Independence Cymru and Alba

A Reply from the First Minister of Scotland

Our ref:        2012/0028407
25 September 2012

Dear Mr Jones

Thank you for your e-mail of 28 August to the First Minister about citizenship and Scottish independence.  I am replying on behalf of Mr Salmond.

It is the Scottish Government's intention that citizenship in an independent Scotland would be based on an inclusive model, and an independent Scotland could offer shared or dual citizenship to recognise the social, economic and historical ties between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

However, it would be premature to apply for Scottish citizenship now, as immigration and nationality is currently reserved to the UK Parliament.

I hope this helps.

Yours sincerely

Peter Hope-Jones
Constitutional Development Team