View source for Scottish republicanism

{{Short description|Movement to make Scotland a republic}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
[[File:Flag of Scotland.svg|thumb|right|[[Flag of Scotland]]]]
{{Republicanism sidebar}}
{{Politics of Scotland}}
'''Scottish republicanism''' ({{langx|gd|Poblachdas na h-Alba}}) or '''republicanism in Scotland''' is an ideology based on the belief that Scotland should be a [[republic]]; the nation is currently a [[monarchy]] as part of the [[United Kingdom]]. Republicanism is associated with [[Scottish nationalism]] and the [[Scottish independence]] movement, but also with [[British republicanism]] and the movement for [[federalism in the United Kingdom]].

== History ==
[[Andrew Fletcher (politician)|Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun]] is one of the most prominent pre-Union advocates of a Scottish republic, based on agrarian and patriarchal principles.<ref name=Gelderen>{{Cite book |last1=van Gelderen |first1=Martin |last2=Skinner |first2=Quentin |date=2005 |title=Republicanism: A Shared European Heritage. Volume 2: The Values of Republicanism in Early Modern Europe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ykro-IVaCmYC&pg=PA197 |location=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=197 |isbn=9780521672344 |access-date=28 June 2016}}</ref> He was a major inspiration to [[Scottish Enlightenment]] philosopher [[Adam Ferguson]], whose republican ideals were penned down in ''[[An Essay on the History of Civil Society]]'' (1767).<ref name=Gelderen/>

One of the foremost documentations of modern Scottish republicanism is the [[Declaration of Calton Hill]], proclaimed on 9 October 2004, the same day that Queen [[Elizabeth II]] opened the new [[Scottish Parliament Building]] at [[Holyrood, Edinburgh|Holyrood]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/oct/10/scotland.devolution |title=Holyrood survives birth pains |author=Lorna Martin |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=10 October 2004 |access-date=28 June 2016}}</ref>

In the run-up to the [[2014 Scottish independence referendum|2014 independence referendum]], the [[Radical Independence Campaign]] advocated an independent Scottish republic with an elected head of state,<ref name="Rad">{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/radicals-new-dawn-with-independence.19512129 |title=Radicals' new dawn with independence|work=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]] |date=25 November 2012 |access-date=28 June 2016}}</ref> instead of the continued union of crowns established with the [[English monarchy]], predating the Acts of Union.

Ahead of the Accession declaration of [[Charles III]] at [[Mercat Cross, Edinburgh|Mercat Cross]] in Edinburgh on 11 September 2022, the campaign group [[Our Republic]] stated: "We encourage those with objections to these proclamations to make those clear".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/21272984.two-breach-peace-arrests-made-amid-king-charless-edinburgh-proclamation/|title=Two breach of the peace arrests made amid the King's Edinburgh proclamation|last=Garton-Crosbie|first=Abbi|date=11 September 2022|website=The National}}</ref> The members voiced their opposition to the new King through booing, turning their backs and shouting "no consent", and holding up anti-Monarchy slogans during the Lord Lyon King of Arms's declaration. They were briefly detained by [[Police Scotland]] before being released. One protester was later again arrested and charged under "Breach of the Peace".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.republic.org.uk/republicans_condemn_arrests_promise_more_protests|title=Republicans condemn arrests, promise more protests|date=12 September 2022|publisher=Republic}}</ref>

== Republicanism within the independence movement ==
Many people who advocate Scotland becoming a republic do so through their support for [[Scottish independence]]. This would entail Scotland becoming independent from the [[United Kingdom]] and instead of continuing the [[Union of the Crowns]] that predate the political union, a republic would be formed, with an elected Head of State assuming the role of the deposed monarch.

