Independence referendum: Scots head to the polls
Voting is under way on a historic day for Scotland as people determine whether the country should stay part of the United Kingdom or become an independent nation.
Polling stations opened at 7am and people have until 10pm to cast their ballot, with the result expected to be known by breakfast time on Friday.
The turnout is expected to be high, with more than 4 million people registered to vote, according to the Electoral Commission. For the first time 16- and 17-year-olds across the country will be able to take part.
The question facing voters is a simple one: should Scotland be an independent country?
Scottish independence referendum: the rules
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond was joined by two first-time voters, 18-year-old Natasha McDonald and Lea Pirie, 28, at Ritchie Hall, Strichen, in his Aberdeenshire constituency, on Thursday morning.
Mr Salmond speaking outside the polling station said: “Obviously there’s a great deal of anticipation, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it’s a day that everybody will remember.
“We’re in the hands of the people of Scotland and there’s no safer place to be than in the hands of the Scottish people.”
Better Together leader Alistair Darling was greeted by a mixture of cheers and boos as he arrived at the Church Hill Theatre in Edinburgh to cast his vote.
He said: “I’m feeling very confident. It’s been a long, hard two-and-a-half year campaign, passions have been aroused on both sides, and understandably so because we are talking about the biggest single decision that any of us will ever take in our lifetime.”
A group of well-wishers cheered former prime minister Gordon Brown as he made the short trip to his local polling station.
He shook hands with no campaign supporters, as well as one yes voter, who were waiting for him in the mist at North Queensferry Community Centre in Fife.
Mr Brown said: “Thanks very much for all the help you have given. I don’t know if the rain will stay off.”
After casting her vote, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “I’ve just voted yes to Scotland becoming an independent country. What a wonderful feeling.”
The crucial ballot, which could see the 307-year-old union between Scotland and England brought to an end, is expected to go down to the wire, with polls showing the contest is too close to call.
A couple kiss as voters form a queue outside a polling place in Portobello, Edinburgh
A young voter arrives at a polling station to cast her vote in Edinburgh
