Devolution has been the major political development in Scotland of the last decade. The events leading up to it and the actual process itself have been strongly underlined through the use of old symbols and the creation of new ones.
This seminar paper deals with those symbols: it will look at symbols in the awakening of a new Scottish identity, will consider the choice of buildings for a new Parliament and most importantly look at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and 2004.
The new Scottish Parliament itself is a place of strong symbolic content- the reason why this seminar paper will focus on it as well.
Finally the paper will try to give an explanation for the importance and wide use of symbols in the process of Devolution in Scotland, showing how a modern Scottish identity is connected to the points described above.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Background
1. Introduction to the topic and the contents
2. Devolution in Scotland- a short historic outline
3. Definition Symbols
4. Symbols in Scotland
II. Symbolism in the Scottish Devolution
1. The Stone of Scone- the awakening of an identity
a) The history of the Stone
b) The return in 1996 and the consequences
2. Governmental Buildings
a) The Old Royal High School
b) Queensberry House
c) Parliament Hall
3. The Opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999
4. The New Parliament
a) The choice for a new building
b) The opening in 2004
c) Sitting and layout
d) Main Hall, sculptures
e) debating chamber
5. The Saltire and other flags
III. Resume
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the role of symbolism within the Scottish devolution process, investigating how cultural and political symbols were utilized to establish a distinct national identity and assert autonomy within the United Kingdom. The central research question explores why symbolism became such a critical element in the transition toward a devolved government, from the symbolic return of the Stone of Scone to the architectural language of the new Scottish Parliament.
- The impact of historical symbols, such as the Stone of Scone, on modern Scottish national identity.
- The use of government buildings and architectural design as tools for political legitimation.
- The significance of state opening ceremonies in establishing the authority of the Scottish Parliament.
- The debates surrounding national symbols, including flags, as markers of autonomy vs. subservience.
- The correlation between the use of national symbols and the strengthening of Scottish self-awareness.
Excerpt from the Book
The Stone of Scone- the awakening of an identity
The Stone of Scone, also Stone of Destiny or later Coronation Stone, is an old block of sandstone on which Scottish kings had been seated on their inauguration. The Stone took its name from the place it came from; Scone in central Scotland. The last king to be seated on it was John Balliol in 1292, before Edward I of England took the Stone with him to London in 1296 during the Scottish War of Independence. For 700 years, the Stone stayed in Westminster where it was used for the coronation of British monarchs.
Taken as a trophy, the Stone of Scone stayed the reminder of the injustice the Scottish people had perceived through its absence from Scotland. Although the Stone spent a longer time in Westminster than in Scotland itself, it stayed “Scotland’s greatest symbol of national identity” and the most ancient symbol of Scottish kingship. Therefore, it seemed most appropriate to many Scots to return the Stone to Scotland.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction and Background: Provides the definition of devolution and explores traditional Scottish symbols like the kilt and the thistle to set the stage for the discussion on political symbolism.
II. Symbolism in the Scottish Devolution: Investigates how specific items like the Stone of Scone, the architecture of the new Parliament building, and national flags were used to shape and express Scottish political identity.
III. Resume: Concludes that symbolism was vital throughout the devolution process for asserting independence and distinguishing Scottish identity from the rest of the UK.
Keywords
Scotland, Devolution, Symbolism, National Identity, Scottish Parliament, Stone of Scone, Holyrood, Architecture, Saltire, Political Autonomy, Queen Elizabeth II, Cultural Symbols, Referendum, Identity, Sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the intersection of political life and cultural symbolism in Scotland, specifically analyzing how symbols were employed during the process of devolution.
What are the primary thematic fields discussed?
The primary themes include historical national symbols, the symbolic significance of government buildings, the ritualistic aspects of parliament openings, and the role of flags in national discourse.
What is the main objective of the research?
The goal is to understand how symbolism influenced the transition toward a devolved government and how it helped Scots define their role within the United Kingdom.
Which methodology is used to approach the topic?
The study utilizes a historical and descriptive analysis of political events, architectural planning, and public discourse to identify how specific symbols fostered a sense of national pride and political independence.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The body covers the symbolic power of the Stone of Scone, the evolution of government buildings from the Royal High School to the Holyrood site, and the controversies regarding national flag displays.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Devolution, Scottish Parliament, Identity, Symbolism, Stone of Scone, and Holyrood.
How is the Stone of Scone used as a symbol in the devolution process?
The Stone represents the historical continuity of Scottish kingship; its return from London to Scotland acted as a powerful psychological marker for the revival of Scottish national identity.
Why was the architecture of the new Parliament building considered symbolic?
The building was designed to be "sitting in the land" and to serve as a tangible symbol that political decision-making had moved from London to the Scottish capital, reflecting a new, distinct Scottish beginning.
How do the flags discussed in the paper reflect the political tension?
The discussions regarding whether the Saltire should fly alongside or in a subservient position to the Union Jack highlight the ongoing friction between Scottish regional autonomy and British sovereign power.
- Quote paper
- Sydne Pruonto (Author), 2005, Symbolism of the Scottish Devolution, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/73715
