickier to land, as they were in 2014. Hassan is right to view the economics of independence more broadly than in much of the media coverage by highlighting deficiencies in the economic record of the UK." Bella Caleonia