The Scottish Political Commentariat, the Independence Debate and Elite Narratives

Scotland’s political commentariat have in recent decades played a leading role in interpreting and representing ideas of Scotland, politically and in a wider sense. This paper draws on extensive interviews with leading figures of the commentariat, examining their views and opinions on Scottish politics. It profiles research on the Scottish media and public sphere, including the run-up to the independence referendum. It explores the dynamic between the influence of elite narratives and increasing plethora of social platforms as the mainstream media struggles to adapt to an age of multi-media platforms. It asks whether these changes will contribute to the continuation of elite narratives, and whether they will aid a more diverse range of voices, or a more tiered system of status which reinforces conformity? The paper assesses the future place of the commentariat, elite narratives and nature of the public realm, and their impact on public conversations, media and politics.