Uncharted Territory

Uncharted Territory Synopsis

Ten years ago, in May 1999, agreement was reached to create Scotland's first government in nearly 300 years. "Uncharted Territories" is a lucid and colourful account of Scottish devolution since that historic agreement, written by the man who has seen it all from the front lines. These events are of compelling interest not just to Scots, or to aficionados of Scottish politics, but to anyone interested in the 'state of the Union' and in British current affairs in general. "Uncharted Territories" covers the whole story: the conflicts at Westminster over the Scotland Bill in 1998; the historic 1999 election and the Scottish Parliament's turbulent first year; the sudden death of Donald Dewar, the first First Minister; the election of Henry McLeish as Dewar's successor and his scandalous downfall; the saga of the Scottish Parliament Building; John McConnell's term as First Minister and his attempts to impress Scotland's mark on the world; the SNP's election victory in 2007; the financial donations scandal that engulfed Wendy Alexander as Labour leader; and, much else besides. The book incorporates first-hand interviews and original research to create a clear picture of these early days of devolution - and the larger-than-life characters that have helped to shape them.