Scots vote on independence from UK

Scots vote on independence from UK

                                                                                 

SCOTLAND voted on Thursday in an independence referendum that could break up the centuries-old United Kingdom and create Europe's newest State since the collapse of Yugaslavia.

Some 97 per cent of eligible Scots - nearly 4.3 million people - have registered to vote, underscoring the passions that the historic decision has ignited across the nation.

In queues snaking outside polling stations, voters spoke emotionally about the momentous choice they were faced with.

"It's an important day. This is a decision which lasts forever, which will impact my children." said Charlotte Parish, 34, who turned out early in Edinburgh with her two children before taking them to school and heading into work.

In Glasgow, 23-year-old Aidan Ford said: "I felt different today than in most of the previous voles. I might he making a difference and my vote counts." After months when it looked like the independence camp could not win. a surge in support in the final two weeks has left pollsters warning the outcome is too close lo call. One of Scotland's most famous sportsmen, tennis star Andy Murray, appeared lo lend his support to separation in a last-minute tweet accusing the "No" campaign of negativity. "Let's do this!" wrote Murray, who no longer lives in Scotland, echoing a slogan raised by pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond in a final fiery campaign speech.

Posted in: News 2014