For most of its 46-year history, the Scottish National Party was more of a lyrical liberation front than a serious political force. Less than ten years ago it could garner only 5% of the vote in Scotland and elected only one member of Parliament. In this month's national election, the S.N.P. campaigned on a platform of self-government and won eleven parliamentary seats and 30% of the Scottish vote. The upsurge of nationalist sentiment has been prompted in part by concern over Scotland's role in controlling production of the large oil deposits off its North Sea coast. But when TIME Correspondent...
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