Postwar Scotland

After World War II, Scotland's economic situation deteriorated due to overseas competition, inefficient industry, and industrial disputes. This began to change in the 1970s, driven by the discovery and development of North Sea oil and gas and a shift towards a service-based economy. The discovery of major oilfields, such as the Forties oilfield in 1970 and the Brent oilfield in 1971, established Scotland as a significant oil-producing nation. Oil production began in the mid-1970s, contributing to economic revitalization. The rapid deindustrialization in the 1970s and 1980s saw traditional industries shrink or close, replaced by a service-oriented economy, including financial services and electronics manufacturing in Silicon Glen.

This period also saw the rise of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and movements advocating for Scottish independence and devolution. Although a 1979 referendum on devolution failed to meet the required threshold, a 1997 referendum succeeded, leading to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. This parliament marked a significant shift in Scotland's political landscape, providing greater autonomy. In 2014, a referendum on Scottish independence resulted in a 55% to 45% vote to remain in the United Kingdom. The SNP's influence grew, particularly evident in the 2015 Westminster election, where it won 56 out of 59 Scottish seats, becoming the third-largest party in Westminster.

The Labour Party dominated Scottish seats in the Westminster parliament for much of the 20th century, although it lost ground briefly to the Unionists in the 1950s. Scottish support was crucial for Labour's electoral success. Politicians with Scottish connections, including Prime Ministers Harold Macmillan and Alec Douglas-Home, played prominent roles in UK political life. The SNP gained prominence in the 1970s but experienced a decline in the 1980s. The introduction of the Community Charge (Poll Tax) by the Thatcher-led Conservative government further fueled demands for Scottish control over domestic affairs, leading to constitutional changes under the New Labour government.

The devolution referendum in 1997 led to the formation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, with a coalition government between Labour and the Liberal Democrats, and Donald Dewar as the first minister. The new Scottish Parliament Building opened in 2004. The SNP became the official opposition in 1999, formed a minority government in 2007, and won a majority in 2011. The 2014 independence referendum resulted in a vote against independence.

Post-war Scotland experienced a decline in church attendance and an increase in church closures. New Christian denominations emerged, but overall, religious adherence waned. The 2011 census showed a decline in the Christian population and a rise in those with no religious affiliation. The Church of Scotland remained the largest religious group, followed by the Roman Catholic Church. Other religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, established presences mainly through immigration.