Civil Service

The SNP’s slow route to building independence

Author / Creator: Richard Parry

Media type: Article

Date published:

The Scottish Government under Humza Yousaf’s brief and unsuccessful leadership maintained some momentum on independence by issuing nine further instalments of their series ‘Building a New Scotland’ between June 2023 and March 2024.


Improving emissions assessment of Scottish Government spending decisions and the Scottish Budget

Author / Creator: James Black

Media type: Report

Date published: 2022

Changes are required to enable the Scottish Government to deliver its climate change objectives.


Worth the wait? Reforming Intergovernmental Relations

Author / Creator: Nicola McEwen

Media type: Review

Date published:

The Joint Ministerial Committee system of devolution is no more, replaced by a three-tier system of intergovernmental forums.


Respect and Co-operation: Building a Stronger Union for the 21st century

Author / Creator: Select Committee on the Constitution

Media type: Report

Date published:

Strengthening the Union requires a sensitivity to the pluralism of the the UK. Intergovernmental structures are inadequate to ensure devolution and the Union can be maintained.


The Civil Service and Government Structures

Author / Creator: Richard Parry

Media type: Book

Date published: 2020

The civil service in Scotland is part of the UK civil service and acts with those norms in mind.


How To Start a New Country & A Short Guide To Starting a New Country

Author / Creator: Common Weal

Media type: Policy Paper

Date published: August 2021

This is essential reading for both believers in Scottish independence and undecided voters who seek answers to their practical questions about the processes of starting an independent country.