2 February 2001

Unique perspective on devolution

Media / photo opportunity Monday 5 February 12.45pm, Institute of Lifelong Learning, 1st floor Tower Building, University of Dundee.

The "New Scotland: New Politics" lecture series at the University of Dundee concludes this week with the launch of a new book addressing the challenge of devolution and the final lecture is the series. Delivered by a man who has experienced a stunning meteoric rise in the political world to hold the post of Deputy First Minister, Minister for Justice and leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, the broker of coalition government Jim Wallace will give his perspective on the new Scottish settlement on Monday 5 February at 1pm in the Institute of Lifelong Learning.

"Scotland: the challenge of devolution", edited by Alex Wright of the University of Dundee addresses the future possiblities and potential problems of the devolution settlement. What does devolution mean for Scotland's international relations? What place will we take in Europe? Does Scotland now have a model democracy? The new book published by Ashgate picks up and drives forward many of the themes that have been discussed by politicians during the "New Scotland: New Politics" lecture series.

Jim Wallace has been leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats since 1992. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland in 1983. When Orkney and Shetland were separated into two constituencies for the Scottish Parliament elections Mr Wallace stood for the Orkney seat, was elected to the Scottish Parliament and appointed Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in May 1999.

The "New Scotland: New Politics" series, organised by the University's department of politics signals the launch of the department's new honours course on Scottish politics. Dr. Norrie MacQueen, head of the politics department said: "The "New Scotland: New Politics" series has been a great success with students and members of the public. I encourage anyone who is interested to come along to the last debate in the series and hear what promises to be a very unique insight into the future of devolution and Scottish government."

The lecture and launch, including question time will take place at 1pm in the conference suite of the Institute for Education and Lifelong Learning, first floor, Tower Building.

Contact Dr Alex Wright 01382 344594