A systematic exploration of the arguments for Scottish independence from a sympathetic angle.

The Scottish independence question is one of the pivotal questions facing British politics and the future of the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most contentious and misunderstood.

In Scotland Rising, Gerry Hassan addresses the fundamental questions covering the Scottish independence debate so that people can better understand the case for independence and the nuances, contours, and implications for the whole country. Looking beyond the merits and shortcomings of the SNP and the Conservative government in Westminster, Hassan tackles the larger driving dynamics of 'the Scottish Question' - a growing desire amongst many Scots for an explicit discussion about society, public policy choices, and wider values.

Addressing the constitutional framework, and questions about the role of government and democracy, the nature of the British state, society, and capitalism, Scotland Rising makes an urgent and intelligent contribution to one of the defining political questions of our time.

Gerry Hassan is a leading commentator on Scottish politics and independence. He is Professor of Social Change at Glasgow Caledonian University and the author of many books including The Strange Death of Labour Scotland,The People's Flag and the Union Jack and Caledonian Dreaming. He has written for The Guardian, openDemocracy, Bella Caledonia, The Scotsman, New Statesman and the Irish Times.

'This is a comprehensive, well-sourced and very wide-ranging discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Scotland's independence movement, as it faces the challenges of a second referendum. Hassan shows how sterile the extreme arguments of unionist and nationalist can be. And he offers a fascinating projection of the impact of Scottish independence on the remnant UK and, in particular, on the 'Empire State' delusions of England's elites'
Neal Ascherson, writer and author of 'Black Sea’

'Gerry Hassan’s forensic, incisive and also respectful account lays out the arguments for and against Scottish independence. The future of Scotland, Hassan rightly notes, will not be decided by true believers and activists for Yes or No, but by many hundreds of thousands of Scots who need to be reasoned with and convinced. This constructive, thoughtful, sharp- edged discussion confronts the choices for a new Scotland. It’s also very readable as well as scholarly'
Gavin Esler, broadcaster and author of ‘How Britain Ends'

'A careful consensual account of how Scotland has come to be at the brink of independence, and of what this choice means for those who are not who are not yet committed either way. A clear description of what has changed since 2014 leading to a forensic examination of the implications for independence of the new context: a far less self-assured British elite. And a clear warning of just how nasty this debate is likely to become, across the UK'
Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography, University of Oxford

'An important and timely contribution to the future of the Scottish independent movement'
Ruth Wishart, journalist and broadcaster

'Scotland needs this book. Read it. Give to your grandparents and grandkids. Put it on reading lists for students. Make sure it’s in the libraries. It’s one of the new pillars which we need to structure our thinking'
Alison Phipps, Professor of Languages & Intercultural Studies and UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts at University of Glasgow

'The definitive account of why a decaying democracy in Westminster has triggered democratic renewal in Scotland through the desire for Independence. [This] book is essential reading for everyone who wants to understand the future of the UK, whether it breaks up or how it reconfigures itself'
Neal Lawson, Director at Compass