The fate of the United Kingdom is at stake today as Scotland begin voting in a referendum on becoming an independent state, deciding whether to unravel a marriage that helped build an empire but has increasingly been felt by many Scots as stifling and one-sided.
The question on the ballot paper is simplicity itself: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" Yet it has divided Scots during months of campaigning — and in 15 hours today, the future of the 307-year old union with England hangs in the balance.
More than 2,600 polling places opened today at 7 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m. Turnout is expected to be high, with more than 4.2 million people registered to vote — 97 percent of those eligible.
Polls suggest the result is too close to call, with the pro-independence Yes side gaining momentum in the final weeks of the campaign.
First Minister Alex Salmond was casting his vote near his home in northeastern Scotland. If the Yes side prevails he will realize a long-held dream of leading his country to independence after an alliance with England formed in 1707.
Pro-independence forces got a last-minute boost from tennis star Andy Murray, who abandoned neutrality and signalled his support of the Yes campaign in a tweet to his 2.7 million followers early Thursday.
Anti-independence leaders including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have implored Scots not to break their links with the rest of the United Kingdom.
On a foggy morning in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, a heavy stream of voters began arriving at a polling station in the city centre the moment it opened. The mood was electric, tinged by nervousness.
One of the first, Anne Seaton, said she had voted Yes — "because why not?"
"Scotland got under the English Parliament by mischance," in 1707, she said. "It's time now for Scotland to make a deliberate decision for independence."
Voters expressed a mixture of excitement and apprehension about Scotland's choice.
Thomas Roberts said he had voted Yes because he felt optimistic about its future as an independent country.
"Why not roll the dice for once?" he said.
Once the polls close, ballot boxes will be transported to 32 regional centres for counting of the votes. The result is anticipated Friday morning.
Roberts said he was looking forward to watching the results in a pub, many of which are staying open overnight.
"I'm going to sit with a beer in my hand watching the results coming in," Roberts said.
But financial consultant Michael MacPhee, a No voter, said he would observe the returns coming in "with anxiety."
He said Scottish independence was "the daftest idea I've ever heard."

Well, I hold a contrary view and looks forward to the emergence of the world's new state. Just like the american elections, I will keep another late night, here in 9ja, to watch the results as they reel in!

Flee from those beast, we look forward to the day we can break away from this 'madness' they created too.

Omo please scotland be an independent country jare, so that your currency will be less that the dollars. Hereby making it possible for people to visit the place, pounds is a very stupid currency! Ma papa nearly sell him house because ma brother wan go school for UK

yungchop: Omo please scotland be an independent country jare, so that your currency will be less that the dollars. Hereby making it possible for people to visit the place, pounds is a very stupid currency! Ma papa nearly sell him house because ma brother wan go school for UK

i think the independence of scotland will present a lot opportunities like you rightly mentioned....the other thing that amazes me is how easy and simple its for people to go their separate ways. Maybe we can try same in Nigeria....if scotland succeeds.......i dey laugh oh!!!!

ulster:
i think the independence of scotland will present a lot opportunities like you rightly mentioned....the other thing that amazes me is how easy and simple its for people to go their separate ways. Maybe we can try same in Nigeria....if scotland succeeds.......i dey laugh oh!!!!

yes o!

The English decimated the Scottish way of life and their country when they finally took over in the 1700s. They did the same in Ireland. What right had they to invade these countries and simply take over their people and the resources? Well, they had a good cruel army and the most sophisticated equipment of the time. Does that sound familiar in this day and age?

You can't blame Scotland for wanting to be independent. Ireland fought hard for it's independence and until recently were still battling extremist factions in their country who wanted the whole of Ireland free of England, although that was not to be.

I can't blame the Scottish for wanting independence. If the answer is yes, it will take decades probably for the Scottish to find their feet, but in the end, I'm sure they will manage just fine, as Ireland did. If they vote no, the easiest route, they will get a little more autonomy but still will rely on England's government once again. But they still will have won some of the battle.

watching the 'counting' on sky news...the 'yes' guys are really serious...but i have to applaud the interest shown by every scottish person eligible to vote even down to the 16yr olds...in some counties the turn out was 100percent meaning that every eligible person turned out including the old..I hope and pray nigerians can take a cue from this when the next election comes around.

Between if the 'yes' guys carry the 'night', then David Cameron may have to resign before the end of tommorrow evening as expected..hmmmm

uzoexcel: watching the 'counting' on sky news...the 'yes' guys are really serious...but i have to applaud the interest shown by every scottish person eligible to vote even down to the 16yr olds...in some counties the turn out was 100percent meaning that every eligible person turned out including the old..I hope and pray nigerians can take a cue from this when the next election comes around.

Between if the 'yes' guys carry the 'night', then David Cameron may have to resign before the end of tommorrow evening as expected..hmmmm

Same here I am sure the yes guys will take it

The Better Together guys are leading at the moment with votes yet to be counted in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The Pounds Is revving up. Tight race!

While I believe Scotland deserves to govern herself, there's a conservative tinge (not as open to the world) about the Scots that might not attract investment as the UK. But heck, Norway is doing fine. Same with Denmark. Why would Scotland not?

Back and forth, its been an emotionally demanding race. Whatever they decide would have a lasting effect on generations to come.


Frawzey

No to independence wins

.

.

ayox2003: The Better Together guys are leading at the moment with votes yet to be counted in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The Pounds Is revving up. Tight race!

While I believe Scotland deserves to govern herself, there's a conservative tinge (not as open to the world) about the Scots that might not attract investment as the UK. But heck, Norway is doing fine. Same with Denmark. Why would Scotland not?

Back and forth, its been an emotionally demanding race. Whatever they decide would have a lasting effect on generations to come.


Frawzey

So u dey here well Scotland to remain in the UK

wewere wrong but all in all i love the 'peacefulness' of the whole imbroglio and how the losers accepted the results without causing issues

ulster:
Same here I am sure the yes guys will take it

bakynes:
So u dey here well Scotland to remain in the UK

Bakynes, how far?

But dem never finish now? Abi dem don finish?


Frawzey