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This article explores the experiences of the largest minority group in Scotland: the English-born. To date the English in Scotland are a relatively under researched group. Our research indicates that a key experience for many English people in Scotland is that of a constant reminder of difference. This can make questions of ‘belonging’ problematic. Constructions of ‘Englishness’, via often routine and mundane interactions with Scottish people, were often foisted upon those perceived to be English. This has implications for how we understand ‘Englishness’ and ‘Scottishness’ and the development of national identities more generally; particularly for minority groups. The article also argues that for many Scots ‘the English’ continue to be the key ‘other’ that helps to define what it is to be ‘Scottish’.

The paper traces the development of home improvement policy in Scotland, illustrating how the traditional tenemental housing form for a long time hindered, then eventually distinctively shaped, this policy. Tenement housing was a constraint on the promotion of home improvement policy due to a variety of technical and administrative factors. It was, however, the political prejudice against landlords and the social attitudes about tenement housing that proved to be the most difficult to overcome. Reference is also made to the policy-making process within a Scottish context through the examination of a number of influential policy reports, advocating the adoption of home improvement, and how they eventually worked themselves into legislation. The central significance of Glasgow in framing this policy approach is clearly illustrated.

The mechanism of the Cathode Ray Oscillograph is described and illustrated. The character of the cathode ray image (“spot”), produced when the ray impinges on the fluorescent screen, is briefly considered. Simple associated circuits are explained (including a “Time base” circuit). The advantages and disadvantages of the Cathode ray tube as a bio-electrical recording device are briefly examined.Some of the problems associated with the design of a suitable amplifier are dealt with, in conjunction with the amount of amplification to be performed and the time relations of the electrical transient to be examined, taking the electrocardiogram as an illustration. A very short account of the theory of amplifier distortions is given, and a practical method of examining these by means of an “artificial patient” is described and demonstrated.

The advantages of the cathode ray tube as an electrical recording instrument are unique. It has no inherent inertia, so that there is no distortion from this source as there is in every known electro-mechanical recorder. The workings of the cathode ray oscillograph are explained and discussed. Immediate visual observation of the electrocardiogram is obtained by the use of a new fluorescent screen, which is described, and the mechanism of a suitable “time base” circuit for this purpose is explained. Some of the problems associated with the design of an amplifier, distortionless as far as electrocardiography is concerned, are dealt with, including the use of long “time constants” and the employment of a suitable filter circuit. The design of a suitable camera unit (for photographic recording) is discussed. A method of neutralizing interference picked up from alternating current electric light mains is explained and illustrated. The apparatus consists of four easily portable, and mechanically robust, units. The Recorder Unit, the Amplifier Unit, the H.T. (high tension) Supply Unit, and the Camera Unit.