ABSTRACT

Although Scotland has yet to take the ‘nationalist road’, the first four years of devolution2 has been something of a roller coaster ride.3 For example, during this period there were three First Ministers in quick succession (Dewar, McLeish and McConnell). However, for the most part, the Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition managed to ensure that there was a degree of coherence to Scotland’s government, despite ministerial changes. Even so, in 1999 Scottish politics was an amalgamation of aspiration and symbolism. There were high hopes that the parliament would transform Scotland for the better – in contrast to years gone by – when there had been a growing perception that Scotland had been misgoverned by politicians in London. Now once again Scots would govern themselves, and, in so doing, it was expected that the country would be administered better. That though has been something of a mixed blessing for the country’s political elite. Ministers and officials from the Scottish Executive now had to face MSPs at Holyrood.4 Yet, whilst the government of Scotland has become rather more transparent (though some might say ‘not enough’), doubts persist over Scotland’s autonomy.