EDINBURGH: Scotland voted on Thursday on whether to stay within the United Kingdom or end the 307-year-old union with England and become an independent nation in a finely balanced referendum with far-reaching consequences.

From remote highlands and islands to the tough city estates of Glasgow, people were almost equally divided over a vote watched closely by Britain’s allies, investors and restive regions at home and abroad.

After a heated campaign that pitched husband against wife, parents against children and friends against friends, millions of Scots took their constitutional duty seriously by turning out to vote en masse.

The voters queued up from before dawn to cast their ballots.

Pre-voting opinion polls gave the “No” campaign — those in favour of remaining in the United Kingdom — a slight edge.

Hundreds of thousands of people were still making up their minds as polling stations opened, but as the day wore on, the British currency and major share prices rose on expectations there would not be a split.

Tennis star Andy Murray sent a powerful last-minute message in support of the pro-independence “Yes” vote, tweeting “Let’s do this” after months of silence.

Many people saw the choice as one of “hearts or heads” — whether emotional stirrings and yearnings would outweigh pragmatic concerns over the risks and uncertainty that an independent state would face.

“I’ve waited all my life for this,” said the first voter in Edinburgh’s Waverley Court, a businessman who gave only his first name, Ron. “It’s time to break with England. ‘Yes’ to independence.”

As he spoke, a couple of workers hurrying by in the morning mist and drizzle shouted “Vote No”.

Those opposed to independence say a split could slow down economic growth, affect the United Kingdom’s defence capability, threaten the unity of other countries and tip the balance in favour of people who want Britain to leave the European Union.

Those in favour say such fears are overblown. They see a bright future for an independent Scotland in Europe, a fairer society and good defence and economic cooperation with London.

The issue has divided families and friends but also electrified this country of 5.3 million in months of debate.

One group of “Yes” voters marched to an Edinburgh polling station with a bagpiper playing “Scotland the Brave”, while on the city’s main Princes Street, “Better Together” campaigners handed out leaflets saying “Vote No”.

Leaders of both sides have urged Scots to consider the long-term implications of answering “Yes” or “No” to the question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Alex Salmond, the 59-year-old nationalist leader, told hundreds of supporters at a final rally: “Scotland’s future must be in Scotland’s hands ... This is our opportunity of a lifetime and we must seize it with both hands.”

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2014