Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EDINBURGH & GLASGOW
TODAY
The key modern event shaping Edinburgh and Glasgow—indeed all of Scotland—
was the devolution settlement and the renewal in 1999 of the Scottish Parlia-
ment, which is based in Edinburgh near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. For the
Scottish capital, it has meant a return to the forefront of governance in Scotland,
rather than having things run from London, the U.K. capital. Even for Glasgow, its
effects have been profound as voters in the city and its surroundings send the most
Members of the Scottish Parliament—or MSP s—to Edinburgh. The Scottish Par-
liament, which is led by the party with the largest number of MSPs, can enact laws
regarding health, education, transportation, and public housing, and it has limited
taxing powers. But it has no authority over matters of defense, immigration, or for-
eign policy.
Scotland has long been the stronghold of the left-leaning Labour Party, but in
the last Parliamentary election in May 2007, the party garnering the most votes—for
the first time—was the Scottish National Party (SNP). Along with a few minor
parties, and in contrast to the other big parties such as the Labour or Conservative
Party, the SNP favors complete independence for Scotland.
It's important to remember that many Scots, even if they don't want indepen-
dence, think of themselves as Scots first and British second. And yet, the border
between England and Scotland is just a line on a map; you're hardly aware when
crossing it. But while the two countries have been joined constitutionally since
1707, Scotland still has a strong cultural identity.
2
LOOKING BACK AT EDINBURGH
& GLASGOW
The key to comprehending—and, in part, enjoying—Edinburgh and Glasgow is to
know at least a bit about Scotland's long and sometimes complex history. For much
of its existence, the country had full (if disputed) autonomy from England—the
larger, more populous, and sometimes pushy neighbor to the south. Although the
Scottish and English crowns were joined (1603) and the countries were unified into
Great Britain (1707), they are distinct nations.
Although the union with England may well have saved Scotland economically in
the 18th century, it also effectively relegated the country to something more akin to
an administrative region within Great Britain. Even after devolution, former Prime
Minister Tony Blair, while favoring devolution and even born in Edinburgh, once
compared the Parliament in Scotland to a Parish Council. Although Edinburgh has
long been an intellectual center and Glasgow was considered the “Second City” of
the British Empire, many histories of Britain tend to ignore or anglicize develop-
ments in Scotland. If you're in any doubt about Scotland's autonomy, however,
consider this: In 1320, after decades of war against English invaders and occupiers,
barons loyal to Scottish King, Robert the Bruce put their names on a letter to the
Pope, the Declaration of Arbroath. It not only clearly affirmed the country's inde-
pendence but also addressed notions of freedom and liberty as Scots: Abstract ideals
that most nations didn't contemplate for hundreds of years.
 
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