Polls open: Scotland's historic vote for independence

Should Scotland be an independent country? Voters face a straightforward question yes and no, as they head to the polls to cast their ballot in the country’s landmark referendum.

A vote for independence would mean Scotland, with its population of about 5.3 million, separates from the rest of the United Kingdom -- England, Wales and Northern Ireland -- ending the 307-year old union.  

With 4,285,323 people -- 97 per cent of the electorate -- registered to vote, it is expected to be the busiest day in Scottish electoral history. We bring you the mood from Scotland, around 15 hours away from making history (or not). 



A woman wears stickers on her face on a "short walk to freedom" march in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters

A supporter of the 'Yes' campaign sits outside a polling station during the referendum on Scottish independence in Pitlochry, Scotland. Photograph: Russell Cheyne/Reuters

Voters at the Notre Dame Primary School polling station in Glasgow, Scotland. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond stands with school children outside a polling station during the referendum on Scottish independence in Strichen, Scotland. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters

A 'No' supporter greets voters as they enter Church Hill Theatre polling station in Morningside in Edinburgh, Scotland. The referendum is too close to call but a 'Yes' vote would see the break-up of the United Kingdom and Scotland would stand as an independent country for the first time since the formation of the Union. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

A man plays the bagpipes on a ‘short walk to freedom’ march in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters

People leave a polling station after placing their votes during the referendum on Scottish independence in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters

People leave a polling station after placing their votes during the referendum on Scottish independence in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters

Voters wait for the polling station to open to cast their vote in Portobello near Edinburgh, Scotland. Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters  

German Short Haired Pointer dogs Dude (L) and Hector wait to meet First Minister Alex Salmond. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images