Impact of parliament cannot be denied

Historians will no doubt view 1997 as a pivotal year for the UK.

After 18 years of Conservative rule, Tony Blair’s New Labour revolution swept to power amidst a flush of optimism.

One of Labour’s first acts was a referendum on whether Scotland should have a devolved parliament within the United Kingdom. On September 11, voters went to the polls and overwhelmingly backed the move.

In South Lanarkshire, more than three-quarters of voters said they wanted to see a Scottish Parliament. Two years later they got their wish.

With this week marking 20 years since that monumental vote, it is only natural to look back on what has happened since.

Scotland has certainly changed in that time, but it may depend greatly on what side of the political divide you fall on whether you think it has been for the better or the worse.

The parliament has been a trailblazer in some instances especially the smoking ban which is still seen perhaps as its flagship legislation, but question marks remain over the scrutiny of the government using the committee system.

To mark the 20th anniversary, we spoke to some of the main players who campaigned in Rutherglen and Cambuslang in 1997 to find out if their hopes or fears had been realised. You can find out what they had to say on page 32.

Our primary one pictures continue this week. Pupils at Loch, St Bride’s, St Columbkille’s and West Coats are featured in our special pullout in the middle of the paper.

Do not worry if your child has not been featured yet. All the local schools will be in the paper and we will post details of when they will appear on Facebook.