Historian: The Queen respected Scotland more than some PMs
Queen Elizabeth showed more respect for Scotland than recent prime ministers, according to historian Sir Tom Devine.
He also said that Scots would respond “emphatically and positively” to King Charles III if he displayed the same interest in the country as his mother.
Devine, who was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2015, said: “Among her many, many positive attributes was that she was clearly conscious of the fact Scotland is a historic nation, not a regional appendage of the rest of the British Isles.
“Her respect for Scotland was shown on many occasions, such as the opening of the Scottish Parliament. She was something of a contrast to the political class, including recent and present prime ministers.
“From the late 18th Century, into the 19th Century and for most of the 20th Century, one of the reasons why the Union has been so stable is because successive British governments have shown respect for Scotland and recognised that this is a partnership between two nations, albeit one is in population and economic terms much the senior partner.
“That has declined over the last 10 years or so but Queen Elizabeth never forgot that. When she visited Scotland, it was quite clear not only the affection she had for the country, but also her recognition of this distinctive national status.”
Devine, considered to be Scotland’s preeminent historian, said the Queen was arguably the most significant monarch since the Union of the Crowns in 1603 and would be “a very hard act, perhaps even an impossible act” to follow.
But he said King Charles III would also be a popular monarch in Scotland if he followed the Queen’s efforts to connect with people, adding: “He was educated in Scotland and has shown deep interest in Scottish affairs, and has probably spent more time in Scotland over the past year than even his mother.
“Scotland will respond emphatically and positively if he is seen to be doing his duty along the same lines as his mother and is seen to be making a special effort to connect to people.
“There is no way he can emulate the Queen, so the best I think we could expect of him is that he does his duties for us, for the country, as sincerely and in as committed and dutiful a way as possible.”