This is the first comprehensive history of the Scottish economy over the last three centuries to appear in a generation. Written by leading scholars in the field, it presents 'state of the art' research in an accessible style to all those interested in understanding the historical context of modern Scotland. Fresh interpretations are revealed on such key and controversial issues as the impact of the Union of 1707, the Clearances, the rise and fall of Scottish heavy industry and the recent transformation of the modern economy. The distinctive features of the Scottish economic system are stressed but these are also analysed within a British and international context. The focus of the volume is both broad and detailed with full treatment of agriculture, finance, industry and the service sector as well as the impact of momentous economic changes on the lives of the people and the massive new role in the twentieth century of the state in economic affairs. At a time of intense debate on the present and future condition of Scotland under a devolved parliament and executive, this book provides the essential background and the long-run perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the nation.

Inhaltsangabe:Introduction: This thesis tries to examine the structures, activities, changes and spatial impacts of economic development in Scotland. Looking at the Scottish economy it has to be considered that Scotland is both an integrated part of the UK and the UK economy and a peripheral region within the UK. Therefore Scotland does not have an economy of its own, but the distinctiveness of the region in terms of location, history and recent political devel-opments justifies a closer examination of the matter. Scotland is in many aspects a very heterogeneous region. This is in particular true for the economic structure and a focus on one region cannot be representative. Edinburgh is an exceptionally prosperous region, not only in Scottish terms. However this prosperity and activity in economic development makes Edinburgh an interesting subject for examination. Thus the focus of this thesis lies on the developments in Edinburgh. Economic development is certainly influenced by a vast number of factors and it is impossible to take all of them into account. Within this thesis the emphasis lies on governmental influence on the developments. However European development measures are not considered. Accordingly the thesis aims to look at the ways the promotion of economic development is carried out in Scotland and tries to assess the measures on the background of the distinctiveness of Scotland and Edinburgh. Thus in the first chapter the thesis takes a look at Scotland as a whole, examining the physical environment, the administrative framework and its re-cent changes. Furthermore it looks at the economic legacy of the heavy industries and the recent developments in the Scottish economy. Subsequently the history and institutions of the promotion of economic development in Britain and Scotland are presented. The last part of the first chapter deals with the planning framework in Scotland. The second chapter portraits Edinburgh's economic structure. The key industries are presented briefly as are the institutions of economic development. Afterwards parts of the Edinburgh development plan are examined. The third chapter focuses on the Waterfront project in Edinburgh. The background of waterfront revitalisation is presented. The project and its participants are then examined in some detail. Finally a conclusion is drawn on the developments in Edinburgh. Inhaltsverzeichnis:Table of Contents: Abbreviations List of Figures List of [...]

In autumn 2014 those living in Scotland will face the most important political decision of a lifetime. Whether Scotland becomes an independent state once again, as it was before 1707, or remains within the United Kingdom will have profound consequences for everyone in Britain. There are many issues involved in this important choice, but a key part of the debate centres around the question of whether Scotland would prosper more or less after independence. How well off are we? Would we have a faster or slower growing economy if we were independent? What currency would we use - the pound, the euro or a new currency of our own? What should our energy policy be? There are those who would like to see a more egalitarian society, like Scandinavia, with a reduction in poverty and deprivation; would we be likely to achieve that? Would we continue to be in the European Union but with Scotland becoming a member in its own right? Is that right for Scotland and what problems might that involve? In this impartial, clearly expressed and thought-provoking book, economist Gavin McCrone addresses these, and many other, questions which are of vital importance in the run up to the referendum.

This splendid portrait of medieval and early modern Scotland through to the Union and its aftermath has no current rival in chronological range, thematic scope and richness of detail. Ian Whyte pays due attention to the wide regional variations within Scotland itself and to the distinctive elements of her economy and society; but he also highlights the many parallels between the Scottish experience and that of her neighbours, especially England. The result sets the development of Scotland within its British context and beyond, in a book that will interest and delight far more than Scottish specialists alone.

«This remarkable volume focuses on Scotland's inhabited islands. Experienced editors and contributors explore very timely issues for small island communities, such as the role of cultural capital or strategies for future sustainability. As well as the interrelationship between the islands and the mainland, the volume is outward-looking, taking account of Nordic and Atlantic neighbours. The framing of islandness that occurs in this volume is highly significant as there is strong emphasis on new ways of seeing and imagining islands and island communities. This fascinating interdisciplinary volume is highly relevant for government bodies, academics, island communities, policymakers and practitioners.»(Prof. Máiréad Nic Craith MRIA, Chair of Cultural Heritage and Anthropological Studies Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh).

A succinct and accessible account of the nature and impact of industrialisation in Scotland.

In recent years, the United Kingdom has become a more and more divided society with inequality between the regions as marked as it has ever been. In a landmark analysis of the current state of Britain’s regional development, Philip McCann utilises current statistics, examines historical trends and makes pertinent international comparisons to assess the state of the nation. The UK Regional–National Economic Problem brings attention to the highly centralised, top down governance structure that the UK deploys, and demonstrates that it is less than ideally placed to rectify these inequalities. The ‘North-South’ divide in the UK has never been greater and the rising inequalities are evident in almost all aspects of the economy including productivity, incomes, employment status and wealth. Whilst the traditional economic dominance of London and its hinterland has continued along with relative resilience in the South West of England and Scotland, in contrast the Midlands, the North of England, Northern Ireland and Wales lag behind by most measures of prosperity. This inequality is greatly limiting national economic performance and the fact that Britain has a below average standard of living by European and OECD terms has been ignored. The UK’s economic and governance inequality is unlikely to be fundamentally rebalanced by the current governance and connectivity trends, although this definitive study suggests that some areas of improvement are possible if they are well implemented. This pivotal analysis is essential reading for postgraduate students in economics and urban studies as well as researchers and policy makers in local and central government.