Concern for the Queen’s health.

[winjim]

Perhaps not so amusing for the several hundred people who make a nice little living out of the "Royal Connection".

So you're suggesting that the Scottish government seize the private residence of a foreign head of state, sack all the staff who work there and then use it as presidential accommodation with what, no staff?

I can't wait for the diplomatic uproar that would create. It beats my idea of taxing it.

 

[BoldonLad]

So you're suggesting that the Scottish government seize the private residence of a foreign head of state, sack all the staff who work there and then use it as presidential accommodation with what, no staff?

I can't wait for the diplomatic uproar that would create.

I am not suggesting anything. It was you theorising on tax implications for Balmoral. I hardly think the Scottish Government "taxing the fark" (I think I quote you correctly) out the "private residence of a foreign head of state" would also be rather unpopular, diplomatically, particularly with said Foreign Head of State.

Personally, I could give a fig.

There is one small detail... Scotland has not gained independence (yet), and, Balmoral has not been seized, or 'taxed to fark'.

 

[winjim]

I am not suggesting anything. It was you theorising on tax implications for Balmoral. I hardly think the Scottish Government "taxing the fark" (I think I quote you correctly) out the "private residence of a foreign head of state" would also be rather unpopular, diplomatically, particularly with said Foreign Head of State.

Personally, I could give a fig.

There is one small detail... Scotland has not gained independence (yet), and, Balmoral has not been seized, or 'taxed to fark'.

No it hasn't been taxed. That's my point. As was mentioned upthread the monarchy is able to hoard wealth due to exemption from inheritance tax. Somebody suggested that if they paid their fair share then they might have to sell Balmoral which is why I'm wondering what the implications might be for the treasury either of the UK or of an independent Scotland.

 

[BoldonLad]

No it hasn't been taxed. That's my point. As was mentioned upthread the monarchy is able to hoard wealth due to exemption from inheritance tax. Somebody suggested that if they paid their fair share then they might have to sell Balmoral which is why I'm wondering what the implications might be for the treasury either of the UK or of an independent Scotland.

a) through my lazy typing, I failed to say 'Balmoral has not been taxed to fark by an independent Scottish Government"

b) other wealthy individuals manage to hang onto their wealth, often with the connivance of National Governments, why would the Windsors be different?

c) Looking up how the spoils were divvied up when Ireland became independent may give some clues. But, if I am not mistaken, the Royal Family did not become paupers.

 

[Rusty Nails]

That's what I think should be the case. Basically if the English monarch ceases to be head of state of an independent Scotland then they can tax the everliving fark out of Balmoral was the point I was getting at.

Plus some other minor constitutional niggles I'm sure...

And all other holiday homes.

Not a bad policy.

 

[icowden]

That's what I think should be the case. Basically if the English monarch ceases to be head of state of an independent Scotland then they can tax the everliving fark out of Balmoral was the point I was getting at.

And yet the Crown estates in Scotland generally generate 10 million a year plus 700 million (thus far) in lease revenue from construction of wind farms on crown estate land. Seems like holding onto Brenda might make some financial sense...

 

[Ian H]

Further to the title of this thread, has no-one channelled Dr McCoy yet?

 

[winjim]

And yet the Crown estates in Scotland generally generate 10 million a year plus 700 million (thus far) in lease revenue from construction of wind farms on crown estate land. Seems like holding onto Brenda might make some financial sense...

So in order to hold on to the revenue from the crown estates is it right to make exemptions on the taxation of private assets? And wouldn't there be a case for property belonging to The Crown to become property of the state in an independent Scotland?

 

[icowden]

So in order to hold on to the revenue from the crown estates is it right to make exemptions on the taxation of private assets? And wouldn't there be a case for property belonging to The Crown to become property of the state in an independent Scotland?

Of course there would be a case. The question is whether it would have the same worth without the kudos of the Crown.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Of course there would be a case. The question is whether it would have the same worth without the kudos of the Crown.

I recently saw a report (can’t find it now) which showed that more money is made from visitors to unoccupied royal sites than occupied ones. Income from tourism would go up, not down, if we no longer had a monarchy. People come for the history, not so much the royals themselves.

Balmoral would still be globally recognised as the place where the UK’s longest reigning monarch spent her holidays and where she died. The tourist draw will be huge, with or without the continuance of a royal family.

 

[BoldonLad]

I recently saw a report (can’t find it now) which showed that more money is made from visitors to unoccupied royal sites than occupied ones. Income from tourism would go up, not down, if we no longer had a monarchy. People come for the history, not so much the royals themselves.

Balmoral would still be globally recognised as the place where the UK’s longest reigning monarch spent her holidays and where she died. The tourist draw will be huge, with or without the continuance of a royal family.

Suppose it depends what is meant by “unoccupied”. If it means no royals present at a given point in time, then it may not mean quite same as sites/buildings which are never occupied by royals now.

 

[theclaud]

Suppose it depends what is meant by “unoccupied”. If it means no royals present at a given point in time, then it may not mean quite same as sites/buildings which are never occupied by royals now.

Versailles seems to do alright for tourists.

 

[winjim]

Of course there would be a case. The question is whether it would have the same worth without the kudos of the Crown.

Offshore wind power is nothing without that royal touch.

 

[BoldonLad]

If we converted Balmoral to a luxury hotel and spa, how much tax would that bring in?

And... say Scotland votes for independence, what are they going to do about the monarchy?

Judging by the televised coverage from the Scottish Parliament on BBC news just a few minutes ago, I don’t think the Monarchy need be concerned, full groveling and forelock tugging was very evident.

 

[BoldonLad]

Versailles seems to do alright for tourists.

Quite. I have even been there. But, in France it would, presumably be rather difficult to visit a site occupied by a living (French) Royal.