How religion in Scotland has helped to influence nationalism
Jonathan Chaplin
51.31
12 May 2021
19 November 2025
The Scottish National Party has retained control of the Holyrood parliament — but how important has religion been in the development of Scottish nationalism? The Religion Media Centre consulted a group of academic specialists to consider this question in its weekly media online briefing. They observed that although Protestantism has been deeply woven into the British project from the beginning, in Scotland's current multifaith, multicultural and diverse society, there are links between minority religious groups and Scottish nationalists. Professor Jolyon Mitchell hosted this conversation with guests: Imam Sayed Razawi, Director General Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society; Dr Lesley Orr, Research Fellow at the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Edinburgh; Rev Dr Doug Gay, Lecturer in Practical Theology University of Glasgow; Dr Jonathan Chaplin, Associate Fellow of Theos; Prof Alec Ryrie, University of Durham Professor of the History of Christianity
