Skip to main content

Scottish Nationalist Leaflets, 1844-1973

A black and white photo of the Statue of Robert the Bruce at Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument is seen in the distance.

Pamphlets relating to Scottish Nationalism, 1844–1973

Scotland’s beautiful land still remains a rich asset awaiting the day when the Scottish people recover the inheritance of which they have been defrauded.
Scotlandshire by Oliver Brown, 1945, page 29

Access the full collection

Get full access to Scottish Nationalist Leaflets, 1844-1973.

Institutional Free Trial

Sign up for a FREE trial 

Single User License

Purchase a license below to view the full collection.

Already have a license? Sign in to view the collection

Study nationalist research into the viability of an independent Scotland

The 1707 Acts of Union united the Scottish and English Parliaments to form the Parliament of Great Britain in the Palace of Westminster. Thenceforth Scottish citizens have debated the viability of an independent Scotland.

Documents in this collection contain a wealth of information on the subject of Scottish independence, including: the effect on international relations; financial policy proposals; pamphlets from the Scottish National Party; and the revival of Scottish cultural independence.

This collection charts the growth of Scottish nationalism, and subsequent calls for independence, from the mid-nineteenth to the late twentieth century. This is an excellent resource for those interested in studying the history of what is set to be a dominant political movement in the twenty-first century.

Contents

Scottish Nationalist Leaflets, 1844-1973...

Pamphlets relating to Scottish Nationalism, 1844–1973

Discover 
A black and white image of a Scotland flag in the wind in the countryside.

Highlights

Licensed to access National Party of Scot Inspiration, Policy and Aims, 1928–1966

This document details the origins of the Scottish National Party (SNP), including its original aims, inspiration, and constitution.

Licensed to access Scots and Rebel Songs, 1941–1971

These songbooks reflect the turbulent, ever-changing landscape of Scottish society, identity, and politics. Detailed contextual notes and song descriptions provide valuable insight into the pride the authors shared in their heritage.

Licensed to access British Government accused of neglecting Scotland, 1854–1964

This document includes pamphlets criticising the British government’s treatment of Scotland, including accusations that Scotland was not benefiting equitably from government spending.

Licensed to access Young, Douglas, 1942–1945

This document includes pamphlets written by Douglas Young, leader of the Scottish National Party between 1942 and 1945. During the Second World War, Young refused to register either for military service or as a conscientious objector, arguing that the British government did not have the authority to force Scots to serve in the British military.

Insights

  • Critiques of the British Parliament include accusations that Scotland was not benefiting equitably from government spending. Consequently it was claimed that Scotland was not treated as an equal partner in the Union.

  • This collection contains pamphlets authored by influential Scots: Archie Lamont, Oliver Brown, Robert Gayre, Hugh MacDiarmid, William Mitchell, and Douglas Young. Pamphlets were published from the mid-nineteenth century to the late-twentieth century.

  • Documents in this collection explore how an independent Scotland might be able to function. They discuss oil, industry, and blueprints for self-government.

  • This collection contains a wealth of cultural material, including “Rebel Songbooks” and Scottish literature. “The Culture of the Scots: its Past and Future, 1943” was written by William Power. Power was an author, journalist, and leader of the Scottish National Party from 1940 to 1942.

Licensed to access Liberal Party from Asquith to Ashdown, 1912-1988

1912   1988

Licensed to access British Labour Party Papers, 1968-1994

1968   1994

Licensed to access British Labour Party Papers, 1906-1969

1906   1969

Licensed to access Atheism and Anti-War Sentiments in the Bradlaugh Family, 1833-1948

1833   1948
Back to Top