Modern Scotland
The harsh 1920s witnesses an exodus of Scots to the colonies in search of a better life.
Introduction to Modern Scotland—A History of Scotland, Series 2, Project Scotland
Post-war Scotland started down the path towards devolution and self-government.
The Singer Sewing Factory Strike—Power to the People
The factory was one of the largest industrial plants in the world. Workers revolt against the intensive working practises and low pay by taking strike action. Socialist and trade union politics arrived in Clydebank. Video: Power to the People: Episode one.
Glasgow Rent Strikes—Power to the People
Scarcity of housing, high rents and the poor quality of the existing housing, led to mass rent strikes in Glasgow. Video: Power to the People.
Mass Emigration—A History of Scotland, Series 2, Project Scotland
With the economy ruined by four years of war and with high unemployment and the poorest living conditions in Britain, thousands of Scots emigrate to build a new life in the colonies. Video: A history of Scotland: Project Scotland.
Hugh MacDiarmid helps start a Scottish Renaissance—A History of Scotland, Series 2, Project Scotland
Hugh MacDiarmid publishes a new literary magazine aimed at restoring a genuine Scottish sense of identity and finds himself at the forefront of a new movement. Video: A History of Scotland: Project Scotland.
The General Strike—Power to the People
A strike over pay and conditions leads to a nationwide General Strike of all union workers. In cities such as Glasgow soldiers and tanks are dispatched after fears of a Communist revolution. Video: Power to the People: Episode one.
Reporting Scotland on the Clydebank Blitz—Reporting Scotland, 16/08/2009
On the nights of 13 and 14 March 1941 German bombers laid waste to the Clydebank area of Scotland. Hundreds were killed and thousands were left homeless.
Thirty Nine 45—Thirty Nine 45
On the 6th August 1942 the east coast of Scotland was bombed by the Luftwaffe...
World War II Ends—A History of Scotland, Series 2, Project Scotland
After six years of global conflict the war ends and with over 50,000 Scottish soldiers dead. The end of the war brings hopes and determination of building a better, fairer Britain. Video: A history of Scotland: Project Scotland.
Calls for Home Rule—A History of Scotland, Series 2, Project Scotland
Winnie Ewing wins the first ever seat for the SNP amidst a surge in interest for Scottish Home Rule.
Scottish Devolution Referendum—A History of Scotland, Series 2, Project Scotland
Despite a slender majority vote of around 51% the motion for devolution failed under the terms of the referendum.
Margaret Thatcher becomes Prime Minister—A History of Scotland, Series 2, Project Scotland
The 1979 General Election sees the election of a Prime Minister who would change the political landscape of Britain. Many Scots feel that Thatcher and the Conservatives unfairly discriminate against Scottish interests.
Miners' Strike—Thatcher and the Scots
The dispute between the miners' union and Margaret Thatcher's government divides the nation and leads to mass protests and pitched battles.
The Poll Tax is introduced in Scotland—Thatcher and the Scots
Replacing the Rates system, the Poll Tax is introduced in Scotland before the rest of the country. Deeply unpopular, it leads to the biggest protests since the Miners’ Strike. Video: Inside Scotland: Thatcher and the Scots.
Ravenscraig steelworks demolished—Thatcher and the Scots
One of the last remaining symbols of heavy industry in Scotland is torn down as the towers of the Ravenscraig steelworks are demolished. Video: Inside Scotland: Thatcher and the Scots.
