ABSTRACT

My aim in writing this chapter is to guide readers towards some of the more interesting recent developments in Scottish Studies, often drawing attention to works where they will learn much more about Scotland’s history, culture and traditions. At the same time as surveying the direction in which Scottish Studies have developed of late, and advocating future directions, I am writing consciously as a poet and critic with particular commitments to the cultural life of my country, and a special concern with literature. This means that I shall concentrate on some aspects of culture more than others, and that what follows is a survey which is at times close to being a manifesto.