Scotland goes to the polls to decide on future of the UK

The future of the 307-year-old United Kingdom today lies in the hands of 4.2 million people in Scotland as they vote on the independence referendum after two years of campaigning.

In a final last-minute pitch for votes, Scottish first minister Alex Salmond last night declared that Scots are "on the eve of the most exciting day in Scottish democracy".

"We do so to catch our breath for the day ahead – a day which Scotland will never forget. Tomorrow is the opportunity of a lifetime. A precious chance to leave our mark in the pages of history," he told an audience in Perth.

Meanwhile, former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown, who has played a key role in the No campaign in the final weeks, urged voters "with any doubts" to vote No. "Let us tell those people who have still got doubts and are wavering, who are thinking of voting Yes yesterday but could be persuaded today, let us tell them about the real risks. This is not the fear of the unknown.

“This is now the risks of the known. An economic minefield where problems could implode at any time.

“An economic trapdoor down which we go, from which we might never escape,” he told a final rally in Glasgow.

More than 5,000 polling stations opened at 7am today to receive the first of the 4.2 million people living in Scotland who are entitled to vote.

Though it urged people to vote early, the electoral commission made clear that anyone who joins the voting queue before 10pm will be able to vote.

The first results from each local authority are expected in the early hours, with key places such as Glasgow expected at 5am tomorrow.

A final declaration is expected between 6am and 9am tomorrow, though matters will be delayed if there are demands for recounts.

Recounts are possible, since final polls yesterday all said it remains too close to call – though 10 per cent or so are still struggling with their decision.

Bookmakers expect No to win, laying No at 11/2 on and Yes at 19/5 – but, interestingly, the majority of the money laid in Scotland has gone on a Yes result.

Close attention will be paid to the turnout in Scotland’s poorest districts in Glasgow and elsewhere, which have been strongly targeted by the Yes Scotland campaign.

Last night, the organisation's chairman, former MP Dennis Canavan, said half of those who have previously supported Labour will vote Yes – a number that would guarantee victory.

Labour concedes some support has haemorrhaged, but insists the majority will reject the independence offer from Mr Salmond.

Fears of social disorder

The Scottish Police Federation rejected fears of disorder if the referendum narrowly wins or loses. Heightened tensions were inevitable, it said, but dismissed the “exaggerated rhetoric” from some quarters in recent days.

Leading the call for calm, writer JK Rowling said “My head says no and my heart shouts it – but whatever happens, I hope we’re all friends by Saturday.”

Last night US president Barack Obama tweeted his support for the No campaign: “The UK is an extraordinary partner for America and a force for good in an unstable world. I hope it remains strong, robust and united,” he wrote.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Cabinet yesterday Government officials have been working on scenarios that would apply in the case of either a Yes or No vote in the referendum.