CommonSpace interviews Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, on efforts to secure Scotland’s relationship with Europe following the vote in England and Wales for Brexit

“WE DID HAVE A PLAN,” Fiona Hyslop tells me in her ministerial office in the Scottish Parliament. In her role as cabinet secretary for external affairs, a plan was certainly needed last June as the Brexit vote demanded a ramped up programme for making Scotland’s case to the rest of the world.

Former deputy SNP leader Jim Sillars sets out his concerns about the EU and explains why he doesn't want an independent Scotland in it  

MY opposition to Nicola Sturgeon’s positions on Brexit (the plural is accurate) has been criticised as damaging to the independence movement. It is far from it.

I have been trying to save the movement from folly: a folly not emanating from deep discussion or careful analysis, but from decisions made by a tiny group of people in the Scottish Government, if not one person.

Italy’s honorary consul in Glasgow Ronnie Convery says he hopes Scotland can continue to play its part in European cooperation

I HAVE ALWAYS felt a closeness to Italy from a young age. I was adopted as a baby and I am pretty sure there is some Italian blood in my veins somewhere. Now, Italy is my passion. I am a bit of an Italian language bore, and I am forever involved in promoting Italian language and culture. 

CommonSpace reporter Michael Gray reports from Rome as European capitals unite in celebration of 60 years since Treaty of Rome 

MOVEMENTS for European cooperation and against nationalism took to the streets across the continent on Saturday (25 March) with large marches taking place in Rome, Edinburgh, and London. 

Edinburgh comes out in favour of Europe on its 60th anniversary

OVER A THOUSAND people gathered in Edinburgh on Saturday (25 March) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which founded the EU, and to demand Scotland’s voice be heard against Brexit.

Starting at Waterloo Place in the city centre the crowd made it’s way down to the Scottish Parliament where it was addressed by a range of politicians from different parties dedicated to Scotland maintaining it’s relationship with Europe.

German public call on EU negotiators to support Scotland’s vote to remain in the EU 

A PETITION TO LET SCOTLAND STAY (‘Lasst Schottland bleiben’) has received the backing of over 17,000 people as support grows across the European Union to welcome Scotland as a new and full member. 

Danish message to Scotland: ‘Go independent and please, please stay in the EU’ 

THE LEADER OF DENMARK’S NEWEST parliamentary party has backed independence for Scotland and its membership of the European Union. 

In an interview with CommonSpace, Uffe Elbæk, former government minister and leader of The Alternative Party and movement, expressed hope that an independent Scotland would develop closer links with Nordic countries like Denmark. 

Professors and advisors say Scotland will get “fast-tracked” EU place

SCOTLAND’S POSITION WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION means it will be fast-tracked to full membership with independence, according to a range of EU experts. 

Recent comments by head of the European Commission to the UK, Jacqueline Minor, confirmed that Scotland would be able to “move faster” than other membership processes due to “the fact that all your legislation has to be in alignment with existing European rules”.