The issue of local governance is high on the institutional agenda of many local and regional authorities throughout the OECD countries. This book explores the relationship between two key issues of urban governance - leadership and community involvement - and how making these two elements more complementary can lead to more effective as well as legitimate policy outcomes.
The authors examine the dilemmas involved in ensuring effective governance, focusing on issues such as legitimacy, citizen participation, economic performance and social inclusion.

The issue of local governance is currently high on the institutional agenda of many local and regional authorities throughout the OECD countries. This book explores the relationship between two key issues for urban governance - leadership and community involvement - and how making these two elements more complementary one to the other can lead to more effective as well as legitimate policy outcomes. The authors examine the dilemmas involved in ensuring effective governance, focusing on issues such as legitimacy, citizen participation, economic performance and social inclusion.
*Part I identifies the key themes and provides the framework of the main arguments in the book, offering an overall conceptual model.
*Part II develops this model providing a detailed discussion of key elements such as multi-level and multi-actor governance, leadership, community involvement and performance indicators etc.
*Part III explores the policy and practice implications.
This book will be ofinterest to academics and practitioners concerned with questions of local governance and local democracy, in the fields of political science and urban studies and regional planning.

Written by outspoken, authoritative experts, Frommer's Spain shows travelers how to experience the country the way the locals do. That means eating in the places tourists don't know about, visiting top attractions at times when the crowds are at their thinnest, and patronizing the bars and clubs Spaniards hold dear. Whether you're partying the night away in the Balearic Islands, exploring architecture and history in Barcelona or Bilbao, or running with the bulls in Pamplona, this book will make your vacation better. We also include advice the tourist board wouldn't approve of: which sites to skip, how to avoid the crowds, and how to stretch your travel budget further, whether you're on a lavish honeymoon or backpacking it. Inside the guide: Full-color photos and helpful maps, including a detachable foldout map Detailed itineraries for planning your trip to suit your schedule and interests (and help you avoid lines and crowds) Candid reviews of the best restaurants, historic sights, museums, tours, shops, and experiences―and no-punches-pulled info on the ones not worth your time and money Accurate, up-to-date info on transportation, useful websites, telephone numbers, and more Compelling cultural information so that you'll better understand the history, cuisine, and traditions of Spain Budget-planning help with the lowdown on prices and ways to save money, whether you're traveling on a shoestring or in the lap of luxury About Frommer's: There's a reason Frommer's has been the most trusted name in travel for more than 60 years. Arthur Frommer created the best-selling guide series in 1957 to help American servicemen fulfill their dreams of travel in Europe, and since then, we have published thousands of titles, become a household name, and helped millions upon millions of people realize their own dreams of seeing our planet. Travel is easy with Frommer's.

This new 7th edition of Bradt's Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) has been fully revised and updated and remains the most comprehensive English-language guidebook available to the islands of this alluring Atlantic archipelago, described by some as 'Africa light'. The guide includes well-researched history and cultural sections, with a particularly strong section on music, and brings an honest approach to reporting the fragile balance between tourist development and protecting the environment. This new edition reflects the many changes since the previous one, including the introduction of charter flights from the UK to Sal and the first casino-hotel on Sal, as well as providing full information on how to make the most of the less developed islands away from the main tourist hotspots. Stable and peaceful, quietly isolated by its mid-Atlantic location, Cape Verde continues to grow economically and to develop its tourist infrastructure at a leisurely pace. With few natural resources, the islands are heavily dependent on imports, foreign remittances and still to some extent on foreign aid. The reduction in the latter has heightened the focus on the importance of tourism as an economic driver and visitor numbers continue to rise. Year-round sunshine makes Cape Verde a particularly appealing destination. The archipelago is diverse, particularly in terms of its tourist infrastructure. Sal and Boavista, the oldest of these volcanic islands are flat with white-sand beaches that rival anything in the world. Consequently, they attract 95% of Cape Verde's visitors, leaving the other seven inhabited islands undeveloped. Hikers and those curious to discover something authentic are drawn to them, spending their time walking amongst the jaw-dropping mountainous landscapes of Fogo or Santo Antao, taking some true time-out in tiny Brava or mellow Maio or enjoying the cultural fusion of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences in the cities of Praia and Mindelo. The adventurous will find adrenalin rushing as they profit from windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities, fuelled by strong breezes and Atlantic waves, while for culture, Mindelo is the attraction with a constant backdrop of seductive music, the thread which ties together the islands scattered across the mid-Atlantic.

