"This study explores modern Scotland AND examines how Scottish politics, culture and identities have interacted within the national and international contexts in the last thirty years. It considers which voices and opinions have proven influential and defining, and charts the boundaries of public conversation to and beyond the independence referendum. This book locates contemporary debates on Scottish self-government in an analysis of the long term historic development of Scottish autonomy and difference. Based on extensive interviews with leading members of the Scottish political commentariat, it applies the idea of 'elite narratives' to articulate how ideas and debate can slowly shift and frame public opinion. It draws on ideas of the construction of the near-past, folklore, collective memories, power, voice and space, to bring together an original contribution to politics, media and the dynamics of public debate"--