Thrive

About the Book: 

Why won’t Scots simmer down? Why batter on about independence when folk voted No a decade back? After all. Scotland’s not as populated as Yorkshire, nor as wealthy as London. But it’s also not as Conservative, as keen on Brexit, or as willing to flog public assets to Tory party pals.

So does Nicola Sturgeon’s departure terminally damage the case for independence?

The answer, with all respect to her legacy, is no.

Scotland has bigger fish to fry.

In this book, Lesley Riddoch makes an impassioned call to action, weaving academic evidence with story, international comparison and anecdote to explain why Scotland is ready to step forward as the world’s newest state.

We need optimism. And contagious stories of inspiration. Told out loud. In the open. Repeatedly. So, folk can engage emotionally, dare to dream of better – and go get it. Scotland is a social democracy stuck in a Conservative state that’s preoccupied with its own lost imperial status. And stuck, Scotland cannae thrive.

Let’s cast aside preconceptions. Whichever way you voted in 2014 – if you did – the world, Europe, the UK, Ireland and our Nordic neighbours have all changed. Scots need the freedom to change too – the freedom to flourish.

Reviews: 

Excellent read. ALEX NEIL Former MSP

It’s essential reading for anyone who wants something better for everyone living in Scotland, who needs that reminder it’s not silly or naive to dream, and is ready to spark those conversations of 2014 back to life. NIAMH MCNULTY, Bellacaledonia

I loved it - felt very inspired! SARA SHERIDAN, Author

Thrive is concise, quotable, persuasive & often funny. If every voter could read a copy we'd be independent, simple as. It's all in there. A breath of fresh air to the cause. ANDREW SCOTT, Author

The final chapter envisages Scotland Ten Years after Independence with our children ‘finally digging where they stand.’ It makes me greet every time I read it. ELAINE C SMITH

If you are interested in Scottish independence you need to read this from Lesley Riddoch. The first chapter will, by itself, amply reward your spend. Then read the rest. RICHARD MURPHY

Just finished Lesley Riddoch's latest book - Thrive: The Freedom To Flourish. It's a great read and full of valuable reminders of why the best future for Scotland is as an independent country. As always, her Nordic comparisons and exemplars are well-chosen and persuasive. If you have a friend or family member who's not quite made the journey to Yes yet, this could very well be the book that gets them there. Punchy, positive and passionate - highly recommended. BLAIR JENKINS, Yes Scotland

Thrive - a wonderful read by Lesley Riddoch. I'm always inspired by her writing and vision for our country. Definitely pick up a copy.  COINNEACH MACLEOD, The Hebridean Baker - Scotland's bestselling cookbook author.

About the Author:

LESLEY RIDDOCH is an award-winning broadcaster, writer, journalist, independence campaigner and land reform activist. She writes weekly columns for The National and is a contributor to The Guardian, BBC Question Time, Scotland Tonight and Any Questions. She is founder and Director of Nordic Horizons, a policy group that brings Nordic experts to the Scottish Parliament and produces a popular weekly podcast. Lesley has presented You and Yours on BBC Radio 4, The Midnight Hour on BBC2 and The People’s Parliament and Powerhouse on Channel 4. She founded the Scottish feminist magazine Harpies and Quines, won two Sony awards for her daily Radio Scotland show and edited The Scotswoman – a 1995 edition of The Scotsman written by its female staff. She was a trustee of the Isle of Eigg Trust that pioneered the successful community buyout in 1997. She has presented and co-produced films about the Faroes, Iceland and Norway and during lockdown, presented Declaration, a film celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. Lesley was awarded a PHD in July 2020 and lives near the sea in north Fife.

Lesley Riddoch in the media:

Lesley in action: