Rab C Nesbitt should rule Doncaster as part of Scotland within EU, say readers

Rab C Nesbitt should become leader of Doncaster as part of Scotland and stay in the European Union, according to you, our readers.
Are Rab C Nesbitt (right) and his family the right people to lead Doncaster in the EU?Are Rab C Nesbitt (right) and his family the right people to lead Doncaster in the EU?
Are Rab C Nesbitt (right) and his family the right people to lead Doncaster in the EU?

We asked who should be in charge of the town in a fun poll after we revealed that an ancient technicality meant that Doncaster was still part of Scotland - and if the country voted for independence, could stay in the EU, despite the Brexit vote, along with our town.

It was all just a bit of light-hearted fun of course - and you seemed to agree by choosing the legendary Glaswegian comic creation as the perfect leader for our town as an annexe of Scotland.

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The scruffy, string-vest wearing self-proclaimed alcoholic and street philosopher, topped our poll as to who should be mayor under Scots rule.

The character, portrayed by actor Gregor Fisher in the popular BBC comedy series, finished ahead of The Big Yin, Scots stand-up star Billy Connolly who clinched runners-up spot and presumably would make an ideal deputy to Rab in the Mansion House.

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson would be able to join his son Darren, manager at Doncaster Rovers, with some high-powered influence in the town - he took third place in the vote, just ahead of comedian Russ Abbott's 80s ginger-haired, tartan sporting creation CU Jimmy.

Singing duo The Proclaimers, legendary James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery and Harry Potter author JK Rowling were among the other Scottish stars to pick up votes.

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However, Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, the only genuine politician on the list proved to be one of the least popular choices while fiery TV chef Gordon Ramsay failed to pick up a single vote.

Earlier this month, we revealed how Doncaster could remain in the EU and be "fenced off" with Scotland unless historic laws are repealed.

Under ancient rules, Doncaster is still part of Scotland - and calls are growing for Scotland to remain in the European Union after voters there voted overwhelmingly to stay.

Scottish Nationalist Party First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for a second independence referendum so Scotland can stay in the EU following the UK's Brexit vote while there have been calls for Scotland to be 'fenced off' from England - meaning Doncaster too could become a walled town and act as a Scottish gateway to Europe.

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In 2012, it was revealed, with tongue in cheek, how Doncaster was still a part of Scotland - and how the SNP would welcome taking back Doncaster into its fold.

The town was seized by the Scots nearly 900 years ago - and has never officially been handed back.

Local historians Peter Robinson and Charles Kelham unearthed evidence that Doncaster was under Scottish rule for 21 years from 1136 to 1157. But while the town was officially signed over between the kings of England and Scotland, it seems it was never formally handed back.

The pair found that during the reign of King Stephen of England, King David I of Scotland conquered parts of northern England.

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A peace treaty - The Treaty of Durham - was agreed in 1136 and Doncaster - but nowhere else in Yorkshire - was handed over to Scotland.

A second treaty three years later confirmed Scottish ownership but in 1157, Henry II of England simply took back areas lost to the Scots - but without any official paperwork to seal the deal.

Four years ago, a spokesman for the Scottish Nationalist Party said Doncaster would be greeted with open arms and added: “Doncaster is a fine town. If the people of Doncaster ever wanted to rejoin Scotland and benefit from all the good work of the SNP government, we would make them very welcome.”

In last month’s referendum, 62 per cent of Scots voted to remain in the EU.

In Doncaster, 69% of people voted out with just 31% voting to remain in.