A major history of the Scottish people in the twentieth century - from the First World War, which radically altered the political, social and economic landscape of the country, to the creation of the Scottish parliament in 2000. Richard Finlay's comprehensive narrative and analysis consider the major themes of the century - whether working-class militancy or the (decline and) rise of Scottish nationalism, poverty or social reconstruction, the 'new Scots' from Asia or land problems in the Highlands, the Scottish cultural renaissance or popular culture. But it also in telling detail shows how these themes were played out in particular communities and affected the lives of individuals. From the women who worked in munitions factories to the children in the school playground, from the Tory faithful of Dumfries to the union men of Linwood, from the cinema-goers of 1930s Aberdeen to crofters of Knoydart who recently succeeded in buying their land, Richard Finlay gives a vivid picture of contemporary Scotland, and the people who have shaped it.