Unstated: Writers on Scottish Independence

by Scott Hames (Editor), Allan Armstrong (Contributor), John Aberdein (Contributor)

Writers resident in Scotland share their views before the 2104 referendum on Scottish Independence.

250 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2012

Reviews

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked:

-Some really big lashings given to Creative Scotland that I was pleasantly surprised by. I hadn’t given much thought to that as a politically contentious institution so it was cool to see there’s a criticality there
-this is one where I really liked the variety of perspectives in content and form, it felt like there were a lot of bases covered while also building a reinforced capture of the issue
-I relished seeing the independence debate in this new light of the artist, and how much a creative vision influences an economic one. Everyone contributed really constructively and selflessly, with little assumption of consensus or complacency
-Was pretty interesting seeing the state of the debate before the actual referendum happened. A lot of hope and earnest contemplation that there seems to be less room for today




What I didn’t like:

-As is the case with these kinds of collections, there were obviously a few duds. I think smaller and more judiciously chosen group of writers would have strengthened the overall intention of this piece, cause some of these were really good
-Sometimes a bit slogsville and overly cerebral or indulgent, trying to be too clever rather than grounded in reality
-I know the book was prefaced with having no biases to either side, with it being up to the writers themselves what stance they’d take, but the No side was much obviously weaker. Just pure like I’m voting no cause I don’t want another capitalist state 💅like okay….

[Gavin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bunch of mostly radical Scots thinking things through, mostly badly and without any sense of cost:benefit. The entry by Asher is a perfect example of the horrible clotted prose of the humanities today: form as a wall obscuring content, (assuming there actually is content behind it).

In summary:

- John Aberdein: The SNP suck. We already control plenty and little changed. Still we must go independent to have any hope of foiling capitalism. Take the fisheries and mines, and take out tax evaders.

-Armstrong: SNP are crypto-unionists. Diluters! (They’re keeping Sterling, the Queen, NATO, same bankers, low tax.) Need "Internationalism from below".

- Alan Bissett: We are atomised because of Thatcher. Despite the jokes, do not underestimate what Braveheart and Trainspotting did for us. May 2011 majority is The Moment.

- Jo Calder: Go Independent for proper arts funding(!)

- Margi: Scotland is a woman.

- Galloway: Scotland is a teenager.

- Suhayl Saadi: Wooo! Waa! Hypercognitivist hoots mon!

[Emma Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so awesome when I was at the Eigg Primary School when one of the students said. I am jealous of America because of your freedom from the British. Despite the complicated moment in America. What with Greenland, Panama, and manifesting destinies. I didn’t know what environment I was in exactly to say what I meant, but I guess looking back, since their teacher came from a Gaelic school I probably could have said more with my chest what a great thing he was imagining for his country. All I said is “Scotland isn’t free YET.”

[Mrowster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of wide ranging but wholly engaging writings in support of Scottish independence, published in the run-up to the Indyref vote of 2014. Pieces are provided by an interesting mix of Scots - activists/socialists, academics, novelists, poets, a filmmaker - voicing articulate and inspiring perspectives on what remains the biggest single issue facing Scotland ca. 2021. The book generated deep discussions in my household into the evolving nature of Scottish identity and what an independent Scotland might look like. I would love to read a follow up volume, given the likelihood of Indyref2 in the not-so distant future.