A topical, comparative study of the economic, social and political development of Norway and Scotland since 1800Northern Neighbours explores the reasons for, and outcomes of, the social, political and economic divergence between Scotland and Norway over a period encompassing 500 years, in an engaging and comprehensive way. This accessible comparative study takes a closer look at the links between suffrage, property ownership and the process of democratisation and distribution of political power, land use and reform, the relative movement of populations, the process of industrialization, and rights of access. It offers a thorough analysis of the history of religion, education and finance in both countries, and explores the exploitation of their rich natural resources, and the resulting contrast in their fortunes. The authors also pose timely questions about the future of both countries; whether the economic and social disparities between the two can be addressed, and if the Nordic model could provide a basis for a realistic and effective development strategy for Scotland, were it to become an independent nation.ContributorsArne Bugge Amundsen, University of OsloEberhard Paddy Bort, University of EdinburghNik. Brandal, University of Oslo ivind Bratberg, University of OsloOttar Brox, Norwegian Institute for Regional ResearchJohn Bryden, Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute in Oslo and Emeritus at the University of AberdeenBronwen Cohen, University of EdinburghKeith Hart, London School of EconomicsAgnar Hegrenes, Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research InstituteMary Hilson, University College LondonAndrew G. Newby, University of HelsinkiErik Opsahl, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), TrondheimTore T. Petersen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), TrondheimKaren Refsgaard, University of Copenhagen and the University of Life Sciences at As, NorwayLesley Riddoch, journalist, author and broadcasterWenche R nning, University of NordlandMichael Rosie, University of Edinburgh

A topical, comparative study of the economic, social and political development of Norway and Scotland since 1800Northern Neighbours explores the reasons for, and outcomes of, the social, political and economic divergence between Scotland and Norway over a period encompassing 500 years, in an engaging and comprehensive way. This accessible comparative study takes a closer look at the links between suffrage, property ownership and the process of democratisation and distribution of political power, land use and reform, the relative movement of populations, the process of industrialization, and rights of access. It offers a thorough analysis of the history of religion, education and finance in both countries, and explores the exploitation of their rich natural resources, and the resulting contrast in their fortunes. The authors also pose timely questions about the future of both countries; whether the economic and social disparities between the two can be addressed, and if the Nordic model could provide a basis for a realistic and effective development strategy for Scotland, were it to become an independent nation.ContributorsArne Bugge Amundsen, University of OsloEberhard Paddy Bort, University of EdinburghNik. Brandal, University of Oslo ivind Bratberg, University of OsloOttar Brox, Norwegian Institute for Regional ResearchJohn Bryden, Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute in Oslo and Emeritus at the University of AberdeenBronwen Cohen, University of EdinburghKeith Hart, London School of EconomicsAgnar Hegrenes, Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research InstituteMary Hilson, University College LondonAndrew G. Newby, University of HelsinkiErik Opsahl, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), TrondheimTore T. Petersen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), TrondheimKaren Refsgaard, University of Copenhagen and the University of Life Sciences at As, NorwayLesley Riddoch, journalist, author and broadcasterWenche R nning, University of NordlandMichael Rosie, University of Edinburgh