In one of the most controversial lectures of recent times, Scotland's foremost composer, James MacMillan, accused his country of being a land of `sleep-walking bigotry' where visceral anti-Catholicism' disfigures national life. Pandora's Box, it turned out, had been opened in truly spectacular fashion. By his remarks, the media became obsessed with the issue and for weeks Scotland's broadsheets were crammed with columns and letters exploring all aspects of the topic. Clearly MacMillan had touched a nerve. Was Scotland really `Northern Ireland without the guns and bullets'? Although the debate was intense, however, few contributions rose above the level of swapping competing anecdotes. More heat then light was generated in the process. It soon became clear there was a crying need for more reflective assessments and for hard evidence to confirm or deny the many assertions made in the course of the discussion. Scotland's Shame is the first book since the MacMillan lecture to tackle the issues he raised head on. A team consisting of the best writers, researchers and academics in the field has produced a readable volume which is accessible in approach to everyone interested in the subject. Their conclusions will often surprise and intrigue.