The Scottish Parliament

About the Book: 

The Parliament has established itself as an accepted feature in Scotland’s political landscape and there is little, if any, debate about its legitimacy as a representative body. At the same time, however, the goodwill towards the Parliament is likely to be tested as MSPs are faced with significant challenges over the next 20 years. This book explores some of these challenges and signposts key priorities in response.

Jim Johnston and James Mitchell bring authors from various backgrounds together to discuss the Parliament’s future. These voices include a feminist and equalities campaigner, the chairman of Brodies llp and the President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, among many others. This short series of think pieces discusses vital issues such as the increased complexity of devolution, the Parliament’s new fiscal and welfare powers and the need to respond to public expectations and demands. Interspersed throughout the book are a number of Dear Scottish Parliament… letters from young people across Scotland articulating their hopes and dreams for Scotland for the next 20 years.

Perhaps the goal of the next two decades is to create a community called Scotland, at ease with itself and where everyone can disagree in an atmosphere of tolerance as our
politicians strive to do right by those they serve  bernard ponsonby, special correspondent, STV News.

Reviews:

The Parliament and the Scottish Government have laid some strong foundations for effective scrutiny and transparency but there’s still a lot to do, with big risks and tremendous opportunities. CAROLINE GARDNER, Auditor General for Scotland

About the Author:

JIM JOHNSTON has been working at the Scottish Parliament since March 1999, and is currently Clerk to the Finance Committee. He has also been clerk to a number of other committees. He was seconded to the House of Lords EU Select Committee in 2008-9. He holds a BA (Hons) in English and Politics from the University of Strathclyde and PhD in Political Science from the University of Birmingham. His research focused on the economic policies of post-war Labour governments. His publications include a co-authored book on post-war British politics.

JAMES MITCHELL holds the chair in Public Policy and is Director of the Academy of Government at the University of Edinburgh. He previously held chairs at the University of Strathclyde and Sheffield. His research has included studies of political parties and public opinion in Scotland. His most recent work has included studies of the SNP, Scottish elections and the independence referendum. All of his work is informed by an appreciation of the importance of the past in its impact on current concerns.