In recent years there have been many contentious debates in Scottish literary studies surrounding the nature and direction of the field. The aim of the International Journal of Scottish Literature is to provide an academic platform for the critical discussion and re-evaluation of the discipline. How have recent theoretical developments altered our conceptions of the nation, or of national literature? How has Scottish literature been perceived at an international level, and how do Scottish writers and critics engage with non-Scottish literary contexts? What can the discipline gain from establishing more comparative links? This journal exists in order to question these often-provocative critical matters. As an online journal, IJSL is a venue as well as a stimulus of such discussion.
Scottish literature is a crucible for debates about national identity, progress, ambiguities, styles of life. The increasing study of it is producing a wave of younger Scottish intellectuals, who often become active in other areas like print news and broadcasting. The IJSL is an excellent showcase for this new wave.