Originally Posted by
AtlanticX
What might have more of an impact: if Scotland leaves/joins the EU after independence, how will that impact their participation in Schengen (will the EU allow Scotland to opt out?) and how will that affect border&customs protocols.
An AMS-LHR-EDI flight could become one where you first leave then enter the Schengen area (quite the hassle).
Most likely is that in any scenario Scotland will stay in the current Common Travel Area, but the basis for that will be weakened. Most positive (to my eyes, at least) outcome would be that the pressure of border controls between Scotland and England would push both to move to become part of Schengen Area. I think that's a pipe-dream in the current political climate, though.
Why do you believe that?
There seems to be a lot of opinions, but very little knowledge around Scottish independence and the EU.
If Scotland were to become independent, it would need to apply to join the EU. That can be vetoed by any existing EU member state. Whatever we think of Scotland, Spain amongst others may have a very real reason to veto that, lest it encourage independence movements in its own regions.
New EU members have adopt the Euro and be part of Schengen. It's not up for grabs. The UK has an opt out, but is so large and belligerent that it could secure that. Scotland? I don't think so.
The end result would be a Scotland using the Euro and inside Schengen. So mandatory borders with the rest of the UK to stop the UK polluting the Schengen zone!
As for this idea that the UK would never join Schengen - sadly true as that reflects an intellectually bereft government pandering to a moronic populous.
Of course, as anyone who has read any academically respected research on immigration knows, it is a net benefit to your economy; but why let facts get in the way of prejudice!