The Scottish Parliament At Twenty

Jim Johnston and James Mitchell bring authors from various backgrounds together to discuss the Parliament’s future. These voices include a feminist and equalities campaigner, the chairman of Brodies LLP and the President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, among many others. This short series of think pieces discusses vital issues such as the increased complexity of devolution, the Parliament’s new fiscal and welfare powers and the need to respond to public expectations and demands. Interspersed throughout the book are a number of Dear Scottish Parliament... letters from young people across Scotland articulating their hopes and dreams for Scotland for the next 20 years. The Parliament has established itself as an accepted feature in Scotland’s political landscape and there is little, if any, debate about its legitimacy as a representative body. At the same time, however, the goodwill towards the Parliament is likely to be tested as MSPs are faced with significant challenges over the next 20 years. This book explores some of these challenges and signposts key priorities in response.