We have brought together a range of sources of further information, from introductory articles and blogs to research reports and academic journals, which give additional context to the data on this website.

While there is a commitment to impartiality on What Scotland Thinks, you should note that most of these sources do not make this claim. We have tried to maintain a balance by presenting a wide range of opinions.

General information on Scottish independence debate

These articles are broadly factual and a useful starting place for anyone looking for a general introduction to debates on Scottish independence. Please note that while some are non-partisan others may have a particular political slant.

• Q&A on Scottish independence by the BBC
• Q&A on policy issues related to Scottish independence
• Timeline: Scottish independence referendum
• The Guardian’s ‘essential guide’ to Scottish independence
• The Herald and the Scotsman both have extensive coverage on the independence debate and Scottish politics more generally.
• Briefings and analysis from The Centre on Constitutional Change on both the Scottish independence debate and the constitutional debates in England and Wales

Political polling, commentary and other useful links

This list brings together the main blogs on Scottish independence plus other online sources of political information. Only the polling websites are impartial but the rest will be of interest to those looking for more comment and analysis.

• UK Polling Report – the most comprehensive source of UK political opinion poll data
• Political Betting – another useful website for those interested in opinion polls
• Caledonian Mercury
• Wings Over Scotland
• Brian Taylor
• Lallands Peat Worrier
• Bella Caledonia
• Go Lassie Go
• Devolution Matters
• Better Nation
• Gerry Hassan
• Thoughtland
• Alex Massie
• Alan Cochrane
• Scot Goes Pop
• Witterings of a Weegiewarbler
• Elections in Wales
• Labour Hame
• Ian Macwhirter
• Derek Bateman
• Newsnet Scotland
• Campaign for an English Parliament
• The Garden Lobby
• Scotland Votes
• Scottish Elections
• Nick Servini, BBC Wales
• Think Scotland

Scottish Social Attitudes – books and articles

Scottish Social Attitudes survey is the most comprehensive survey of Scottish public opinions and the basis for some of the data you’ll find on this site. Find out more about Scottish Social Attitudes in our selected collection of reports and suggested reading.

Academic bibliography on constitutional change in Scotland

For those who are looking for more in-depth information you can view our academic bibliography. Note that suggestions for academic reading on the Scottish Social Attitudes survey will be found in the above section.

Key Government Publications

These are the Scottish and UK government documents that have had an important role in the run-up to the referendum.

• Scotland Act 2016
• Wales Bill 2016-17, 2016
• Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016
• Scotland in the United Kingdom: An enduring settlement, Scotland Office, 2015
• The Agreement Between the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government on the Scottish Government’s fiscal framework, 2015
• English Votes for English Laws: Revised Proposed Changes to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons and Explanatory Memorandum – October 2015, Cabinet Office, 2015
• Powers for a Purpose Towards a lasting devolution settlement for Wales, Wales Office, 2015
• More Powers for the Scottish Parliament: Scottish Government Proposals, Scottish Government, 2014
• Empowerment and Responsibility: Legislative Powers to Strengthen Wales, Commission on Devolution in Wales, 2014
• Scotland Analysis: Devolution and the implications of Scottish independence, Scotland Office, 2013
• Raising the Capital, London Finance Commission, 2013
• Scotland’s Future, 2013
• Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution, Scottish Government, 2013
• Fiscal Commission Working Group – First Report – Macroeconomic Framework, Fiscal Commission Working Group, 2013
• Expert Working Group on Welfare Report, Fiscal Commission Working Group , 2013
• Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill, Scottish Government, 2013
• Scottish Independence Referendum Bill, Scottish Government, 2013
• Scotland analysis: Currency and monetary policy, HM Treasury, Scotland Office and Cabinet Office, 2013
• Scotland analysis: Financial services and banking, HM Treasury, Scotland Office and Cabinet Office, 2013
• Referendum on independence for Scotland Advice of the Electoral Commission on the proposed referendum question, The Electoral Commission, 2013
• Electoral Commission advice on spending limits for the referendum on independence for Scotland, The Electoral Commission, 2013
• Your Scotland – Your Referendum – A Consultation Document, Scottish Government, 2012
• The ‘Edinburgh Agreement’, Scottish Government, 2012
• Scotland’s Constitutional Future, 2012
• Strengthening Scotland’s Future: HM command paper, Scotland Office, 2010
• Scotland’s Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper, Scottish Government, 2009
• Serving Scotland Better: Scotland and the United Kingdom in the 21st Century, Scottish Government, 2009
• Your Scotland, Your Voice: A National Conversation, Scottish Government, 2009
• Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation: Independence and Responsibility in the Modern World, Scottish Government, 2007