We move on to discuss more specific aspects of Scottish identity, using ideas such as those of Benedict Anderson, Michael Billig, Tom Nairn and Anthony Smith. We look at how the Scottish nation can be and is defined and, using data from the census and social attitudes surveys, how individuals within that nation define themselves. Are Scots increasingly Scottish, still British or simply ‘not English’? We assess the various layers of identity that exist, the extent to which a Scottish identity is growing at the expense of a British one and the longer-term implications of this. The existing social data is complemented by our recent studies of Scots throughout Scotland, and the contemporary Scottish diaspora itself.

We finish with a conclusion in which we seek to bring together various aspects of Scottish politics and society and perhaps indulge in some tightly focused crystal-ball gazing, in terms of the future direction of the country. After two referendums, on Scottish independence and on EU membership, it is clear that the constitutional future of Scotland is a matter of ongoing debate. We reflect on this and on the wider implications for Scottish society and identity.

Because Scotland is a relatively small country, there are equally small landowning, business and policymaking elites. This chapter, contributed by David Torrance, explores a range of elites, from the traditional class-based elites, to those elites operating in business, in politics, in policymaking and decision-making. Scotland often likes to think of itself as a left-of-centre egalitarian society; Torrance examines the extent to which this is accurate and the extent to which class and contacts remain important vehicles for ‘getting on’ in society. The chapter also explores the extent to which elite and ‘mass’ views of society and politics diverge.

This chapter, contributed by the late Duncan McTavish, does not provide a detailed account of the Scottish political system, as there are other texts that do that in a more focused manner. But it illustrates and reflects on the way in which Scottish political culture has changed since devolution. It discusses the institutional, governmental and partisan structure of modern Scotland; the ‘movers and shakers’ within Scottish politics and the ways in which Scottish politics has diverged from politics elsewhere in the UK – particularly in relation to voting behaviour and key policy areas.

Scottish identity is closely linked to the development of a Scottish culture. There is a body of literature that has explored aspects of art, culture and literature and its distinctiveness from other British culture. This chapter explores art and culture, the role it plays in Scottish life and its role in maintaining a distinctive Scottish identity within Scotland.

In the same way that many English people have migrated to Scotland, many Scots have followed the road south. There are substantial Scots communities in England and this chapter explores their ongoing relationship with Scotland. This relationship was brought into focus in 2014 as Scots living outside Scotland but in the rest of the UK could not vote in the independence referendum. We also look at the attitudes towards Scotland held within England and if there are strains in the relationships between these two nations in particular.

There is a sizeable literature on how Scotland is portrayed or indeed portrays itself. We look at tartan imagery (the ‘Tartan Monster’, as Tom Nairn put it), at images of the ‘kailyard’, ‘Clydesidism’ and the international image of Scotland as a land of heather and glens, whisky, haggis and shortbread. All nations use different forms of imagery but Scotland’s imagery (particularly tartan) is recognised worldwide. Scots are sometimes uncomfortable with this but recognise it as an important marketing tool. We add to the traditional considerations and presentations by looking at how Scotland and being Scottish is employed in contemporary literature and Arts both within and outwith Scotland. We will ask if there is a modern image of Scotland to which all Scots could subscribe and that might be more appropriate in the twenty-first century.

Scotland is often viewed as a rather ‘macho’ society, although research suggests that things are changing. Nonetheless, gender is still an issue in terms of female representation in politics and the boardroom, as well as in senior levels of management, although women play a crucial role in the workforce overall. This chapter explores the position of women within Scottish society and the changes that have been made and that are currently taking place.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the Scottish diaspora. In part, this reflects an increased focus by academics on aspects of international migration and diasporas; Scotland, with a substantial diaspora in most parts of the world, has therefore been a subject for study by a number of historians and sociologists. While we have touched on the diasporic element in other aspects of the book, a clear and focused analysis is presented here. There has been a political interest in the diaspora, with the Scottish Government developing a diaspora strategy, not least in order to encourage ‘roots tourism’, as those individuals of Scots descent come back to visit their ‘homeland’. We explore the ongoing relationship between Scotland and its diaspora, for example in the context of the 2014 Year of Homecoming, and how Scotland seeks to engage with the diaspora, politically and socially.

We use this chapter to explore the Scottish education system and its strengths and weaknesses. We also explore the current employment situation within Scotland and, using census and other data, describe the changing nature of employment as the country has increasingly moved from being dominated by heavy industry to being increasingly characterised by science, technology and businesses associated with the so-called ‘Silicon Glen’.