Welcome to our new blog where we hope to discuss Scottish politics through a liberal prism.

There is a dearth of informed political debate and new ideas in Scottish politics.  The growth of Scottish focussed blogs and a range of think tanks, represents the evolution of devolution – from its early unsure days to a new and growing confidence.  As the Scottish people and politicians begin to understand the opportunities and limits of our devolved parliament, it is of vital importance that principled ideology starts to play a part.  One such ideology that is yet to be clearly articulated is Liberalism.

Liberalism has long held a place in Scotland’s history and politics.  David Hume and Adam Smith were the leading liberal thinkers of their day in the 18th century.  In the 19th century the Free Church was established and the Crofters’ Holdings Act officially recognised crofters and established the right of tenure, protecting the crofters way of life.   In the 20th century the liberal principle of subsidiarity was demonstrated through the re-establishment of Scotland’s parliament.

As Scotland plots its route in the 21st century - the philosophically robust theory of liberalism needs to be clearly defined and articulated in today’s terms.

We hope to play a small part in that process.