In 1522 Ignatius of Loyola made a pilgrimage from his home in Spain's Basque Country to Montserrat and Manresa. This new guide from Bradt provides all the information needed to follow in his footsteps in a neat, easy-to-carry portable format, including an essential mix of practicalities, such as when to go, where to stay along the route, national parks and public transport, and a detailed breakdown of the route's 27 stages. Start and finish points, level of difficulty, duration, distance, ascent and descent, and route descriptions are all included, as well as elevation charts, maps and what to see along the way. This is a unique secular walking guide to a religious-themed walk which takes intrepid hikers from the imposing tower-house and sanctuary of Loyola in the Basque Country, up through the stunning Basque mountains and down to the beautiful town of Laguardia with its myriad wine caves. Through the vineyards of Alava and world-famous La Rioja, the trail visits lively Logrono and follows the River Ebro eastwards, through the lesser-visited cities of Zaragoza and Lleida. Navarre and Aragon autonomous communities are covered, then on to powerful, independent-minded Catalonia, allowing walkers to connect with a region of Spain less-visited than the sparkling costas or the huge conurbations of Madrid or Barcelona. For its grandstand finish, the route returns to Montserrat and then Manresa, where Ignatius lived for months in the spartan surroundings of a cave to write his seminal work, the Spiritual Exercises. Having had their pilgrim passports stamped along the way, walkers are rewarded with a certificate to demonstrate their resilience in completing the route.

Bradt's Azores is the only comprehensive guidebook to the nine-island archipelago, a nature-lovers' wilderness perched at the western extremity of Europe in the mid-Atlantic, and one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Thanks to the experience of expert botanist and author David Sayers, and the ongoing involvement of author Murray Stewart, the book retains a depth of knowledge about flora and fauna and continues to provide the strong geological and botanical information that is so integral to getting to know the islands. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and also has an expanded focus taking in the land- and sea-based activities which have become a significant part of Azores attractions in the past few years. In Bradt's Azores, full background and practical information is complemented by a region-by-region breakdown and nine chapters - one per island - to provide all the details needed for a successful visit. There are also 29 maps and separate sections on language and the islands' flora. This new edition includes details of Ponta Delgada's new 5-star hotels and Santa Maria's new round-island walk, plus a full update on the accommodation upgrades that have taken place in recent times. Information about new waymarked walks is also covered, plus new bike-hire and whale-watching companies. The Azores attract geologists, bird-watchers, whale-watchers and anyone who loves nature in all its forms. Mountaineers can head to Pico island to climb Portugal's highest peak. The Azores' volcanic origins make for a rugged, diverse landscape, a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking or canyoning. A geological curiosity, a nature-lover's paradise and - more recently - a mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become increasingly accessible in recent years. Despite the increase in visitor numbers, though, they retain an authenticity, a genuineness which in most places remains true to its roots. Safe and welcoming, the islands are drawing in a whole new group of visitors, mainly from Europe and the USA, attracted by the diversity of outdoor activities, easier accessibility and improvements to the visitor infrastructure.

