WE asked readers for their suggestions of who they would pick as Scotland's head of state - if we lived in a country where we had the opportunity to democratically elect them.
With King Charles's coronation looming, we wanted to get the views of National readers and who they would want to take on the job, in the event that Scotland gained independence and decided to be a republic.
We set out earlier today how Scotland feels about the monarchy, and the level of support there is for a republic, so we embarked on a fun hypothetical exercise to get our reader's views.
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And, readers were keen to share with us their suggestions, but there was one resounding top choice, which likely won't be a surprise to many.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon topped the list with a whopping 33 votes, with the runner-up Alba party leader Alex Salmond on eight.
National columnist and Yes movement galvaniser Lesley Riddoch took the third spot with six readers putting her in the running, with celebrities Brian Cox and Andy Murray finalising the shortlist with five and four votes respectively.
Honourable mentions go to historian Sir Tom Devine who narrowly missed out on the shortlist, as did actor Alan Cumming, best-selling crime author Val McDermid, and Susan Calman.
Two readers put their case for Princess Anne to take on the job, while Philippa Whitford and Kevin Bridges also had two supporters.
So, from our shortlist below, who do you think is the best fit for a democratically elected position as Scotland's first President?
We will keep the poll running until noon on Sunday and will share the results soon after.
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We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
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The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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