- .Millions will head to the polls today to decide the fate of Great Britain
- .Polls opened at 7am today and people will have until 10pm to vote
- .Thousands of police officers are at polling stations amid fears of violence
- .For the first time in history 16 and 17-year-olds will have their say
- .Pro-independence graffiti in Balloch branded 'shocking' by Scottish MSP
- .Jackie Baillie told MailOnline: 'Their actions are a shame on the democratic process in Scotland' as she urged voters to back the No campaign
- .Yes supporter arrested in Clydebank this morning after allegedly assaulting a unionist trying to vote No
As millions head to the polls to cast their vote on the future of Scotland, the first attempts to intimidate No voters appeared scrawled across the walls at one polling station.
The message 'Vote Yes or else!' was spotted at a church hall in Balloch, at the foot of Loch Lomond by MSP for Dumbarton, Jackie Baillie.
She condemned the tactics as 'shocking' as she urged voters not to give in to the attempts to 'threaten and intimidate', encouraging people to #voteno on Twitter.
It comes as a Yes supporter was arrested by police this morning after allegedly assaulting a unionist trying to vote No, as nationalists mounted a last-minute bullying campaign to intimidate people into voting for independence.
Voter Jackie Baille condemned the 'shocking behaviour' from Yes campaigners after spotting this pro-independence graffiti outside one polling station this morning. She added: 'Should not be trying to threaten and intimidate,' as she implored people to vote No
Within hours decorators had painted over the pro-independence graffiti, branding 'threatening and intimidating' by No supporters
Sunrise over the Highland area of Lochcarron as the polls open on a historic day, which could see the 307-year-old Union between Scotland and England brought to an end
First minister of Scotland Alex Salmond is pictured arriving to have his say near his home in Aberdeenshire
Ms Baillie told MailOnline: 'I am appalled at the behaviour of some Yes campaigners that they think it is acceptable to threaten voters.
'Their actions are a shame on the democratic process in Scotland.'
Within hours a team of decorators had been called in to paint over the pro-independence graffiti.
The Yes campaigner was arrested in Clydebank after confronting a Labour councillor at around 9.30am.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: 'A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault at the polling station in Clydebank.'
He is due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court tomorrow.
Just seven hours of voting stand between Scotland and a potential breakup of Great Britain.
The question on the ballot paper simply asks: 'Should Scotland be an independent country?'
Thousands of police officers have been drafted in to man the polling stations across the country, as the separatists are expected to use menacing tactics to persuade people to break up the Union.
Last night a blind pensioner was punched in the face for supporting a No vote and graffiti threatening 'Vote yes or else' was daubed on the walls of a station near Glasgow.
A spokesman for the Scottish Labour party also confirmed the assault in Clydebank, saying: 'A councillor was assaulted by a Yes activist at the polling station and the person was arrested by police.'
It comes after a poll found that 46 per cent of No voters had felt personally threatened by Yes supporters during the campaign, raising concerns about the possibility of mob violence in the event of a No vote.
A 75-year-old man, who is registered blind, was yesterday punched in the face by a nationalist supporter as he handed out leaflets in support of the Union in Glasgow.
He said: 'Two young men aged in their 20s came up to me. I was talking to one of them normally, but then absolutely out of the blue the other just swung a punch at my head. I was a bit shocked and fell slightly backwards. I carry a white stick because I am half blind – they would have seen that.'
For the first time 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to have their say after being given the chance to vote. A student is pictured leaving Ritchie Hall in Strichen after casting his vote
Harry McAdam, 16, left, from Glennifer High, and Thea Sands, 16, right, from Castlehead High, voting Yes
Scottish voters confronted with a giant billboard encouraging a No vote in Edinburgh today
Monks of Pluscarden Abbey arrive to cast their vote at Miltonduff near Elgin in Moray, north Scotland
A No supporter greets voters as they enter Church Hill Theatre polling station in Morningside today, bearing the message, 'Salmond, a leap too far' on his top
A graffiti mural of Alex Salmond appeared on Fashion Street in London last night, depicting the Scottish first minister as William Wallace, who led the Scots in the 13th century war of Independence against England
Police in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, said a man in his 70s had a No poster taken from his mobility scooter and replaced with Yes stickers as he was shopping.
Polling stations opened at 7am this morning and people have until 10pm to cast their ballot, with the result expected to be known by breakfast time tomorrow.
