‘Every Scotsman Should Be a Scottish Nationalist’

Abstract

The ‘nationalist unionism’ of the Scottish Unionist Party, as formed in 1912 via a merger of Liberal Unionists and Conservatives in Scotland, is then closely examined as the first of several political party case studies. After explaining the historical circumstances which gave rise to the party, its early statements of Scottish ‘nationality’ and identity are analysed. Although the party’s nationalism had an ethnic element (opposition to Irish immigration), the chapter argues that it was mainly ‘civic’ in nature. It goes on to discuss how the party sought a ‘compromise’ with a more radical Home Rule movement by promoting ‘administrative devolution’ within the United Kingdom. It did so by depicting Scotland as a distinctive part of the Union whose traditions and identity required protection from Anglicising forces.