Introduction: A Brief History of an Ancient Institution - The Scottish Parliament

Abstract

The new Scottish Parliament, which came into being in 1999, was a culmination of a long tradition in parliamentary government. The legislative concerns and even the procedures show continuities between the old and the new parliaments and in sometimes surprising ways. This article reflects on the procedures, policies, politics and public engagement with the old parliament of estates and looks forward to draw parallels with the new assembly of democratically elected MSPs. The history of the old pre-1707 parliament is seen to be both a shining light and a salutary warning to the Scottish people and their representatives