The historic vote, which could see the 307-year-old Union between Scotland and England brought to an end, is expected to go down to the wire, with polls predicting the contest too close to call.
A record 4,285,323 Scots have registered to take part in today's historic referendum – some 97 per cent of all over 16s in the country.
They will cast their ballots in 5,579 polling stations from Lerwick to Gretna with turnout expected to top 90 per cent – the biggest in UK history.
Turnout hasn't reached 70 per cent since 1997 – and participation in the past three Holyrood elections has consistently been around the 50 per cent mark.
At 90 per cent, today's referendum will top the 84 per cent turnout recorded in 1950 when Clement Atlee narrowly defeated Winston Churchill.
By the time Scotland goes to work tomorrow morning it will know if it is to remain part of the UK – or breakaway for ever.
The campaign has generated an unprecedented volume and intensity of public debate and participation. The Yes side, in particular, has energized young people and previously disillusioned working-class voters.
As polls opened, the mood was electric, tinged by nervousness.
For some voters, this was a day they had dreamed of for decades.
Yes supporter, 83-year-old Isabelle Smith, said she has fought for independence for 50 years
Ms Smith and her family who have flown from Zurich and the U.S. to support her on this historic day
A Yes campaign Statue of Liberty is admired by a supporter and his dog in Niddrie, a suburb of Edinburgh
A fish and chip shop in Morley, West Yorkshire is selling battered salmon as a special for today, to mark the historic vote for Scotland's future
'Fifty years I fought for this,' said 83-year-old Isabelle Smith, a Yes supporter in Edinburgh's maritime district of Newhaven, a former fishing port. 'And we are going to win. I can feel it in my bones.
For Smith, who went to the polling station decked out in a blue-and-white pro-independence shirt and rosette, statehood for Scotland was a dream nurtured during three decades living in the United States with her late husband.
'The one thing America has that the Scots don't have is confidence,' said Smith, who returned to Scotland years ago. 'But they're getting it, they're walking tall.
'No matter what, Scotland will never, ever be the same again.'
Smith's three children and seven grandchildren are all Americans, and several flew to Scotland for the referendum to support her.
Many opponents of independence agreed that the campaign had reinvigorated Scottish democracy.
'I support the No side, but it's been a fascinating, worthwhile discussion about Scotland's future,' said writing consultant David Clarke.
'If it's a No it's a win-win situation. If it's a Yes, we will have to deal with the fact that it's a Yes.'
First Minister Alex Salmond cast his vote near his home in northeastern Scotland. If the Yes side prevails he will realize a long-held dream of leading his country to independence after an alliance with England formed in 1707.
Anti-independence leaders including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have implored Scots not to break their links with the rest of the United Kingdom.
On a foggy morning in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, a heavy stream of voters began arriving at a polling station in the city center the moment it opened.
One of the first, Anne Seaton, said she had voted Yes - 'because why not?'
Brandishing two Union Jacks a No campaigner tries to swing last minute voters outside Glasgow's Gaelic School polling station
Supporters of the Yes campaign will see this cloud formation, which appears to depict a Scottish Saltire, as a sign of a victory for their side
A giant 'Yes' vote sign erected against the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Skye
Two reinterpretations of the Union Jack, left flying on Lonsdale Road, north London and right, flying from a property on Salusbury Road, north London
A statue of Sir Walter Scott is drapped in the Scottish Saltire as the last polls predict the result will go down to the wire, the contest expected to be too close to call
Piper Ryan Rendall, 30, plays outside the East Neighbourhood Centre in Craigmillar, Edinburgh
Scottish Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon casts her vote in the Scottish Independence referendum at Broomhouse Community Hall in Glasgow this morning
Former chancellor and leader of the Better Together campaign Alistair Darling and his wife Maggie, left, cast their vote at a polling station in Edinburgh
Scottish Labour Party leader Johann Lamont, centre, with her children Colin, 16, left, and 19-year-old Fay, right, voting in Glasgow today
Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson, in red, casts her vote at the Glasgow Gaelic School, with her partner Jennifer Wilson, left
First minister and leader of the Yes campaign, Mr Salmond poses outside his home in Stricten
'Scotland got under the English Parliament by mischance,' in 1707, she said. 'It's time now for Scotland to make a deliberate decision for independence.'
Voters expressed a mixture of excitement and apprehension about Scotland's choice.
