The Covenant of 1950

'How many Scottish political activists today even remember the great Covenant that, one day in Edinburgh, had seemed to portend a revolution in their nation's politics.' Andrew Marr in The Battle for Scotland, Penguin.

The Scottish Convention of 1947-1950

In proposals known as the 'Blue Print for Scotland' the Scottish National Assembly planned a single-chamber Scottish parliament which would have authority over all Scottish affairs with the exception of defence, foreign affairs, the currency and the crown.

These proposals were set out in a Covenant:

We, the people of Scotland who subscribe to this Engagement, declare our belief that reform in the constitution of our country is necessary to secure good government in accordance with our Scottish traditions and to promote the spiritual and economic welfare of our nation.

We affirm that the desire for such reform is both deep and widespread through the whole community, transcending all political differences and sectional interests, and we undertake to continue united in purpose for its achievement.

With that end in view we solemnly enter into this Covenant whereby we pledge ourselves, in all loyalty to the Crown and within the framework of the United Kingdom, to do everything in our power to secure for Scotland a Parliament with adequate legislative authority in Scottish affairs.

It was ridiculed and totally ignored by the Labour Secretary of State for Scotland, Arthur Woodburn who said 'Arising out of this feeling, I think that it is true to say that if asked, 'Do Scots prefer to make their own decisions?' the answer undoubtedly would be 'yes'. Such questions are quite unrealistic and have no reference to the practical application of such a sentiment. The answers which they automatically provoke are quite valueless.'

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose!