WITH just days to go before the vote in the Scottish independence, the debate is heating up, not only in Scotland, but also in Scottish communities overseas.
And the Pure Malt, a Scottish pub in the picturesque area of le Marais in central Paris, is no exception. "People often come to ask my opinion on Scottish independence", says Colin Shepherd, the owner of the pub. "But I can't discuss it with every single person who comes through the door!"
Colin, 47, originally from Aberdeen, has been living in France for 12 years. But that does not stop him from reading as much as he can on independence and having a firm opinion. "I am a 100% Yes, and most Scots I know here are too. It is a historical chance. For the first time in hundreds of years, this is the opportunity to decide Scotland's future ourselves."
However, as his fellow countrymen abroad, Colin will not be able to take part in the vote. "The Scottish Parliament decided last year that the franchise should be based on who can vote at Scottish Parliament and Scottish local government elections", a Scottish Government spokeswoman said.
Those registered to vote in Scotland - including EU and other British citizens - will cast their ballots in favour or against independence, whereas Scots established overseas will have to witness the vote from across the Channel, despite the fact that independence would directly affect them.
The White Paper published in 2013 states that "Scottish-born British citizens currently living outside of Scotland will also automatically be considered Scottish citizens." This does not seem to bother Colin at all. "I've accepted that I won't be able to vote. But as far as citizenship is concerned, nothing changes for me. I've always been Scottish and I will be the first to queue to get my passport."
But many others show less enthusiasm. Ron Cullens, 25, originally from Clackmannanshire, went to Paris three years ago to study international affairs at Science Po, a school of political science. "I don't mind not being able to vote, he says, after all I don't live in Scotland anymore." But he has been wondering about his citizenship. "I hope we'll have a choice. I don't think people will lose their citizenship. I am Scottish, because that's where I'm from, but I also feel British", he adds.
Ron says he is not an avid follower of the campaign, and his opinion has shifted over time. "I would vote no, but I'm not very no-supporting. I've moved to the middle. I don't think it would be cataclysmic if Scotland were to become independent, but I think that countries are better together."
On the contrary, numerous Scots in France are unhappy with the current voting settlement. The Scots Kirk, located near the Champs-Élysées, has had a congregation in Paris since 1858, and many of its members feel excluded. Elizabeth Sevo, 67, is one of them.
"As a resident of France I only have the right to vote in local and European elections, so not to be able to vote in a referendum on my homeland's future is a further exclusion. Disappointed is not strong enough, let's say frustrated."
William More, born in Aberfoyle and now retired in Paris, echoes this sentiment. "I am extremely disappointed that I won't be able to vote. I have a British passport, and I want to know what citizenship I'll have tomorrow. It's a shame that Scotsmen born and raised in Scotland won't be able to intervene." Contrary to the Church which has decided to remain neutral in the debate, William knows exactly where he stands. "I'm absolutely pro-union. We've spent hundreds of years trying to build something to bring us all together, why want to destroy that?"
Douglas, also a member of the Church of Scotland, belongs to the same side. "Most of the expats I know are disappointed that their views will not be counted.
"More importantly, we are extremely concerned to learn from our contacts with families and friends back in Scotland that the folks back home do not appear to be receiving a full and frank explanation of the implications of their vote."
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