INTRODUCTION
Interesting question is not about the existence of Scottish nationalism but rather about the form it has taken in the 20^th century. The nationalist movement in Scotland has been largely played out within the realm of parliamentary politics, in stark contrast to the violent sectarian militantism of their Celtic cousins just across the Irish Sea. The primary dispute within modern Scottish nationalism has been between all-out independence and devolution within the British state, with devolution being favored by most Scots.

PART A: CHARTING THE COURSE OF SCOTTISH NATIONALISM
1) 1885-1918: Nationalism Reborn

• Irish home rule sparks renewed nationalism in Scotland;
• Establishment of Scottish Office (1885);
• Scottish Home Rule Association founded (SHRA);
• Liberal party declares itself to be for "home rule all around";
• Series of home rule bills debated in Westminster from 1889-1913; several reach second reading, but all eventually fail.

2) 1919-1934: Nationalism Organized

• Nationalism heats up again when economy turns sour (16-28% unemployment!);
• Formation of many nationalist groups and parties: SNL, SNC, SNM, NPS, etc.
• Period culminates in the formation of the Scottish National Party in 1934, from a merger of the SP and NPS (itself a conglomeration of many smaller groups).
  
  

3) 1935-1949: Nationalism Consolidated

• Period of SNP organization and consolidation;
• Major split in party after 1942 with John MacCormick leaving party and going on to found Scottish Covenant Association;
• Party wins first MP seat in '45 by-election and then quickly loses it at the general election the same year;
• 1949 Scottish Covenant gathered over 2 million signatures but advocated no political program.
  

4) 1950-1965: Nationalism Despondent

• SNP searches for a winning strategy and questions whether or not it should contest parliamentary elections;
• "Removal" of the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey and court case aimed at making Queen Elizabeth II take on the title of "Liz I of Scotland" pretty much sum up the desperation of Scottish nationalism during the 50s and early 60s.

5) 1966-1979: Nationalism Triumphant

• SNP wins surprise by-election and takes a "safe" seat, Hamilton, away from the Labour Party;
• SNP gains 100 municipal seats in 1968 elections;
• Vast oil reserves discovered off NE Scottish coast;
• In run-up to 1974 general election, SNP launches "It's Scotland's Oil" campaign and asks voters if they would rather be "rich Scots or Poor Brits?";
• It works--SNP achieves over 30% of vote and becomes second party in Scotland;
• Both Labour and Tories respond by calling for a reexamination of Britain's constitution; efforts result in the Referendum of 1979;
• Hopes are dashed in 1979 when a) party share in gen election drops to 17% and b) the referendum on devolution is defeated.
  
  

6) 1980-1996: Nationalism Challenged

• The twin disasters of 1979 spur a fringe movement with SNP calling for "independence, socialism and a Scottish republic;"
• These forces are expelled in 1982, but the party becomes all-round more radical just the same (independence over devolution);
• Achieves only 12% and 14% in next two general elections;
• Thatcher introduces the dreaded poll tax in Scotland;
• Interest in SNP rebounds in early 90s;
• SNP achieves 21% in 1992 gen election;
  
  

7) 1997-????: Nationalism Appeased (?)

• SNP basically maintains 1992 vote share in 1997 election;
• Labour campaigns in Scotland on devolution platform;
• Votes overwhelmingly approve devolution with tax powers on 11 Sept 1997.
  
  

PART B: EXPLAINING SCOTTISH NATIONALISM
1) The relative autonomy of Scotland within the union

• Union of 1707 safeguarded key Scotland institutions like the Kirk and the legal and educational system;
• To this day, the Church of Scotland (a presbyterian variant of Protestantism) has independence from the British state (a status not even given the Church of England);
• For most of its marriage to the UK, Scotland has had little to gain from seeking independence.
  
  

2) Weak British nationalism

• For the most part, British nationalism has not posed a threat to Scottish nationalism;
• Polls continually find that the majority Scots considered themselves to have a dual identity; that is, both Scottish and British.
  
  

3) The rise in Scottish nationalism has been proportionately related to Britain's decline as a world power

• economics have long played a role in Scottish nationalism but not always in the same direction: it has promoted nationalism in periods of economic decline; but also in periods of relative prosperity (oil boom, for example);
• The process of dismantling the empire has affected nationalist claims, especially from those who consider Scotland another "colony" of England;
• Similarly, the end of the Cold War has prompted a resurgence of nationalism throughout Europe;
• The European Union is a new element in modern Scottish nationalism; Scots now have a transnational institution to appeal to; new calls for "independence in Europe."
  
  

CONCLUSION
Obviously, the key explanatory variables in Scottish nationalism are difficult to tease out. Explanations change from decade to decade, with economic arguments favored in the 60s, 70s and early 80s and identity arguments favored today. Of course, the end of the Cold War and the growing importance of the EU have only entered the puzzle in the late 80s and 90s. Scottish nationalism appears to have adapted to these developments and the SNP has become more strategic as a party. However, with the devolution agenda having been appropriated by the Labour Party in 1997, the SNP finds itself w/o a unique platform. Will the nationalists be appeased by the new parliament in Edinburgh or will they demand full sovereignty? Will they continue to push for independence in Europe or will they retreat from Europe and pursue their interests within Britain's new "federal" structure?

APPENDICES