Books & ideas

Artistic Representations of Scottish Identity

Marion Amblard — 2021-09-15T07:44:50Z

In her latest book, Viccy Coltman explores the evolution of Scottish identity in the long 18^th century through the lens of its artistic representations both in Scotland and abroad, thus revealing that it was much more multifaceted and complex than previously thought.

Brexit and Scottish Nationalism

Alice Bonzom & Mélanie Cournil — 2020-01-27T08:00:00Z

The Brexit vote, welcomed with dismay in Scotland, has prompted the Scottish National Party to present itself as the only sound alternative to Westminster's policies, viewed as damaging to Scottish interests. F. Simpkins analyses the SNP's strategies and outlines the many political challenges ahead.

Scottish Architectural Photography

Clarisse Godard Desmarest — 2019-12-23T08:00:00Z

Photography, both an art form and a tool for documentation, can bear witness to the history of a city. “Classical Edinburgh” celebrates Edinburgh's neo-classical architecture as seen through the lens of photographers Edwin Smith and Colin McLean, and invites reflection on the conservation of architectural heritage.

Castles and Nationhood

Clarisse Godard Desmarest — 2019-06-13T07:00:00Z

How can architectural styles reflect political shifts? Scotch Baronial analyses many of Scotland's most important buildings through the lens of political history, presenting architecture as the consequence or invigorator of mainstream history.

Holidays in the Highlands

Marion Amblard — 2018-03-01T08:00:00Z

Long weighed down by historical prejudice, the Highlands slowly started to attract the public's interest from the mid-18^th century onwards. With the development of mass tourism, public perceptions of the Scottish region gradually improved, fostering its integration within Great Britain.

Doomed to Fail?

Mélanie Cournil — 2015-10-26T08:00:00Z

In a bold move to assert its economic independence from England, Scotland attempted to establish a colony on the Isthmus of Panama at the end of the 17^th century. This essay explains why the failure of that colonial scheme is still vivid in the memory of Anglo-Scottish relations that was reopened during the referendum on Scottish independence in September 2014