I’m happy to let you know that the Library now has access to the database Scottish nationalist leaflets, 1844-1973 from British Online Archives. This digital primary source database collects together pamphlets relating to Scottish nationalism printed by the Scottish National Party (SNP) and their predecessors.

You can access Scottish nationalist leaflets, 1844-1973 via the Digital Primary Source and Archive Collections guide and the Databases A-Z list.

The items in this database contain research and policy proposals for how an independent Scotland might manage financially. They also contain both a pamphlet of nationalist songs and a history of the nationalist movement which was printed in 1853. The idea of using of oil wealth to support an independent Scotland can be traced back to the 1970s. Questions about how the European Union might affect independence also date back to these papers.

Scottish national leaflets, 1844-1973 is made up of 5 volumes containing 10,339 pages of primary source material. The 5 volumes are:

• Pamphlets by Author, Making the Argument for Independence, 1847-1972
  Authors include Archie Lamont, Hugh MacDiarmid, and William Mitchell. Most are written in the latter 19th century and mid-20th century.
• Official Publications of the Scottish Nationalist Party and its Predecessor, 1928-1973
  Materials included can be compared to reveal the history of nationalist thought. These SNP stances can also be compared to non-Party viewpoints here.
• Visions of the Future of Scotland, 1844-1973
  Explores how an independent Scotland might be able to function, from economics to industry and blueprints for self-government.
• Calls for an Independent Scotland, 1853-1973
  With a strong emphasis on visions for Scotland which involve it ceasing to be a part of the union, these pamphlets cover a wide range of concerns; from the Act of Union itself to rebel songs, culture, the Common Market and devolution.
• Critiques of England and its Treatment of Scotland
  Covers accusations that Scotland is not getting its share of government spending. Other claims include that England and Scotland entered the Union as equals, but that those terms were broken.

You can access Scottish nationalist leaflets, 1844-1973 via the Digital Primary Source and Archive Collections guide and the Databases A-Z list.

Access is only available to current students and staff at the University of Edinburgh.

Caroline Stirling – Academic Support Librarian for History, Classics and Archaeology