“Quo Vadis Alba?” The Impact Of Brexit On Scottish Businesses: what should be the future relationship of the United Kingdom and the European Union?

Although Brexit has seen a withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, it has not stopped the need for continuing cooperation and interaction between British and EU citizens and businesses. The EU market continues to be one of the biggest export markets for UK companies. UK companies that look to enter into the EU market – and sell their goods and provide services in the European Union – need to comply with EU laws.

With Scotland having voted to remain in the European Union, there has been ongoing debate about Scotland’s place in Europe, including potential routes for re-engagement or independence. Scotland, in particular, has found itself in a unique and complex position, having overwhelmingly voted to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum, with 62% of Scottish voters supporting continued membership. This divergence between Scotland’s political preferences and the overall outcome of the UK referendum has reignited debates about Scotland’s future relationship with the European Union and its role within the United Kingdom itself. This timely and interdisciplinary research will analyse the political, business, and legal dynamics between Scotland and the European Union, considering the unique challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit.

This PhD project will focus on topics including, but not limited to:

• Scotland’s political strategy towards re-establishing ties with the European Union.
• Trade relationships between Scotland and EU member states post-Brexit.
• The impact of Brexit on Scottish businesses.
• The impact of Brexit on Scottish legal frameworks and policy alignment with the European Union.
• The implications of Scotland’s pursuit of independence for its EU membership prospects.

Economically and legally, Brexit has created challenges for Scotland, especially in terms of trade with European markets. Leaving the EU’s internal market and customs union has introduced new trade barriers, tariffs, and regulatory complications. The research will assess the specific economic and legal impacts of Brexit on Scottish business, including key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing, which are particularly sensitive to EU trade policies and regulations.

The research will also examine the Scottish government’s strategies to mitigate the economic disruption caused by Brexit.

Four years since the actual withdrawal present a right amount of time that has been needed to better understand what the real impact of Brexit is for companies and nationals in Scotland in particular, and the United Kingdom overall, and whether, and in what way, they might still need to apply EU law. Further, as the legislative withdrawal process has still not been fully completed (i.e. retained/assimilated EU law), the research shall serve a good base for discussion on potential future relations with the European Union (e.g. more bilateral trade deals with individual Member States or joining the European Economic Area (EEA) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)).

The outcomes will have significant implications for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders both within Scotland, the United Kingdom, and across the European Union.

Academic Qualifications:

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Law or appropriate Social Science with a good fundamental knowledge of EU Law.

English Language Requirement:

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each of the four components), Ither equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential Attributes:

·       Experience of fundamental application of problem solving and critical thinking skills

·       Competent in conducting independent research

·       Knowledge of law especially EU Law

·       Good written and oral communication skills

·       Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·       Good time management

Desirable Attributes:

The focus of the study is Scotland and the wider UK. An understanding of the legal system in Scotland would be useful.