THERE has been a surge in Americans seeking to move to Scotland since the US election, according to legal experts.
Thornton's, one of Scotland's biggest legal firms, says there has been an "influx" of people interested in relocating after Donald Trump's win on Wednesday.
The company is advising hopeful Americans that a move to Scotland requires acquiring British citizenship or a visa via the UK Government, with "Scottish citizenship" not possible under the terms of the Union.
The National reported earlier this week that there had been a spike in Google searches for "how to move to Scotland" and "Scottish citizenship" in the wake of the presidential election.
One expert on immigration law, Jacqueline Moore (below) from Thornton's, is also informing those looking to make the move that having Scottish ancestry can be helpful to a successful application.
Other options are available for entrepreneurs and establish business people, Moore explained.
"Our specialist immigration team support people from all over the world to move to Scotland. Since the results of the US presidential election, we have had an influx of new enquiries from US citizens, including many with Scottish roots, looking to find out more about obtaining British citizenship or a visa to live and work in Scotland," she said.
"US citizens considering a move need to be aware that they cannot live and work in Scotland without either a visa or British citizenship. There is a common misconception that buying a property will help with visa applications – but this is simply not the case.
"Some US citizens have Scottish ancestry. Depending on the particular circumstances, this may provide a route to British citizenship. In particular, those born before 1 January 1988 with a Scottish or UK-born mother or grandparent may wish to explore their eligibility to obtain to register as British citizens. For those who have a British citizen partner, relocation as a family may be possible, providing the family visa rules are met.
"There are also visa options for ambitious entrepreneurs with innovative new businesses or established businesses looking to expand into Scotland. A final option to consider is finding a skilled position with an employer who holds a sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Whilst the process can be complex there are a number of solutions available to those wishing to move to Scotland.”
Trump was elected as the 47th president of the United States earlier this week.
The victory marks an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the US Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.
He is the first person convicted of a felony to be elected president and, at 78, is the oldest person elected to the office.
