IT is the item people most fear leaving behind when they travel abroad; the iconic burgundy notebook that prefaces not just foreign travel but a British citizen's rights to the protection of their state and queen.

The question of who would be a Scottish citizen in future and what type of passport they will hold is integral to the debate not just on independence but on national identity.

Under the proposals in the White Paper, it was made clear that under independence passports would not be required at the border between Scotland and England but that there would be a new, separate Scottish passport "citizens" can apply for.

The document makes clear that British citizens "habitually resident in Scotland on day one of independence" would automatically become Scottish citizens, as would a child born to a parent with Scottish citizenship and those British citizens born in Scotland but living outside of Scotland on day one of independence.

What is less clear is whether Scottish citizens living in America, England and Wales would be allowed to vote in Scottish elections.

Traditionally, British citizens living abroad can vote by proxy in General Elections at Westminster if they comply with certain criteria. It seems less likely that would be the case in Scotland, although the Scottish Government said yesterday that would be a decision, ultimately, for the Constitutional Convention appointed by the Scottish Parliament after independence.

In addition to those who would automatically become citizens, any Briton living outwith Scotland with a parent or grandparent who qualifies for Scottish citizenship can register as a Scottish citizen.

Michael Clancy, director of Law Reform at the Law Society Of Scotland, said: "This is an area where negotiations with the UK will be necessary on reciprocal rights for UK citizens and Scottish citizens living in either country. One might compare this with Irish voting rights and the rights of non-EU citizens who have leave to remain.

"The White Paper does not deal with voting rights on the basis of citizenship and that is something we would want to find out more about. What it does reiterate, however, is the Scottish Government's intent to propose an inclusive model of citizenship - which comes from the National Conversation paper. It clarifies that British citizens habitually resident here will be considered Scottish citizens."

He added: "Under the White Paper, someone born here in 2000 whose family then emigrated to the US would be considered to be a Scottish citizen even if they had not lived here since, for example, 2003. The proposals would create a large Scottish diaspora who could have citizenship rights under these proposals.

"The benefits of citizenship include being able to reside and vote in the country of which one is a citizen, access to social rights and sometimes access to certain types of employment. If a country is an EU member, being a citizen gives access to freedom of movement and employment within the EU. If one needs assistance abroad a citizen can get help from his or her's country's embassy or consulate."

The White Paper states people could have dual nationality but it will be for the UK Government to decide if it allows that.

Dr Thomas Lundberg, of Glasgow University, said: "I would expect that with the UK's consent, dual citizenship would be perfectly acceptable from the UK's standpoint. Traditionally, the UK has been more liberal than other European jurisdictions in terms of citizenship."

The Scottish Government says it will recognise currently valid British passports until their expiry.

The paper states: "Inherent to citizenship is the right to hold a passport. In an independent Scotland all British citizens born or habitually resident in Scotland on day one of independence will have the right to acquire a Scottish passport, although, as in most countries, there will be no requirement to hold one.

"As a member of the EU, Scottish passports will follow the EU passport model and therefore will broadly follow the current look of UK passports in colour, size, and layout, but will be identified as a Scottish passport on the front cover."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The franchise for elections to an independent Scottish Parliament would be based on the existing one.

"However, the Constitutional Convention appointed by the Scottish Parliament after independence could consider whether the eligibility for voting should be changed as part of Scotland's permanent written constitution."