Scotland Decides: Voters flock to the polls

Voters of all ages and political persuasions have flocked to polling stations across the Lothians today.

Loch Yes monster crossing the Royal Mile. Pic: Ian Georgeson

The passion on both sides of the independence debate was made clear by the campaigners who gathered outside the venues to try to change people’s minds at the eleventh hour.

Better Together supporter Ed Barker said he “felt sad” when he voted, claiming “things should never have gone this far”.

Speaking to the Evening News outside St Mary’s Cathedral polling station this afternoon, Mr Barker said: “I can’t believe we are at this point now - we should never have had a referendum in the first place.”

However Yes voter Hannah Bradley, who was handing out balloons and stickers nearby, said she was “euphoric” when she marked the cross in the Yes space.

She added: “I am so nervous and so hopeful.”

Fettes College pupils Abigail Peters, 16, and Loren Eadie, 17, were among the young voters at Stockbridge Parish Church.

Both teenagers voted no, saying that uncertainty about Scotland’s future currency was among their reasons for supporting the union.

The students are planning a referendum breakfast party at the private school to mark tomorrow morning’s results.

There was also plenty of colour around the Capital, with one striking voter wearing an inflateable Nessie on his head quickly dubbed “the Loch Yes Monster’.