Date set for Scottish referendum amid calls for ex-pats to be given a vote

SCOTLAND’S First Minister, Alex Salmond, has confirmed the date for when the nation will vote on whether to become independent as ex-pats living in Yorkshire called for their voice to be heard in the referendum.

The long-awaited date for the landmark ballot – September 18 next year – was confirmed yesterday by the Scottish National Party leader, who declared it would be the “historic day when the people will decide Scotland’s future”.

Scottish-born councillors in York also met yesterday to hold initial talks about launching a campaign to ensure that nationals living outside of Scotland could take part in the referendum.

Only those currently residing in Scotland who are registered to vote are expected to be able to take part, although a parliamentary Bill is being scrutinised and could, in theory, extend the criteria to anyone living outside of the country.

Labour councillors Sandy Fraser and Linsay Cunningham-Cross along with York Council’s Conservative group leader Ian Gillies and his fellow Tory member Joe Watt held discussions about making formal representations to ensure ex-pat Scots are able to vote.

Coun Fraser, who is leading the fledgling campaign with Coun Watt, said: “As we were born in Scotland, we feel we should have the right to vote in the future of the country.”

Mr Salmond announced the date as the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill was published. The Bill is “the most important legislation to be introduced” since the devolved Scottish Parliament was established in 1999, the First Minister said.

Leaving the United Kingdom and becoming a separate country would give Scotland a “new, more modern relationship with the other nations of the UK” that would be a “true partnership of equals”, according to Mr Salmond.

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