# Now or Never! The First Scottish Referendum and its Legacy, 1979-2026

Now or Never! The First Scottish Referendum and its Legacy, 1979-2026 at Queen Mary University of London, Wednesday 18 November 2026, 18:30.

- Venue: Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road 327, E1 4NS London
- With: Carolyn Quinn, Annabel Goldie, Ben Jackson
- Go to page: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/events/upcoming-events/items/now-or-never-the-first-scottish-referendum-and-its-legacy-1979-2026-1.html

![Now or Never! The First Scottish Referendum and its Legacy, 1979-2026](https://noky.io/images/13579027ab2e62dec584fc6834b0ae3572a8e28ff14cd1065c31c1d5424c2195-2000.webp)

An evening event marking the publication of Tom Chidwick's book 'Now or Never! A History of the First Scottish Devolution Referendum'. It is hosted by the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London and brings together academics, politicians and journalists, chaired by broadcaster Carolyn Quinn, with speakers including Baroness Annabel Goldie and Ben Jackson. They explore Scotland's first national referendum of 1 March 1979, held nearly three centuries after the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament, on whether to establish a Scottish Assembly. The panel asks why the referendum took place, why Scotland then failed to secure its own parliament, and the lessons today for supporters of devolution, independence or a stronger Union.

## Dates

- Wednesday 18 November 18:30 — Queen Mary University of London

Written by a model, sources: [qmul.ac.uk](https://www.qmul.ac.uk/events/upcoming-events/items/now-or-never-the-first-scottish-referendum-and-its-legacy-1979-2026-1.html)

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