Read recent reviews of the book. This page is regularly updated.
To read press coverage of Scotland 2070, click here.
Twitter, May 3rd 2021
Iain Kennedy, LinkedIn, April 2021:
“This is a thought provoking book which is a must read for anyone who is interested in the future economic, social and technological future of Scotland.”
Jacqueline Conway, Waldencroft, Edinburgh, company blog:
“This is a highly readable and engaging book that uses strategic foresight to set out six areas where Scotland could excel by 2070. Fresh, bold and imaginative, it’s our favourite book of 2021 so far!“
The Source Scotland daily email, 22 March 2021:
“I have spoken about the absence of positive visions of independence. However, one of our readers has put the SNP leadership and Charlotte Street Partners to shame with his publication of Scotland 2070. It’s highly recommended for anyone interested in the economics of independence.”
James – journalist, Glasow:
“It’s definitely given me a great deal to think about and it deserves a lot of attention. I agree certainly with your six areas for economic development. Also it’s admirably accessible and jargon free, especially for an economics piece. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far, and it’s filling in lots of gaps in my own thinking.”
Ben – Edinburgh:
“I thought it was really fascinating and really liked the pieces on the future of the food industry. I am currently the chair of …. so it is really interesting to get a vision on this.”
“Didn’t necessarily agree on the likelihood of all the topics but as a book to stretch ones mind it was excellent.”
Laurence Cox in ‘Liberal Democrat Voice’:
“Visions of a possible future for a country usually come from politicians or, more often these days, from think-tanks. This book is a notable exception, its authors coming from backgrounds in the oil and gas industry, the defence sector, and nursing respectively. The authors deliberately set out to make their vision non-political…. their vision instead is for a Scotland with a renewal of the spirit that characterised the Scottish Enlightenment.“ ...read more…
Gerry Hassan – journalist, commentator and author:
“There is lots to commend in this book which is buzzing with ideas and intelligence about a post-oil economy, the challenge of climate change, and our future as a northern nation. A welcome contribution to the sort of futures literacy we need more of.” – in ‘My Favourite Books of 2020‘, 19 Dec 2020
Gerry also featured Scotland 2070 and its authors in an article about Scottish Futures – ‘Charting a new Course: What comes next for Scotland and the World?’ – in “The National” on the 5th January 2020. He has kindly put an unrestricted version of the article on his blog, titled: ‘making our own collective future in Scotland‘.
Norman – community housing activist, Glasgow:
“I am writing to you because your book has played a large part in inspiring my community to attempt an unusual but extremely visionary, realistic and achievable plan for a local community owned housing project using many of the technologies outlined in the book. This could be a showcase for all future building developments in Scotland.”
Christopher – inventor and teacher, NW Highlands:
“I am very much enjoying reading my copy. It’s amazingly topical, with Covid and Brexit! Getting out such a book in the time is impressive.”
Cathryn – Edinburgh:
“Great webinar Hillary! We desperately need some light and hope in the current climate. Looking forward to learning more about your ideas!”
Jim Mather – former Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism:
“A very impressive and comprehensive book that will inform, enlighten and hearten anyone who cares about Scotland and its future.”
Hew Balfour:
“This is an impressive and scholarly book. It sets a demanding vision for both the people of Scotland and their chosen leaders. The vicissitudes of climate change will pose a plethora of risks to the well- being of Scots and the nation’s economy but could also advance some very significant opportunities to enhance and improve its health and prosperity.
In rising to these challenges, the inhabitants of Scotland will need to put the narrowness of traditional 20th and 21st century Scottish politics behind them and embrace the “can-do” attitudes that so characterised Scotland at the time of the Scottish Enlightenment and in the succeeding century, when Scotland became a “thought leader” in Europe and a world leader in shipbuilding and industrial production. This book does well to avoid much of the politics and class warfare of the last 100 years, with a firm focus on the possible levers of opportunity.
Scottish scientists, engineers, administrators, academics and entrepreneurs have set the pace in the past. In rising to these challenges and in exploring and developing some of the concepts and ideas contained in this book, over the next 50 years, there is an opportunity for all Scots to work together to enrich the nation, economically, physically, morally and spiritually, following the path so determinedly blazed in the period 1750-1900, by their forefathers.”
Mandy Meikle:
“This is a tour de force through some of Scotland’s most controversial environmental issues – well done!”
Sheena McDonald – journalist and broadcaster:
“The book is both startling and inspirational. Your dispassionate assessment of the nation’s challenges and potential reactions is impressively researched and evidence-driven, and at the same time imaginatively and optimistically addressed. I am cheered by the tone of the book, particularly with regard to the conventionally knottier of the Gordian knots in the offing (shocking mixed metaphor – sorry!)
Perhaps what’s most attractive is that the book offers a blueprint or road-map for the younger generations tasked with working with the manifold disadvantages that they will inherit. What you have written is far grittier and more useful than a blue-skies tour d’horizon. It does not suggest easy answers or silver bullets – but it does give material support to people willing to try to make the best and more of what we own and guard.”