The Origins of the new statistical account of Scotland

Abstract

This article examines the background and beginnings of the New Statistical Account of Scotland (NSA) of 1834-45.1 It developed out of a lengthy involvement with the Statistical Accounts of Scotland online service and a growing frustration at the extent to which the NSA has been overshadowed by its famous forebear, the First or Old Statistical Account (OSA) of 1791-9.2 While these publications were separate ventures, this article suggests that they were also interlinked. In particular, it argues that Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster, the father of the statistical accounts, was effectively excluded from participation in the NSA by the society for the benefit of the children of the Kirk against a background of deteriorating relations following the failure of the OSA. It goes on to explain the development of the NSA in terms of the Society's growing experience in the Edinburgh publishing world and its need for additional income, including for its recently-founded daughters fund. In the process it looks at the roles played by the originators of the NSA and at its comparative nature. A final section examines the possible motives of William Blackwood & Co for publishing the NSA but argues that the authority of the general assembly was equally important for enabling completion of the project.