Venue Shift Following Devolution: When Reserved Meets Devolved in Scotland

Using Devolution to Set the Agenda? Venue Shift and the Smoking Ban in Scotland

This article examines the changing agendas on smoking-related issues in Scotland. It charts the methods that groups, governments and MSPs use to frame and pursue or suppress discussion of the prohibition of smoking in public places. The article presents two narratives– one which stresses ‘new politics’ and the ability of groups to influence policy through Scottish Parliamentary procedures, and ...

On the Prospects for Policy Learning in Post-devolution Scotland

There is growing discomfort with existing arrangements of government. Citizens demand greater democracy and transparency. Communities seek more autonomy. Business leaders point an accusing finger at the lazy pace of governments. Interest groups are prodigious in showing displeasure with the way governments resolve their disputes and issues. The media are eager to report dissent and nurture mist...

Higher Education in Scotland and England after Devolution

The twentieth century saw a convergence of the Scottish and English systems of higher education. Since devolution in 1999 there has been divergence. English policy is based on differentiation and competition, while Scotland has favoured integration and more egalitarianism. Scotland has not followed England in introducing up-front tuition fees or top-up fees. These differences are consistent wit...

Devolution and health: challenges for Scotland and Wales.

Introduction: Social Policy in the Devolved Scotland: Towards a Scottish Welfare State?

Ten years have passed since devolution was implemented for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This anniversary is worthy of note for all scholars of UK social welfare, not just those with a specialist interest in political reform or the ‘Celtic’ nations, because reflection on the first decade of devolution inspires a rethink of some of the basic working assumptions of social policy analysis ...