Scots See Scotland as a Victim Rather Than a Partner in the British Empire
A recent poll conducted by YouGov has shed light on Scottish attitudes towards the British Empire, revealing that many Scots perceive Scotland as a victim rather than a participant in the empire. The British Empire, once the largest global power in the 19th and 20th centuries, derived much of its wealth from colonialism and slavery, with Scottish individuals contributing to and benefiting from the empire’s expansion.
YouGov’s poll results, published on Wednesday, indicate that 40% of Scots view Scotland as “more of a subject country in the British Empire,” while only 29% consider Scotland to have been “more of a partner with England in the British Empire.” The findings also show that a majority of 2024 SNP voters (60%) and those who supported independence in the 2014 referendum (55%) believe Scotland was a subject of the British Empire.
Interestingly, among respondents who claim to have knowledge about Scotland’s role in the British Empire, 50% perceive the country as a partner rather than a subordinate. Conversely, those with limited knowledge on the subject are more likely to believe Scotland was a victim rather than a participant in the empire.
Despite the negative attitudes towards the British Empire among Scots, 35% believe that Scotland benefited more than it suffered from its association with the empire. Comparatively, Scots exhibit a higher level of negativity towards the empire than the wider populace, with 30% describing it as shameful and 22% as a source of pride.
Furthermore, the poll revealed that 18% of Scots express a desire for Scotland to have had its own empire, with higher percentages among SNP voters and independence supporters. However, the majority (55%) believe a Scottish Empire would have behaved similarly to other empires, while only 13% think it would have been different.
In conclusion, the poll highlights the nuanced perspectives of Scots on their country’s historical relationship with the British Empire, showcasing a mix of victimhood, partnership, and varying levels of knowledge and opinions on the subject.