There is a growing realisation that national identity is an everyday part of Scottish society and the Scottish political system. However, an open recognition of national identity, and the idea that national identity matters, is not just a product of legislative devolution. Rather, it is a continuation of Scottish-British politics during the latter part of the twentieth century and before. During the latter part of last century, two devolution referenda took place in Scotland less than two decades apart. While common in many democratic systems, referenda are recent and previously rare innovations in the UK. Both referenda provided a majority in favour of a Scottish legislature, predicated upon the idea that Scotland had distinct problems that could only be addressed by specifically Scottish approaches. This particular point of political reasoning indicates recognition of the prominence and strength of national identity as a political force with significant support. The increasingly nationalist rhetorical activity among the Scottish political elite, alongside the related (but dissimilar) activity of the wider public, culminated in delivery of a Scottish parliament and marked a new period in Scottish politics.

The first decade of legislative devolution has witnessed not only an expansion of academic interest in Scottish politics but also an increase in the study and everyday awareness of Scottish national identity. As devolution has continued to alter the political stage upon which the nations of the UK act, Scotland has begun to develop a presence on the international stage that is built around the idea of Scotland as a nation rather than simply a ‘sub-national’ component of the UK.