Scotland's largest pro-independence party, the [[Scottish National Party]] (SNP), favours retaining the monarchy as a [[Commonwealth realm]] similar to the situation in other crown countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/snp-policy-to-retain-monarchy-helps-boost-independence-support-suggests-john-curtice-3719742|title=SNP policy to retain monarchy helps boost independence support, suggests John Curtice|last=Grant|first=Alistair|date=3 June 2022|work=The Scotsman|access-date=19 September 2022|language=en}}</ref> However, the party has a number of prominent republican members, including [[Roseanna Cunningham]], [[Tommy Sheppard (politician)|Tommy Sheppard]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/border/2015-09-09/sturgeon-republican-or-royalist|title=Sturgeon: Republican or Royalist?|first=Peter|last=MacMahon|date=9 September 2015|website=ITV News|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/20176454.edinburgh-rally-offer-republican-alternative-jubilee-scotland/|title=Edinburgh rally to offer a republican alternative to Jubilee Scotland|last=Bell|first=Sean|date=30 May 2022|work=The National|access-date=19 September 2022|language=en}}</ref> and [[Humza Yousaf]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Meighan |first=Craig |date=8 March 2023 |title=The nine things we learned from STV's SNP leadership debate|work=STV News |url=https://news.stv.tv/politics/the-nine-things-we-learned-from-stvs-snp-leadership-debate-with-humza-yousaf-kate-forbes-and-ash-regan |access-date=12 March 2023}}</ref> who served as First Minister from 2023 to 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanderson |first1=Daniel |last2=Johnson |first2=Simon |date=27 March 2023 |title=Where Humza Yousaf stands on six key issues |language=en-GB |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/27/where-humza-yousaf-stands-six-key-issues-snp-leader/ |access-date=28 March 2023 |issn=0307-1235 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

The republican [[Scottish Greens|Scottish Green Party]] have held two ministerial positions in the Scottish Government since 2021, under the [[Bute House Agreement]]. Green co-leader and [[Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights]] [[Patrick Harvie]] has been highly critical of the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|British monarchy]], calling for the monarch to be replaced with a "democratically accountable head of state", as well as describing the [[British royal family|Royal Family]] an "outdated, discredited and totally undemocratic institution".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-30 |title=Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater: Who are the new Green ministers? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58268743 |access-date=2024-02-25 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Harvie boycotted a service of thanksgiving for the [[Coronation of Charles III and Camilla]] in [[St Giles' Cathedral]] along with fellow Green co-leader and [[Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity]] [[Lorna Slater]]. Slater had previously spoken at a republican rally in May 2023 on Calton Hill with [[Maggie Chapman]]. 

The SNP proposes that in the event of [[Scottish independence|independence]], the [[Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament|presiding officer]]'s post be replaced with that of [[chancellor of Scotland]]. In addition to presiding over the Scottish Parliament, the chancellor would possess additional constitutional powers during the absence of the monarch from Scotland; chiefly, the chancellor should act in a role similar to a [[governor-general]] in the other [[Commonwealth realm]]s.<ref>[http://www.constitutionalcommission.org/production/byre/images/assets/Principles%20of%20the%20Constitution.pdf ''Principles of the Constitution''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040610/http://www.constitutionalcommission.org/production/byre/images/assets/Principles%20of%20the%20Constitution.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}, at constitutionalcommission.org (.pdf file)</ref>

Most of the other political parties and organisations which advocate Scottish independence also advocate Scotland becoming an independent republic. These include:

* [[Scottish Greens]]<ref>{{cite tweet|user=scottishgreens|author=Scottish Greens|title=It's time to abolish the monarchy and build an independent Scottish Republic. Vote for the Scottish Greens.|number=1370652601247744004|accessdate=18 September 2022}}</ref>
* [[Scottish Socialist Party]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://scottishsocialistparty.org/modern-democratic-republic/|title=For a Modern Democratic Republic|date=7 June 2014|publisher=Scottish Socialist Party|accessdate=18 September 2022}}</ref>
* [[Alba Party]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/alba-party-votes-scrap-monarchy-24963450|title=Alba Party votes to scrap monarchy if Scotland gets independence from UK|first1=Craig|last1=Paton|first2=Sarah|last2=Vesty|date=11 September 2021|website=Daily Record|accessdate=18 September 2022}}</ref>
* [[Scottish Republican Socialist Movement]]
* [[Radical Independence Campaign]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Radical Yes activists to picket Supreme Court for indyref2 showdown |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23027021.radical-independence-campaign-protest-londons-supreme-court-indyref2-battle/ |date=6 October 2023 |last=Morrison |first=Hamish |access-date=28 March 2023 |website=The National |language=en |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* [[Our Republic]] (cross-constitutional campaign group)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ourrepublic.scot/|title=Our Republic – We are the campaign for a Scottish Republic}}</ref>

== British republicanism ==
Another concept for Scotland becoming a republic is through reform of the United Kingdom's constitutional status from a constitutional monarchy to a republican constitution. There is not an explicit link with British unionism, as this tends to advocate the Union of Crowns. This is a form of [[British republicanism]] which is supported by English politicians such as [[Dennis Skinner]] and [[Jeremy Corbyn]], and advocacy groups such as [[Republic (political organisation)|Republic]]. There is no mainstream support for this concept in any Scottish political parties, and it remains a personal position, unlike support for an independent Scottish republic which does have party support.