Scotland's future in the Union is in question. Since Devolution in 1997, there has been a sea-change in Scotland's sense of itself. A distinct Scottish political culture has emerged: confident, assertive and increasingly divergent from that of its southern neighbours. Yet, as this timely and perceptive book shows, Scottish nationalism has been on the rise since the Second World War. Today, the Scottish National Party are in the ascendant, winning nearly half of all votes cast in the 2019 General Election and most of the seats. The Scottish Parliament has been a legislative trail-blazer, enacting progressive legislation well before England and Wales. And Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union, putting it at odds with much of the rest of the United Kingdom on the most important political decision this century. The country has transformed from the socially and politically conservative climate of the post-war period to a nation contemplating, for the second time, a move to independence - for all the uncertainty and turmoil that would bring. At a time when the country's future has topped the agenda in Britain and abroad, this book unpicks the complex weave of Scottish politics, society and culture, providing an essential insight into Scotland's present - and its future. -- .

This book addresses issues of national identity and nationalism in Scotland from a political and linguistic perspective. It compares a variety of attitudes and opinions from the political elite to the masses, examining the nature of national identity held by members of these groups and the differences within and between them. There is consideration of non-civic aspects of national identity, as well as a measure of political party nationalism in Scotland over the past forty years that illustrates the ideological movements of each major party during this period. This work also represents the first comprehensive examination of the discourse involved in the expression of national identity within Scottish politics and society, combining quantitative and discourse analysis methods to illustrate the articulation of national identity by differing groups in different contexts. Key Features Presents a detailed consideration of the language used within the political and nationalist arena in Scotland Compares a variety of attitudes and opinions held within Scotland from the political elite to the masses Introduces a new method for measuring political nationalism using manifesto analysis

Bradt's North Cyprus remains the most authoritative guide available to the fascinating and beautiful northern region of the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Thoroughly updated by expert authors and now into its ninth edition, it offers everything you need for a successful trip, from pre-departure and background information including when to visit, red tape, safety, history, culture and natural history, to accommodation, restaurants, shopping, festivals, transport and money. The region is broken down into four areas, each of which is covered in detail, including Girne (Kyrenia), Lefkosa (Nicosia), Gazimag?usa (Famagusta) and the Karpas Peninsula, with its population of wild donkeys. Where to go and what to see are detailed for each area and attractions such as Crusader castles, Buyykonuk's markets and eco-festivals, beaches and turtle watching are all covered. There are also contributions from local specialists on flora and fauna. Steeped in history, soaked in sunshine, North Cyprus offers a great deal both to those who want to delve deep into the past or to those keen to pull up a sunbed and simply relax. Girne is still the most attractive harbour on the whole island, while Lefkosa's old quarter exudes the ambience of an old Middle Eastern trading town. Gazimag?usa is fringed with some excellent beaches, while also being close to North Cyprus's most revered historic site, Salamis. With Bradt's North Cyprus, hike up to Buffavento, stroll through the cloisters of Bellapais Abbey or go barefoot on the golden sands of the Karpas Peninsula.

This new title from Bradt is the only English-language guide to focus on Pays de la Loire: The Vendee and surrounding area including Pornic, La Rochelle, Ile de Re and Nantes, an increasingly popular part of France. Written by award-winning travel writer Murray Stewart and Angela Bird, who for almost 50 years has owned a home in the region, it offers comprehensive coverage of this beguiling area, with details on everything from family holidays to walks, cycling, local cuisine and history. Thanks to the authors' long history with the area, the guide also reveals the quirks and themes which give the Vendee its own distinct character, as well as straying just beyond the area's boundaries to incorporate La Rochelle and Nantes, both entry points for those arriving by air and both offering urban distractions for the occasional rainy day. The Vendee offers all the benefits of a well-established destination, both with French and British visitors, with easy access times from the UK by ferry adding to its appeal. Popular with campers and self-caterers, its sunny climate and 140km of sandy beaches, combined with tree-lined canals and open marshland, make for a diverse outdoor playground. Bradt's The Vendee and surrounding area includes information on suggested walks and cycleways and also summarises the best places for bird-watching. The region has no true cities, or even large towns, but the guide includes details of the many local museums which provide easily accessible insight into the bloody history of an area which has, at times, been central to the evolution of modern-day France.

