This thread discusses the Content article: Scottish Citizenship

In practical terms there has to be some rules governing citizenship the question is how these rules should be framed. There are those of all creeds and colours who claim some connection to Scotland and if they were all to come over the country would sink under the weight! The Scottish Diaspora is of enormous proportions. We were travellers and explorers long before the advent of the British Empire. Of course citizenship must be available to those who can show a strong family link to the country.

When it comes to voting rights I think there are certain criteria that should be met similar to those that apply within the EU. Modern electoral democracy is base on the principle of “No taxation without representation”. I think this principle works equally well the other way round. “No representation without taxation”. If you are going to elect those that will tax and spend the nation’s money then you should be a contributor to the nation’s wealth.

I have never had any doubt about my Citizenship, I am a Scot and a Citizen of our Country. My personal conviction of this is not in doubt. However, should some other body decides it otherwise then I will most certainly object.
If you are going to elect those that will tax and spend the nation’s money then you should be a contributor to the nation’s wealth.I would hope that parents bringing up children, the sick, infirm and the elderly, and those through no fault of their own, will not be classed as non contributors, and so be disenfranchised.
The success and welfare of our people is a guide, I have always used, in our growth and development.

If I may be pragmatic, since we live in a monarchy we are not citizens butsubjects!!

DoricMan We who live in the UK are all registered as taxpayers Even those who because of their financial circumstances do not actually contribute but are recipients of welfare paid for by the tax payer. This differentiates form those who, whilst earning or receiving sufficient funds and perhaps living in this country, do not pay tax. For instance I spend a great deal of time in Europe - at least nine months of the year - but I pay tax in Scotland. BY my yardstick I qualify as a Scotsman.

Woodysdad: That is easily remedied. Remember in Scotland it is the people that are Sovereign not the Monarch who can be removed/replaced. Unlike England where the Monarchy is is Sovereign and the position is hereditary.

Here's an interesting thought. Do those with independent means pay tax? If they bank off-shore that only leaves VAT doesn't it?

Should they have a vote?

NO! In my view Universal suffrage was based on the principle of "No Taxation without Representation". I maintain that is a two-way street so:- "No Representation Without Taxation". Whilst I spend a great deal of time in Portugal or Spain, I pay my taxes in the UK and I cannot take part in elections in either of these two countries.