What do two former Governors of Australia, Lord Macaulay's nephew and the owner of Scotland's finest salmon river have in common? They have all served their small nation as Scottish Secretary; some reluctantly and others with patriotic fervour. "The Scottish Secretaries" charts the trials and tribulations of the 38 men and one woman who have held the post since the position was resurrected by Salisbury in 1885. From humble beginnings as an ill-regarded offshoot of the Home Office, the department grew to become a mini-Whitehall by the 1920s. It was also an important wartime department in WWII and a testing ground for planning and social reforms during the white heat of the 1960s. But with the Scottish Parliament now established as the political centre of Scottish life, the re-christened Scotland Office is once again redundant. Drawing on first-hand accounts and contemporary correspondence, David Torrance paints a vivid biographical portrait of those figures - many now completely forgotten - who controlled Scotland's political agenda from both the Regency charm of Dover House and the Art Deco surroundings of St. Andrew's House.
David Torrance
David Torrance is a Scottish journalist, author, and political commentator known for his insightful analysis of British politics. He has written several acclaimed books on the history and politics of Scotland and the United Kingdom, including "The Battle for Britain: Scotland and the Independence Referendum" and "Ruth Davidson: An Unlikely Politician."
Torrance's writing style is characterized by its thorough research, engaging prose, and balanced perspective on complex political issues. His contributions to literature include shedding light on the intricacies of British politics and providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Scottish independence.
One of Torrance's most famous works is "The Battle for Britain," which delves into the debates surrounding the Scottish independence referendum and its implications for the future of the United Kingdom. Through his writing, Torrance has made a significant impact on the literary genre of political analysis, earning him a reputation as a respected authority on British politics.
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