The 1997 Scottish Referendum confirmed the wish of the people of Scotland for their first Parliament in almost 300 years. In A Diverse Assembly Lindsay Paterson draws together for the first time a collection of the key arguments for and against the reinstating of a Scottish Parliament. Gathered from newspapers, journals, books and speeches, the voices of the major players in the debate can be heard. Key Features* The only collection of its kind: allows the reader to trace the arguments behind the debate on a Scottish Parliament* Strong representation of the main viewpoints in the debate and of the four main political parties in Scotland* Includes the words of many of the key figures in politics including Edward Heath, John Smith, Robin Cook and Margaret Thatcher

This is an excellent idea. The last thirty-odd years have been among the most significant in Scottish political history, and this book will fill asignificant gap in the literature. This book is likely to become the definitive work in the area. -- David McCron This book strikes me as timely and well thought out. It's not just a useful but an essential book. -- Christopher Harvie, University of Tubingen This is an excellent idea. The last thirty-odd years have been among the most significant in Scottish political history, and this book will fill asignificant gap in the literature. This book is likely to become the definitive work in the area. This book strikes me as timely and well thought out. It's not just a useful but an essential book.

Lindsay Paterson is Emeritus Professor of Education Policy, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh. His main academic interests are in education, civic engagement and political attitudes. He has contributed to many debates in Scotland since the early 1990s on education, on social change, and on politics. He is a Fellow of the British Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.