The Political Economy of Scotland

Red Scotland? Radical Scotland

Gregor Gall

‘To what extent are the people and politics of modern Scotland shaped by radical, tolerant and egalitarian national identity? A big question, and ones that forces us to confront some of our most cherished myth about our ‘democratic intellect’, the heritage of ‘Red Clydeside’ and the limits of our instinctive social democracy. Gregor Gall does not pretend to offer the last word on these issues. But his provocative analysis will form the starting-point for political and academic debates about our own recent past and possible futures’. Professor Alan McKinlay, Professor of Management, University of St Andrews

‘A valuable successor to the long line of radical critiques of Scotland. At a moment in history marked by the apparent triumph of global capitalism, it is especially welcome.’ Professor David McCrone, Professor of Sociology, University of Edinburgh

‘This book by Gregor Gall is a very important contribution to the ongoing analysis of Scotland’s reality, how it has been shaped by the past and what it may mean for the future. It is thoroughly researched, very readable and a touch controversial, which is just what should be expected of a volume from one of Scotland’s foremost analysts and commentators. ’ Bill Spiers, General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress

Gregor Gall asserts in this volume that a fusion of traditional trade union militancy and national identity creates a more radical outlook within Scotland. He investigates the more militant regions of England and compares Scotland to the Welsh experience, and argues that these other areas share very similar experiences.

He concludes that whilst Scottish workers are no different to their counterparts in the rest of Britain the added importance of the ‘national’ question provides the answer to the question as to why Scotland appears to have a more radical industrial climate.

Professor Gregor Gall, Professor of Industrial Relations and Director of the Centre for Research in Employment Studies, University of Hertfordshire. He was previously Professor of Industrial Relations at the University of Stirling and lives in Edinburgh. His publications include: Union Organising (Routledge, 2002) and a forthcoming title Union Recognition (Routledge, 2005).