[[Adam Tomkins]] is an example of a republican who supports a reformed Britain without monarchy,<ref name="republic">{{cite web|url=http://www.republic.org.uk/supporters/index.php|title=Republic: Supporters|publisher=[[Republic (political organisation)|Republic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531162033/http://republic.org.uk/supporters/index.php|archive-date=31 May 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=31 May 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> however his opinion shifted after being elected for the [[Scottish Conservatives|Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party]] who are ardent supporters of the monarchy.<ref name="herald">{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13411783.roundhead-cavalier-tory-scottish-secretarys-advisor-wanted-axe-royal-family/|title=From Roundhead to Cavalier: how Tory Scottish Secretary's advisor wanted to axe the Royal family|last=Gordon|first=Tom|date=7 June 2015|work=The Herald}}</ref> Another example is Scottish Labour MSPs [[Katy Clark]] and [[Mercedes Villalba]] who advocate for abolishing the Monarchy across the UK as well as radical constitutional reform.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2014/12/10/scottish-labour-deputy-candidate-reiterates-support-for-a-republ/|title=Scottish Labour deputy candidate reiterates support for a republic|first=Richard|last=Wood|date=10 December 2014|website=[[HITC]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=labourmercedes|last=Villalba|first=Mercedes|number=1420818862786887686|title=“the appearance of political neutrality” is just that: an appearance. It's time we recognised the political role of the monarchy which serves its own self-interest at the cost of ordinary people, and now planet. Why not simply abolish the monarchy and all their archane nonsense?|accessdate=19 June 2022}}</ref> The Scottish campaign group [[Our Republic (Scotland)|Our Republic]] also contains several members who support Scotland remaining in a reformed Union.

== Opinion polling ==
===Polling on the British monarchy with Scotland as part of the UK===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="7" |Table of public opinion in Scotland on the "British Monarchy" as part of UK.
!
|-
!Date conducted
!Pollster
!Sample size
!Support<br/>monarchy
!Support elected<br/>head of state
!Undecided/
Ambivalent
!Lead
!Notes
|-
|2024
|Survation<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-04 |title=Support for the monarchy falling rapidly in Scotland, according to new poll |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/24299181.new-poll-finds-support-monarchy-scotland-falling-rapidly/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>
| -
|34%
|{{yes|45%}}
|21%
|{{yes|11%}}
|First poll to prefer elected head of state.
|-
| colspan="8" |''King Charles III has a coronation on 6 May 2023''
|-
|17–20 April 2023
|YouGov<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouGov Survey Results |url=https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/xfaufs6rcp/InternalResults_230420_Scotland_Royals.pdf |website=YouGov}}</ref>
|1,032
|style="background:#FADBD1"|46%
|40%
|14%
|style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;"|6%
|(Reference to future) Question: Do you think Britain should continue to have a monarchy in the future, or should it be replaced with an elected head of state?
|-
|3–15 March 2023
|Lord Ashcroft<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Polls (LordAshcroftPolls.com) |first=Lord Ashcroft |title=LORD ASHCROFT POLLS: NEW CORONATION POLL FINDS SCOTS WOULD VOTE TO KEEP THE MONARCHY - BUT WOULD WANT AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND TO HAVE A NEW HEAD OF STATE |url=https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lord-ashcroft-polls-new-coronation-poll-finds-scots-would-vote-to-keep-the-monarchy--but-would-want-an-independent-scotland-to-have-a-new-head-of-state-301813601.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=www.prnewswire.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
|1,470
|style="background:#FADBD1"|46%
|32%
|22%
|style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;"|14%
