Correspondence and papers, 1946-1990 and undated, of Peter Thomson concerning The Scottish Plebiscite Society. This society was formed by Peter Thomson (c.1914-1991) to press for a plebiscite on the question of a Scottish parliament. In 1949 it conducted its own plebiscite in Kirriemuir and in which 85% of the local electors participated. Thomson’s continuing activity for the cause resulted in his dismissal as sheriff of South Strathclyde in 1977.

Following his dismissal, Thomson devoted his time to holding a series of privately-funded plebiscites in Scottish towns such as Stirling, Hawick, St. Andrews and Banff. After the 1979 referendum he campaigned for the independent oversight of government inspired polls to avoid the danger of bias and controlled elections expenditure to ensure parties fought on equal terms.