Possible benefits of an independent Scotland

While there has been much focus on the economic downside of a Brexit for the UK, little attention seems to have been paid to the massive economic benefits an independent Scotland within the EU could have.

One of the key reasons companies locate to the UK is due to our membership of the EU, delivering a gateway to the EU and its single market of more than half a billion consumers, as well as providing ease of travel.

Scotland would be in a position to offer an ideal, English-speaking location for international and domestic companies, including investment houses, banks, fund managers and other financial institutions who require to have a place within the EU for regulatory reasons.

Scotland would offer all the attractions of a settled and secure life, bearing in mind that the Republic of Ireland will be the only alternative English-speaking nation in the EU.

It will also, through the Court of Session, be able to offer parties in Scotland the opportunity to take their cases to the European Court of Justice for important rulings on EU law and its implications for businesses and Scotland could see the relocation of many highly skilled EU practitioners who wish to practice here.

Pursuing EU law issues through London’s High Court is unlikely to be an option. Indeed, last week more than 100 London-based EU lawyers registered as solicitors in the Republic of Ireland to safeguard their right to practice EU law.

Every cloud has a silver lining and for Scotland that is taking the bold step to take advantage of this Brexit economic dividend through independence.