Scotland's Fate in the Union with Great Britain: Scottish National Identity and the Process of Devolution

Devolution of powers has been a matter of increasing importance in European countries, especially after the Second World War. With the aim to reinforce political participation and continue the convergence of the regions, central governments have devolved some of their powers and responsibilities to regional and local administrations. In Britain, devolution of powers to the three regions of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was carried out with the coming to power of New Labour in 1997. The aim of the British government was to create greater trust and unity between these regions and the central government, in the greater framework of the United Kingdom. The aim of this paper is to analyze the processes of devolution in Scotland and to discuss matters pertaining to nationalism and national identity. This paper seeks to answer questions regarding the scope and the influence of devolution, and to present the reasons why Scotland has moved away from the central government. The significance of this research lies in the fact that after 300 years of union, the Scots participated in a 2014 referendum to determine whether they would or would not continue to remain in the Union (formed in 1707). Either way, the outcome of the referendum would be highly influential both in Scotland’s internal affairs and in its relations with Westminster and the European Union.