A Labour MSP says expat Scots should be given the right to vote in the independence referendum.
Elaine Murray wants to give the vote to around 800,000 Scots who are currently outside Scotland.
The rules on overseas voting mean you can continue to have a say in your home constituency for up to 15 years after you move abroad.
Ms Murray says it is unfair that Scots who have gone to England for work should not get the same chance.
She raised the matter in a member’s debate at Holyrood on Wednesday after constituent James Wallace launched an internet campaign for a vote. He will not be allowed a vote after he moves to London for work next month.
Backing his campaign, Ms Murray said: ”For generations Scots have taken up opportunities to work in other parts of the UK and beyond and many have subsequently returned to Scotland to use the skills and experiences that they have gained elsewhere.
”Scots working outwith Scotland at the time of the independence referendum will not be eligible to vote on Scotland’s constitutional future whereas anyone eligible to be on the electoral register in Scotland will be entitled to vote.
”Scots working outwith Scotland at the time of UK general elections are allowed to vote, so why should they be banned from voting in one of the most important decisions in Scotland in over 300 years? It seems massively unfair.
”The fact is, with youth unemployment in Scotland rising, more young Scots are being forced to look outwith Scotland for jobs. It seems hugely unfair that they should be stopped from having a say in Scotland’s future.”
Mr Wallace said: ”I was born in Scotland, I have lived there for my whole existence of 23 years, it will always be home and if Scotland becomes independent I will have to get a Scottish passport. But I have no say on the future of my country. Surely this is unfair?”
Last week, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore announced a consultation on the referendum. He said he was proposing that the same electorate should vote in the referendum as a Scottish Parliament election and that means you have to live in Scotland to have a say.
First Minister Alex Salmond has said he will hold the historic poll in autumn 2014.
Mr Salmond will hold talks on the independence referendum with the Scottish Secretary next Friday. The discussions come after the First Minister wrote to Michael Moore about a meeting.
The Scotland Office confirmed the two men will meet in the Scottish Parliament on January 27.
The discussions will take place two days after the Scottish Government launches its consultation document on its referendum plans.