Introduction: 1707, 2014 and the constitutional imperative in Scotland’s national press and civil society

Benchimol, A. and Schlesinger, P. (2018) Introduction: 1707, 2014 and the constitutional imperative in Scotland’s national press and civil society. Scottish Affairs, 27(1), pp. 1-10. (doi: 10.3366/scot.2018.0217)

Abstract

This essay provides an historical, cultural and institutional juxtaposition of the Scottish national press’ relationship to constitutional change, using the Union of 1707 and 2014 independence referendum as key markers of this relationship. It reviews the parallels between both historical events in the context of structural changes to Scottish civil society, and the role played by the media in both amplifying and facilitating these changes. Finally, the essay maps the work of a number of historical and literary scholars, media experts, civil society actors, and journalists who have contributed to the Scottish Affairs special issue, 1707 and 2014: The national press, civil society and constitutional identity in Scotland.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: 1707 Union, 2014 independence referendum, Scottish national press, civil society, 2016 EU referendum, devolution, Scottish Parliament.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Benchimol, Dr Alex and Schlesinger, Professor Philip
• Authors: Benchimol, A., and Schlesinger, P.
• Subjects: D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain; H Social Sciences > HM Sociology; J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > JN1187 Scotland; N Fine Arts > NE Print media
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > English Literature
• Research Group: Scottish Romanticism Research Group/Centre for Cultural Policy Research
• Journal Name: Scottish Affairs
• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• ISSN: 0966-0356
• ISSN (Online): 2053-888X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Edinburgh University Press
• First Published: First published in Scottish Affairs 27(1):1-10
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
71714	1	1707 and 2014: The National Press, Civil Society and Constitutional Identity in Scotland	Alex Benchimol	The Royal Society of Edinburgh (ROYSOCED)	N/A	CRIT - ENGLISH LITERATURE