1978 - 1997

1978
The Cunningham Amendment, stipulating that the Devolution Bill needs the approval of more than 40 percent of the total electorate, practically ensures its defeat.

Death of Hugh McDiarmid, literary giant and leader of the Scottish renaissance.

1980
Death of Edward Thomas Copson. His contributions to analysis and partial differential equations, especially as they apply to mathematical physics, have had considerable practical applications worldwide.

1981
The founding of the Social Democratic Party owes much to Liberal leader Joseph Grimmond, who was particularly active in favoring British entry into the European Economic Community in 1955.

1984
Death of George Campbell Hay (Georsa Maclain Deorsa), whose translations into and original writings in Gaelic did much to encourage the revival of the ancient Scottish language.

1990
The majestic QE2 returns to the River Clyde to mark the l50th anniversary of the beginning of the Cunard Steam Ship Company though shipbuilding, until recently, has been a major industry on the river since 1760.

1994
Death of Sir Matthew ("Matt") Busby, one of the great names in British soccer who guided the great teams of Manchester United to world prominence in the 1950's and 60's.

The Scottish Episcopal Church allows the ordination of female priests.

1997
Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar presents the Bill to implement Scotland's first parliament in 300 years. On September 11, a referendum is overwhelmingly approved by the people of Scotland to be governed by its own parliament, to have their dignity and pride restored by being allowed to make their own decisions in purely Scottish affairs.