|Question: "If there were a referendum tomorrow, how would you vote?"
|-
|7–11 October 2022
|Panelbase<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alba-tables-for-publication-171022.pdf |url=https://drg.global/wp-content/uploads/Alba-tables-for-publication-171022.pdf}}</ref>
|1,018
|style="background:#FADBD1"|50%
|37%
|14%
|style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;"|13%
|Question: "Should the monarchy be retained or should we be a republic with an elected head of state?"
|-
|30 September – 4 October 2022
|YouGov<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=YouGov / The Times Survey Results |url=https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/hswqd1wxs5/TheTimes_Scot_VI_221004_.pdf}}</ref>
|1,067
|style="background:#FADBD1"|50%
|34%
|17%
|style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;"|16%
|(Reference to future) Question: "Do you think Britain should continue to have a monarchy in the future, or should it be replaced with an elected head of state?"
|-
| colspan="8" |''Queen Elizabeth II dies on 8 September 2022 and King Charles III ascends to the throne''
|-
|11–15 March 2021
|''Opinium''<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCall |first=Chris |date=2022-09-14 |title=Royal family 'less popular' in Scotland than rest of the UK, polls find |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/royal-family-less-popular-scotland-27977576 |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Daily Record |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Do you think Britain should continue to have a monarchy in the future, or become a republic? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/do-you-think-britain-should-continue-to-have-a-monarchy-in-the-future-or-become-a-republic/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,096
| style="background:#FADBD1" |45%
|36%
|19%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |9%
|(Reference to future) Question: "Do you think Britain should continue to have a monarchy in the future, or become a republic?"
|-
|2018
|DeltaPoll<ref>{{cite news |last=Leask |first=David |date=21 May 2018 |title=Poll reveals scale of gap in support for the monarchy |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/16238128.poll-41-per-cent-scots-support-monarchy/ |access-date=23 May 2022 |work=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-22 |title=SUPPORT FOR THE UNION AND THE MONARCHY (SCOTLAND) {{!}} Deltapoll |url=https://deltapoll.co.uk/polls/monarchy-union-scotland-support-data |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=Deltapoll {{!}} Deltapoll}}</ref>
|511
| style="background:#FADBD1" |41%
|28%
|31%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |13%
|Question: "Are you in favour or against the institution of the Monarchy?"
|-
|9 January 2015 – 14 January 2015
|Panelbase<ref>{{Cite web |title=Should Britain keep the monarchy? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/should-britain-keep-the-monarchy/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,007
| style="background:#FADBD1" |65%
|25%
|10%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |40%
|Question: "Should Britain keep the monarchy?"
|-
|17 October 2013 – 24 October 2013
|Panelbase<ref>{{Cite web |title=What are your views on the monarchy? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/what-are-your-views-on-the-monarchy/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|866
| style="background:#FADBD1" |48%
|32%
|20%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |16%
|Question: "What are your views on the monarchy?"
|-
|24 April 2007 – 26 April 2007
|YouGov<ref>{{Cite web |title=If Scotland remains within the UK, should the Queen remain Scotland's head of state? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/if-scotland-remains-within-the-uk-should-the-queen-remain-scotlands-head-of-sta/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,012
| style="background:#FADBD1" |62%
|46%
|12%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |16%
|Question: "If Scotland remains within the UK, should the Queen remain Scotland’s head of state?"
|}

