The State Scots Are In

How did Scotland get in the state with spending cuts looming and everyone seemingly talking about debt. Scots look to the state for cradle-to-grave provision. A sense of common purpose and solidarity, sometimes in contrast with England, means the role of the state has become tied up with national identity. Douglas Fraser asks what comes next and considers whether Scots will grow the businesses to replace the state and whether voluntary organisation will play a bigger role. In the week before George Osborne delivers his Comprehensive Spending Review, and the month before John Swinney sets out sharp cuts to Holyrood's budgets, the programme considers what kind of country the cuts will leave behind.