The Decline of Britishness in Scotland since 1979

This study examines the decline of British identity in Scotland from 1979 tothe present. It shows that the main cause of this decline in the period between the two devolution referendums of 1979 and 1997 was the realignment of the values and meaning of Britishness under the Thatcher governments. It cites the emergence of Scottish civil society, both in opposition to Thatcherism and as the conduit for massive constitutional change, as the main expression of Scottish national identity. 

In the same period there was a cultural renaissance embracing literature, drama, poetry and music; a widespread renewal of interest in Scottish history; and an assertion of Scottishness in the media and sport which profoundly influenced popular opinion. The paper explores substantial data material from various surveys, studies and polls and concludes that the accumulated evidence of decline is convincing and conclusive. 

The paper considers the contemporary perspectives of historians, sociologists and political scientists and rejects the view of some that Britishness remains a vibrant identity in the twenty-first century. It argues that the decline of Britishness in Scotland has remained consistent since 1997 and that political attempts to redefine and revive Britishness as a national identity of common cultures and values will fail, at least in Scotland.

The paper concludes that shared interests today are just as likely to be influenced by European and global cultures as by narrow or historical concepts of Britishness. This is particularly acute among younger Scots who are neither wedded to post-war Britishness nor anti-Thatcher Scottishness. They have assumed their national identity at a time when the nation has become more self-confident and has acquired an identity that is mature and pluralistic. On this stage the only role for Britishness is as the agent of citizenship