Getting it Together

by Dr Bob MacLean

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Introduction

"I remember meetings in various houses and rooms, the summoning of reserves that led to the setting up of the Constitutional Convention, and that feeling of despair when Labour lost the 1992 general election. I remember the Vigil and acrid smoke from whatever went into the brazier. I also recall months of concern when the Green representatives on the Convention withdrew, over the apparent weakening of the position on proportional representation. The road to victory and the Yes campaign appeared out of those mists.
We should remember all those who did the little things, and celebrate them."

Robin Harper MSP, Scottish Green Party

"The CSA/P was an amazing example of how a small band of enthusiasts with committed leaders such as Jim Boyack can keep a cause alive. It provided a forum to bring together home rulers from several parties and more who would otherwise have sulked in their separate tents after the disaster of 1978/79.
Setting up the committee which composed the Claim of Right, gave the home rule cause renewed legitimacy and appeal and attracted non party-political support. This led to the Constitutional Convention being set up on a broad and co-operative basis when the tide flowed again in favour of home rule."

Donald Gorrie MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats

"After the 1979 referendum and general election, it would have been easy to walk away from the fight for Scottish democracy. Without the energy and drive of the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly/Parliament, I doubt that the exhilarating victory of September 1997 would never have been achieved.
On a personal level, without the enthusiasm and commitment of the late Jim Boyack, and his belief in the critical role of the Scottish Labour Party in achieving a Scottish Parliament, I would not have had the opportunity to serve in our national legislature. It is to people like Jim that the Parliament owes its existence, an ordinary Scot with extraordinary ambitions for his country."

Frank McAveety MSP, Scottish Labour Party

"The CSA was a bit of a puzzle for me at first. My own party was not formally affiliated to the Campaign, yet Labour Party members like Jim Boyack and Bob McLean were key players in the CSA. It was also odd to sit around the table with Liberal Democrats, Nationalists and others, but I soon learned that it is important to work with other parties when the occasion demands it.
When the Scottish Parliament convened in May 1999, and when the new building opened in October, my thoughts dwelt on those who carried the CSA/P through difficult times, for example Jim Ross, Alan Lawson and Brian Duncan. As a Labour MSP, I am proud that a Labour government introduced the Scottish home rule settlement. It is also important, however, that the contributions of campaigners, of all parties and none, are recorded."

Pauline McNeill MSP, Scottish Labour Party

"When Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979, one of the first things she did was to repeal the Scotland Act, despite the fact that the majority of Scots had supported home rule in the referendum held earlier that year. During those days the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly was founded. The Campaign had a vital role to play in building the cross party co-operation, which led to the formation of the Scottish Constitutional Convention. The rebirth of our parliament after nearly 300 years is due in no small way to those pioneers who raised the standard and kept it flying throughout all those years of struggle."

Dennis Canavan MSP, Independent

"While the glory days of the Campaign for a Scottish Parliament might seem to be around the achievement of devolution in the late 1990s, the real heroes were the campaigners of the 1980s.
After the demoralisation of 1979, the then Campaign for a Scottish Assembly was a brave attempt to keep the flame burning and recover unity in the home rule ranks. The small but determined group who kept the potential of devolution on the political agenda laid the ground for the historic events of 1999.
The establishment of a committee under Sir Robert Grieve, the persuasion of pro-devolution forces to join a Constitutional Convention and the success of that Convention were real landmarks. Jim Boyack and the others – from all parties – who put in so much effort and commitment should never be forgotten. That is why I welcome this publication which will ensure that the CSP will live on in Scotland’s political history."

Rt Hon Jack McConnell MSP, First Minister of Scotland

Contents

  • CHAPTER1: CONVENTIONS ALL ROUND
    The modern Campaign for a Scottish Assembly/Parliament in the context of earlier Scottish home rule pressure Groups
  • CHAPTER 2: NURTURING THE FLAME
    The establishment of the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly
  • CHAPTER 3: PREPARING FOR DOOMSDAY
    1984 to June 1987
  • CHAPTER 4: A CLAIM OF RIGHT
    From the General Election of June 1987 to the first meeting of the Scottish Constitutional Convention in March 1989
  • CHAPTER 5: TOWARDS SCOTLAND’S PARLIAMENT
    April 1989-June 1992
  • CHAPTER 6: SCOTLAND’S PARLIAMENT, SCOTLAND’S RIGHT
    From April 1992 to November 1995
  • CHAPTER 7: SCOTLAND FORWARD
    From 1996 to 1999
  • CONCLUSION: THE LEGACY OF THE CSA/CSP
  • Chronology, Bibliography and Index