Front Line Duty is a timely and important addition to the ongoing debate around the second Scottish Independence Referendum. Much of the defence and security debate has revolved around questions about NATO, Trident, and intelligence - this is the fi rst major work to consider customs and borders through a security framework which could underpin Scottish physical and fi nancial security more generally. With over 35 years as a professional Customs offi cer and as an International Customs Consultant including direct operational experience in anti-smuggling with the British Army across major confl ict zones, Mr Austin's analysis is insightful and is a major contribution to the present debate. Dr Colin Fleming (University of Edinburgh)