The latest news on Scottish independence

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/scotland-independence-vote/scottish-independence-referendum-day-brings-electric-atmosphere-across-scotland-as-millions-go-to-the-polls-30597133.html

Millions are descending on polling stations across Scotland to decide on whether they should become an independent nation.

And as the polls opened at 7am, dozens were already waiting - ready to decide on Scotland's future.

It's a simple question facing voters from as young as 16 - should Scotland be an independent country?

Our reporter Adrian Rutherford has been on the ground across the nation this week.

Speaking from Edinburgh on Thursday morning, he said the atmosphere was continuing to build as millions of Scots go to the polls in the biggest and most crucial vote in their history.

"What struck me is the excitement among people here - I knew it would be big, but it's hard to comprehend just how important this is for people," he said.

"There's a great feeling, and we have seen that in Edinburgh - but at the same time there's a great deal of anger though, partly from the Yes side. Some are more friendly than others."

And despite polling booths being open for 15 hours today, some of Scotland's electorate were keen to make their mark as early as possible.

"I was at a polling station as people were casting their vote this morning," our reporter said.

"People told me they have been waiting their whole lives for this - people were there from before 7am, waiting to cast their vote."

Voting is now well under way, with polls open until 10pm.

Counting will begin at midnight, with initial local declarations due to begin within two hours.

Scotland could see its first declaration at around 1.30am - possibly from Western Isles Council or North Lanarkshire.

And with a predicted turnout of around 80%, the referendum has captured the interest of the whole country.

"Everyone here realises just how big this is, and how much will change," our reporter said.

"This is much closer - the polls have significantly narrowed. It's amazing, in Edinburgh for example, you hear the Yes crowd everywhere, but not the No.

"The No camp is very much a significant silent majority."

And of course it's not just Northern Ireland that is watching intently on its neighbour's crucial vote.

"There is a huge media interest here in Scotland - people from right across the world," he said.

"Aside from the US, China and Europe - one journalist from Sao Paulo said there is big interest there due to their own relationship with Brazil

"We have been talking about how could this could affect Northern Ireland - but it's much wider than that.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/scottish-independence/scottish-independence-final-poll-puts-no-campaign-ahead-by-six-percentage-points-9741019.html

Scottish independence: Final poll puts No campaign ahead by six percentage points

Scotland was heading to a nail-biting finale in the vote on independence, the final survey of the two-and-a-half year referendum campaign suggested.

The survey for Ipsos MORI, published by the London Evening Standard as voting was underway, put the No camp on 53 per cent and Yes on 47 per cent. With a margin of error of three per cent, that confirmed a series of recent polls showing the contest was finely balanced.

It also found that, despite the torrent of publicity from both camps, that four per cent of Scots who are certain to vote had still not made up their minds.

They survey found that almost six in ten No voters were more motivated more by “fear” of the consequences of separation than of “hope” for the future. By contrast, eight in ten Yes voters said they were motivated more by hope than fear.

Men favoured independence by 53 to 47, while women were opposed by 42 to 58. People aged 25 to 34 were the most passionate supporters of independence, dividing 73 to 27 for Yes. Those aged over-55 were split two-to-one in favour of No.