===Polling on the British monarchy if Scotland becomes independent===

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="7" |Table of public opinion in Scotland on the "British Monarchy" If Scotland becomes independent.
!
|-
!Date conducted
!Pollster
!Sample size
!Support<br />monarchy
!Support elected<br />head of state
!Undecided/
Ambivalent/would not vote
!Lead
!Notes
|-
|4–6 December 2024
|Norstat<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nortstat poll |url=https://aws.norstat.no/uk-political-polling/BiS%20tables%20for%20publication%20231224.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Political Polls |url=https://norstat.co/markets/united-kingdom/political-polls |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Norstat |language=en}}</ref>
|1,013
|36%
| style="background: rgb(153, 255, 153);|51%
|12%
| style="background: rgb(0, 129, 66); color: white;"|15%
|(Vote on Scotland becoming both independent and a republic)
"If Scottish independence meant that Scotland would be a republic - meaning the King would no longer be the head of state, so Scotland’s governance would be fully democratic and not a monarchy - how would you vote if there were an independence referendum tomorrow?"
|-
| colspan="8" |''King Charles III has a coronation on 6 May 2023''
|-
|3–15 March 2023
|Lord Ashcroft<ref name=":1" />
|1,470
|38%
| style="background: rgb(153, 255, 153);"|44%
|18%
| style="background: rgb(0, 129, 66); color: white;"|6%
|"If Scotland voted to become independent, would you want the King to remain as Scotland's head of state, or not?"
|-
|12–16 December 2022
|Panelbase<ref>{{Cite web |title=Results from Alba party poll |url=https://drg.global/wp-content/uploads/Alba-Party-Tables-for-publication-161222.pdf}}</ref>
|1,004
|35%
| style="background: rgb(153, 255, 153);" |43%
|21%
| style="background: rgb(0, 129, 66); color: white;" |8%
|Question: “If Scotland votes to become an independent country should Scotland be a republic with an elected head of state or should Scotland keep King Charles as head of state?”
|-
|30 September – 4 October 2022
|YouGov<ref name=":0" />
|1,067
| style="background:#FADBD1" |41%
|40%
|19%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |1%
|Question: "And, if Scotland became an independent country, do you think it should continue to have a monarchy in the future, or should it be replaced with an elected head of state?"
|-
|29 September – 5 October 2022
|Ipsos<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lukewarm views on the Monarchy in Scotland |url=https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/lukewarm-views-monarchy-scotland}}</ref>
|1,000
| style="background:#FADBD1" |42%
|29%
|23%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |13%
|Question: "If Scotland were to become an independent country in the future, would you support or oppose Scotland keeping the reigning UK monarch as its head of state?"
|-
| colspan="8" |''Queen Elizabeth II dies on 8 September 2022 and King Charles III ascends to the throne''
|-
|16–24 June 2021
|Panelbase<ref>{{Cite web |title=If Scotland becomes independent would you prefer the monarch to remain head of state in Scotland or would you rather Scotland had an elected head of state? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/if-scotland-becomes-independent-would-you-prefer-the-monarch-to-remain-head-of-state-in-scotland-or-would-you-rather-scotland-had-an-elected-head-of-state/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,287
| style="background:#FADBD1" |47%
|35%
|18%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |12%
|Question: "If Scotland becomes independent would you prefer the monarch to remain head of state in Scotland or would you rather Scotland had an elected head of state?"
|-
|11–16 March 2021
|Opinium<ref>{{Cite web |title=If Scotland became an independent country do you think Scotland should continue as a monarchy or become a republic? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/if-scotland-became-an-independent-country-do-you-think-scotland-should-continue-as-a-monarchy-or-become-a-republic/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,096
| style="background:#FADBD1" |39%
|39%
|22%
|even
|Question: "If Scotland became an independent country do you think Scotland should continue as a monarchy or become a republic?"
|-
|24–26 April 2007 
|YouGov<ref>{{Cite web |title=Should the Queen remain Head of State in an independent Scotland? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/should-the-queen-remain-head-of-state-in-an-independent-scotland/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,012
|38%
| style="background: rgb(153, 255, 153);" |47%
|15%
| style="background: rgb(0, 129, 66); color: white;" |9%
|Question: "Should the Queen remain Head of State in an independent Scotland?"
|-
|18–20 April 2007 
|YouGov<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is your preference as to an independent Scotland's head of state? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/what-is-your-preference-as-to-an-independent-scotlands-head-of-state-1/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,027
|40%
| style="background: rgb(153, 255, 153);" |41%
|19%
| style="background: rgb(0, 129, 66); color: white;" |1%
|Question: "What is your preference as to an independent Scotland’s head of state?"
|}

==== More than two main options ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Date conducted
!Pollster
!Sample size
!Support<br />monarchy
!Support elected<br />head of state or other
!Undecided/
Ambivalent
!Lead
!Notes
|-
|9–11 January 2012
|YouGov<ref>{{Cite web |title=If Scotland were to become independent, what would be your prefered head of state? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/if-scotland-were-to-become-independent-of-the-rest-of-the-uk-do-you-think-scotl/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,002
| style="background:#FADBD1" |46% (4% for a replacement Scottish monarch)
|41%
|8%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |5% (excluding a Scottish monarch)
|Question: "If Scotland were to become independent, what would be your prefered [sic] head of state?"
|-
|8–10 July 2008
|YouGov<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is your preference as to an independent Scotland's head of state? - What Scotland Thinks |url=https://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/what-is-your-preference-as-to-an-independent-scotlands-head-of-state/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=whatscotlandthinks.org |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|1,131
| style="background:#FADBD1" |55%
|Someone else: 10%, 
no head of state: 29%
|6%
| style="background:#993311;color:#FFFFFF;" |16%
|Question: "What is your preference as to an independent Scotland’s head of state?"
(3 options for answer + don't know)
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Politics|Scotland}}
=== Scotland ===
* [[Politics of Scotland]]
* [[Our Republic (Scotland)]]

=== Other ===
* [[Welsh republicanism]]
* [[Republic (political organisation)]]
* [[Republicanism in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Labour for a Republic]]
* [[List of advocates of republicanism in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Republicanism in Australia]]
* [[Republicanism in New Zealand]]
* [[Republicanism in Barbados]]
* [[Republicanism in the Bahamas]]
* [[Republicanism in Canada]]
* [[Republicanism in Jamaica]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}{{Scottish nationalism}}{{Celtic nationalism}}{{Nationalism in the United Kingdom}}
{{Republicanism}}

[[Category:Scottish republicanism| ]]
[[Category:Republicanism in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Separatism in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Scottish independence]]
[[Category:Republicanism by country]]