Up to Our Knees: Anti-Catholic Bigotry in Scotland

It is widely recognised that bigotry is a problem in Scotland but nobody wants to tackle the real problem. Ridiculous claims that 'both sides are as bad are each other' actually stop any positive steps being taken. The truth is that it is all one-way and hatred of Catholics is endemic in our society.This hatred of Catholics did not begin with the Reformation; Scotland was actually quite a tolerant place. It was the building of a closer relationship with England that caused anti-Catholicism to become a major issue in Scottish society.This book examines the origins of Scottish anti-Catholic bigotry, why it laid down such strong roots and how it is excused and even justified to the present day.It also looks at anti-Catholicism in the UK, Ireland and the USA, which all help to make bigotry in Scotland seem like a logical path to take. While presenting the evidence in an even-handed manner, Pat Anderson reaches some surprising, although, perhaps not surprising to some, conclusions. Certainly, his findings show that anti-Catholicism even influences the very debate on bigotry in Scotland.While not pretending to be an exhaustive study, Pat Anderson, nonetheless, provides plenty of evidence to back up his conclusions. Not everyone will agree but it would be foolish to ignore Anderson's findings.