Uses manifesto analysis to measure political nationalism in Scotland. Murray Stewart Leith and Daniel P. J. Soule explore the importance of groups, concepts and events such as the SNP and devolution, unionism, the political elite, political and public discourse, inclusion and exclusion, enforced nationalism, and birth, race and citizenship to nationalist feeling in Scotland. The authors set the Modernist view of Scottish nationalism against the work of Gellner, Anderson and Billig to create their own 'mixed method' of evaluating nationalism. This title presents a detailed consideration of the language used within the political and nationalist arena in Scotland. It compares a variety of attitudes and opinions held within Scotland from the political elite to the masses. It introduces a new method for measuring political nationalism using manifesto analysis.

This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's award-winning guide to the Basque Country and Navarre remains the most comprehensive and in-depth guide available to this multi-lingual, multi-cultural borderland encompassing parts of southern France and northern Spain. This fully revised second edition includes all the elements required for an enjoyable holiday and also the unique aspects of Basque culture and traditions which make this such a fascinating part of the world. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre seeks to give a real insight into what is a strong regional identity, uncovering the peculiarities which imbue the area with its aura of intrigue and taking you way beyond the delightful, well-known cities and into the heart of the beautiful Basque countryside. When it comes to food, discover not just what to eat, but also how to eat it, for many Basque eating rituals apply! In this, the most complete guidebook to the Spanish and French Basque Country and Navarre, Murray Stewart covers the principal cities - rejuvenated Bilbao with its famous Guggenheim Museum, beautiful San Sebastian, verdant Vitoria-Gasteiz and lively Pamplona - and also delves deeper into the region's interior, capturing the quirkiness that makes it so special. With 36 maps, 16 walks, advice on where to cycle, horseride and surf, he guides travellers through an area whose profile is firmly 'on the up.' Find the best pintxos (Basque tapas) and txakoli wine, the finest chuleton (beef chop) and the freshest fish. From elegant Biarritz, via the French Basque Pyrenees, to the Navarran 'badlands' of Bardenas Reales, travel to fascinating, less-visited places. Here are the best festivals, including Pamplona's famous, bull-running San Fermin. Learn how the handing-over of three cows has kept the peace for centuries, or where you can see the annual 'Benediction of the Red Pepper'. Join the walkers on the Caminos de Santiago, the pilgrim routes which still sustain the local economy, 1,000 years after they began. Find information on the unique Basque and Navarran wines, top birdwatching sites, history, music, sports and culture - and when to visit. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre is the ideal companion.

"Honey Brown Baby," a powerful new novel that's set deep in the Southwestern State of Texas where bi-racial couples are still looked upon as being accepted "only" if they have to be but is still strictly taboo deep within. At the story's heart is Ali St. John, an African-American, Texas native who has recently moved back to Houston from New York City to attend Law School.

When the son of a Houston Billionaire is accused of robbery and murder, Ali is given the case, much to the chagrin of the client, who prefers the CEO of the firm to handle his case.

Is this too much to ask of a 'rookie' lawyer? Ali struggles to uphold her reputation as a top student, who has an above average knowledge of the law, while trying to maintain a private and personal love relationship.

It's a must that she probe the hearts and minds of whites as well as people of color while attempting to live her vision of the American Dream.

"Honey Brown Baby," a powerful new novel that's set deep in the Southwestern State of Texas where bi-racial couples are still looked upon as being accepted "only" if they have to be but is still strictly taboo deep within. At the story's heart is Ali St. John, an African-American, Texas native who has recently moved back to Houston from New York City to attend Law School.

When the son of a Houston Billionaire is accused of robbery and murder, Ali is given the case, much to the chagrin of the client, who prefers the CEO of the firm to handle his case.

Is this too much to ask of a 'rookie' lawyer? Ali struggles to uphold her reputation as a top student, who has an above average knowledge of the law, while trying to maintain a private and personal love relationship.

It's a must that she probe the hearts and minds of whites as well as people of color while attempting to live her vision of the American Dream.