Hundreds of Scots have turned up to polling stations across the country to cast their ballots on a historic referendum that will decide if the country will remain in the British confederation.
Several opinion polls have revealed that the country is split in two on this issue. While opponents of the secession argue that it will be difficult to severe the deep ties that both nations share, proponents of the move say independence will give Scotland the freewill to manage its own affairs and determine its future.
Politicians from both sides have been eagerly campaigning to sway the minds of voters. Earlier in the week, British Prime Minister David Cameron travelled to Scotland in a last ditch attempt to rally support for the 'No' vote. It is currently unclear if the star-studded campaign by the British government was successful in forcing Scots to rethink secession.
Reports indicate that voting has been open for over 6 hours and officials have revealed that polling will be officially closed at 22:00 London time.
Local sources say there is palpable anticipation in the country as people await the result that will determine the future of this relationship, which has survived more than three centuries. Results are expected to begin filtering in by 02:00 London time.
Local sources say raging debates over the vote have threatened to create a rift between friends and family members.
Many pundits have noted that the two countries will continue to share many ties even if Scotland is no longer part of the United Kingdom. Scottish officials say the pound will continue to be the country's official currency, and reports indicate that the Queen has been offered the choice of remaining as the matriarch of Scotland. Also, if the Scots do choose to leave the UK, both countries are set to engage in talks over how to maintain their shared interests, which is expected to last more than a year.
