Caledonian Dreaming

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About the Book: 

Caledonian Dreaming examines the state of contemporary Scotland, the independence referendum, and its wider consequences.

In this short, accessible book, Hassan challenges the myths that define modern Scotland and its place in the United Kingdom. He forensically examines the shortcomings of Scottish society – from the ‘missing Scotland’ of voters disconnected from public life to the collusion of Labour and SNP on most issues bar independence. He argues that Scotland has the potential to become a modern, progressive, democratic country – aided by the creative energies and passions unleashed by the independence question.

Reviews: 

Understanding that the old stories we tell ourselves influence the new stories we go on to write, Gerry Hassan has crafted a brilliant book unpacking the political narratives that have shaped modern Scotland in order to create a space to imagine anew. A book about Scotland important to anyone, anywhere, dreaming a new world. STEPHEN DUNCOMBE

With one bound Scotland could be free! How tempting that looks to the progressive-minded on both sides of the border. If only it were that easy. Gerry Hassan drills down to deeper reasons why the many dysfunctions of British democracy could dog an independent Scotland too. With a non-partisan but beady eye on society both sides of the border, in this clever book here are tougher questions to consider than a mere Yes/No. POLLY TOYNBEE The Guardian

About the Author:

GERRY HASSAN is a writer, thinker and commentator, and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Dundee. His primary focus is politics in the UK and Scotland, about which he has written numerous books, including in-depth studies of the Labour Party and SNP, and the creation and progress of the Scottish Parliament. 

He is author of the best-selling and acclaimed Caledonian Dreaming: The Quest for a Different Scotland, published by Luath Press in 2014; Scotland the Bold: How the Nation has Changing and Why There is No Going Back; and co-author of the definitive study of Scottish Labour, The Strange Death of Labour Scotland. He co-edited A Nation Changed?: The SNP and Scotland Ten Years On with Simon Barrow, published by Luath Press in 2017, which is the only study of the SNP’s ten years in office. He has also published the first-ever study of the Labour Party and Britishness: The People’s Flag and the Union Jack, in 2019.

Forthcoming publications include A Better Nation: The Challenges of Scottish Independence (with Simon barrow – Luath Press, 2022), which outlines approaches to the independence debate which are respectful of different views, doubts and ambiguities, asking what kind of society we want to create and how Scotland may want to govern herself. Gerry writes and appears in the media regularly, as well as speaking at events, discussions and conferences in Scotland, the UK and internationally.