New Scots and Migration in the Scottish Independence Referendum

Abstract

This article explores how the issue of immigration was debated by Scottish and UK political actors during the Scottish independence referendum. It considers the longer-term positions of Scottish elites on immigration, before focussing on the ways in which the Yes camp's liberal, multiculturalist approach contrasted sharply with the more restrictive, assimilationist position of the UK Government. The article concludes by considering Scottish voter attitudes towards immigration, before reflecting on the reasons why Scottish parties have adopted a welcoming approach to New Scots.