This is the first of two blogs examining links which might be agreed between a hypothetical independent Scotland and the “New UK” which emerged from secession, if both countries wanted to avoid the disruption of a customs border, and to ensure continuity of defence arrangements and financial stability. The only way to avoid a customs border would be for the two countries to enter into a customs union. This blog explains how such a customs union might work, and how it could give Scotland more say in negotiating international trade agreements than if it (re)joined the EU. This analysis was first published by think-tank