Independent and Free

This is the first comprehensive account of the formation of the Scottish National Party, and it explains the peculiar circumstances in the inter-war era which gave rise to this phenomenon. The text fills a vacuum in one of the most under-researched periods of Scottish history, while its topicality is heightened and spread by contemporary interest in European nationalism. The book is essential reading for students of Scottish history, British political history, politics and Scottish Studies from senior school level onwards. The introductory chapter examines in depth the role of the Scottish Home Rule Association in Scottish politics in the period after the First World War up to the time of its collapse and the formation of the Scottish National Party in 1928. Subsequent chapters comprise detailed accounts of the Scottish National League 1920-28, the National Party of Scotland 1928-33, the formation of the Scottish National Party, the 'Wilderness Years' 1933-39, and the impact of the SNP on Scottish political development during the Second World War. The role of nationalism in Scottish political development is assessed, and the author demonstrates how this period was crucial to the formation of modern Scottish nationalism, and how important this development has been in determining the response of Unionist politicians.

Richard J. Finlay is the Head of the School of Humanities at the University of Strathclyde and the author of a number of books, particularly on the modern history of Scotland.