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Devolution to Scotland

We scrutinise devolution to Scotland and consider the implications of possible future constitutional change – including Scottish independence.

Scotland voted in 2014 to stay in the United Kingdom, but this referendum did not settle the Scottish constitutional debate. The Scottish National Party remains firmly committed to independence. Among unionists, there is debate over whether the Scottish parliament should take on further powers or just concentrate on improving the public services it already controls.

We aim to illuminate the polarised debate over Scotland’s future. We highlight the trade-offs facing Scotland, for instance in choosing between membership of the UK and EU. We analyse the legal and practical obstacles that would have to be overcome on the path to independence. And we consider how Scottish devolution works now – and how it could become more effective.

09 APR 2021 Explainer

Scottish parliament

The Scottish parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh is the devolved legislature of Scotland.

20 DEC 2022 Explainer

Scottish government 2023/24 budget

The Scottish government’s annual budget allocates devolved spending in Scotland for the next financial year and sets some tax rates.

09 MAY 2024 Explainer

SNP leadership: How was John Swinney selected as first minister of Scotland?

How did the SNP elect its leader?

03 APR 2018 Explainer

Tax and devolution

Why are taxes being devolved?

Scottish independence

When and how could a second referendum on Scottish independence take place?

Read our explainer

Scottish flag

29 MAR 2021 Report

Scottish independence: EU membership and the Anglo–Scottish border

What EU membership would mean for Scotland and its relationship with the rest of the UK.

16 SEP 2021 Report

How would an independent Scotland borrow?

The steps an independent Scotland could take to reassure investors and limit increases in debt interest costs.

16 SEP 2021 Report

Currency options for an independent Scotland

Any currency choice for a newly independent Scotland would require its government to bring borrowing down to a sustainable level.

27 APR 2021 Report

The fiscal position of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Breaking away from the UK would leave Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland facing sizeable fiscal deficits.

24 OCT 2023 Hybrid event

24 October 2023

In conversation with Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party

Anas Sarwar was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government, to discuss Scotland's constitutional future.

16 OCT 2023 In-person event

16 October 2023

What would the constitution of an independent Scotland look like?

The IfG was at the SNP Conference to discuss some of the fundamental questions about the operation of an independent Scotland's political system.

25 APR 2023 Hybrid event

25 April 2023

Keynote speech: Stephen Flynn MP, SNP Westminster Leader

The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s leader in Westminster, to give a keynote speech.

06 SEP 2018 Interview

Lord McConnell

Lord McConnell reflects on managing the first budget of the Scottish Government, becoming First Minister and promoting an outward-looking Scotland.

05 OCT 2021 Interview

Jeane Freeman

Jeane Freeman was interviewed on 5 October 2021 for the Institute for Government’s Ministers Reflect project.

17 OCT 2018 Interview

Shona Robison

Shona Robison reflects on transforming the health and care system, getting government out of its silos and delivering the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

26 JAN 2022 Interview

Michael Russell

Michael Russell reflects on his role as Scottish cabinet secretary for education, and as the minister responsible for UK-EU relations during Brexit.