Introduction: 1707, 2014 and the Constitutional Imperative in Scotland's National Press and Civil Society

Abstract

This essay provides an historical, cultural and institutional juxtaposition of the Scottish national press' relationship to constitutional change, using the Union of 1707 and the 2014 independence referendum as key markers of this relationship. It reviews the parallels between both historical events in the context of structural changes to Scottish civil society, and the role played by the media in amplifying and facilitating these changes. Finally, the essay maps the work of a number of historical and literary scholars, media experts, civil society actors, and journalists who have contributed to the Scottish Affairs special issue, 1707 and 2014: The National Press, Civil Society and Constitutional Identity in Scotland.