Scotland – 2018

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An independent Scotland has struggled in a collapsing Eurozone, itself a victim of economic recession which has gripped the world since 2008. Civil unrest has led to riots and corruption, and this crisis has been compounded by Norway’s dispute of the sovereignty of the oil rich waters of the Shetland Isles. Into this fray comes Scotland’s first king for over 300 years – King Duncan – appointed to calm the people and resolve the Norway Conflict.  But as peace is about to be restored, Macbeth – a noble yet ambitious general – believing he will make a better king of Scotland, overthrows Duncan’s regime and turns Scotland back into murderous police state.
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When I was writing this future history of Scotland, I was struck by the possibility of this happening –

we know that in times of extreme and prolonged hardship independent countries can pull up the drawbridge and mire themselves in Nationalistic fervour – often with a charismatic leader who rules with absolute power. We only need to look at the current  state of affairs in countries like Syria and North Korea, Greece and Zimbabwe; Macbeth is such a modern play in so many ways – politically, psychologically and morally – it is why it remains Shakespeare’s most popular work.
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‘Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely’ – John Dalberg-Acton, (1834 –1902)