Scottish expats nervous about upcoming referendum

Some feel optimistic about the potential of an independent Scotland, while others worry how the vote might affect their statuses in the UAE.

John Harley, chieftain of the Caledonian Society of Dubai, thinks most expatriates would vote No if they had the option. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // Scottish expatriates are eagerly awaiting the results of their country’s referendum, with many of them having been unable to cast ballots themselves.

Some feel optimistic about the potential of an independent Scotland, while others worry about how Thursday’s vote would affect their status in the UAE as well as the political climate back home.

John Harley, chieftain of the Caledonian Society of Dubai, said that although his group remained neutral, he thought most expatriates would vote No if they had the option.

“In the society, members as a general rule are upset that their voices can’t be heard in terms of the referendum,” said Mr Harley, from Fife, who has lived in Dubai since 1984. “It’s such a major decision that we felt that we should be at least allowed to have a say.”

Residents of Scotland aged 16 or older are able to vote in the poll, which asks: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” A simple majority wins the vote.

However, unlike in some other countries, those who reside outside Scotland are not permitted to vote.

The most recent poll showed support for independence at 48 per cent compared with 52 per cent for remaining with the UK.

Mr Harley said expatriates had unanswered questions about what would happen should the country leave the union.

“The worries for the expatriates are, OK, if Scotland is independent, which passport?” he said. “We’re on British passports at the moment. We have worldwide support with British embassies.”

Tom Kirkwood, 46, an engineering manager from Scotland’s east coast, was philosophical about not having a say in the referendum.

“I’m looking to go back to Scotland, so it is going to affect me. But there’s plenty of expats who have no intention of going back to Scotland,” he said.

Expatriates could vote based on issues such as lack of certainty as to what would happen with their passports or embassies, instead of what is best for Scotland, he said.

Mr Kirkwood said he would vote Yes given the chance, hoping for better opportunities for Scotland and a more peaceful world role, as well as more democratic control.

“We were a small, small part of a big, big nation, whose priorities are not normally the same as Scotland’s,” he said.

Helen Miln, 48, a mother from Edinburgh who lives in Dubai, said she was “absolutely devastated” that she would not be able to vote, and is an ardent No campaigner.

She owns a home in Scotland, where family members live, and has a mortgage there. She is worried about the future of politics in the country and disagrees with the simple-majority vote.

“Whatever happens, half my nation is going to be disillusioned and very unhappy, come the weekend,” she said. “This is a very, very dangerous time in Scotland politically, because I don’t know how you heal the scars.”

Ms Miln is also worried about how it would affect her position abroad.

“I came to Dubai on a British passport and I’m very proud of that, and I certainly won’t give that up without a fight.”

Douglas Livingstone would also have preferred to be able to vote.

“It has pained me that I have not been able to be home and experience this life-changing event and cast my vote,” said Mr Livingstone, 41, from Thurso, who lives in Dubai.

But the argument, he said, was at its core about whether Scotland should have its own government or be run by those outside, so he could not expect to have a say as an expatriate.

“I look forward to the time when I can return to Scotland to continue my career in a free and independent Scotland,” he said.

Eddie Fullerton, 37, an air traffic control engineer in Dubai from the Shetland Islands, is worried about political instability after the poll.

“Whichever way it goes, there’s going to be trouble,” he said. “It’s a big deal – it’s sovereignty. Most countries go to war over it.”

Many expatriates said that no matter how Scots voted, their heritage would remain unique.

“No matter what happens, we’ll always be Scottish,” Mr Harley said.