Thomas Roberts said he had voted Yes because he felt optimistic about its future as an independent country.
'Why not roll the dice for once?' he said.
Once the polls close, ballot boxes will be transported to 32 regional centers for counting of the votes. The result is anticipated Friday morning.
Roberts said he was looking forward to watching the results in a pub, many of which are staying open overnight.
'I'm going to sit with a beer in my hand watching the results coming in,' Roberts said.
But financial consultant Michael MacPhee, a No voter, said he would observe the returns coming in 'with anxiety.'
He said Scottish independence was 'the daftest idea I've ever heard.'
Final polling released last night pointed to a narrow No lead, but experts said it remained too close to call.
A YouGov survey of more than 3,000 people put the figures at 52 per cent to 48 per cent for the Better Together campaign, and suggested that only 4 per cent remained undecided.
This means all the undecided voters would have to swing to the Yes camp for Alex Salmond to triumph.
But an Ipsos-Mori poll put the outcome even closer at 51-49 for the Union.
But new analysis released this morning by the Times has suggested that the 'No' vote may be 'harder' than pro-independence side – giving the Unionists a vital edge.
Canine supporters of the Yes campaign were out in force in Glasgow, left and Turriff, right
Animated Yes supporters wave at passing motorists in Morningside, Edinburgh this morning
Campaigners from both sides of the debate man the entrance to a polling station in Edinburgh
As the doors open queuing voters stream into voting booths in North Kirk, Penicuik
Following a frantic final day of campaigning from the two camps yesterday, turnout is expected to to be high, with 4,285,323 people registered to vote. Voter Duncan Thompson waits for the doors to open at St Martins Church Hall in Renton
Polling stations opened at 7am this morning and people have until 10pm to cast their ballot, with the result expected to be known by breakfast time tomorrow
PRO-INDEPENDENCE CAMPAIGNERS WARNED THEY FACE JAIL OVER PLANS TO MARCH ON POLLING STATIONS
Pro–independence campaigners planning to stage marches to polling stations were last night warned they risk being jailed for up to a year if they break referendum laws.
Posters which advertise 'short walk to freedom' marches, to be held today, urge Nationalists to 'be Bravehearts' alongside quotes from Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln.
The tagline echoes Mandela's 'long walk to freedom' after spending years in prison before South Africa's first democratic elections.
The posters appeared to have been produced by a local branch of the official Yes Scotland campaign in south Edinburgh, but a spokesman from the nationwide HQ has insisted he was not aware of the events.
Yes voters have been warned they could be jailed for up to a year if they march on polling stations
The appearance of large numbers of activists with banners and placards could be seen as intimidation of voters, which could lead to imprisonment of up to 12 months.
Last night, Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said: 'No one will be surprised if Yes campaigners embark on some intimidation, something they've done throughout this period.
'But they should be aware of the risks that behaviour carries. It may fall foul of the law, and in a worst-case scenario may result in jail.'
The Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013 stipulates that it is an offence to 'impede or prevent the free exercise of the franchise of a voter or proxy for a voter in the referendum'.
This could include demonstrations and marches which some voters may feel amount to 'undue influence' on them.
The poster from Edinburgh's Yes Craigmillar/Niddrie group details plans to stage marches to the local polling station today at 11am, 3pm and 7pm.
It reads: 'The Pied Piper of Niddrie invites all Yes voters to take part in the march to the short walk to freedom.'
Alex Salmond has faced criticism for saying queues at voter registration offices reminded him of South Africa's first free elections after the fall of apartheid.
Yes supporters have been putting up posters urging voters to be 'Bravehearts' and vote for independence
Another local Yes Scotland organiser has revealed a pro–independence polling day march is being organised in Glasgow. David Linden, a 24–year–old Yes Scotland campaigner from Shettleston, in the city's East End, said community leaders were 'planning a march on polling day'.
He added: 'Now, the atmosphere that's going to be there that day hopefully will be so contagious that people remember that as being part of a democratic movement.'
It is understood staff at polling stations across Scotland have been issued with rules outlining what kind of campaigning behaviour is allowed on, and close to, the premises.
A Better Together spokesman said: 'People should be left to go to the polling stations in peace, without nationalists turning up in large groups trying to influence their vote.'
Yes Scotland said the marches had not been centrally organised.
A spokesman for the pro- independence campaign added: 'The local groups are free to organise their own events, so long as they remain respectful of others. We're pleased that many of them have been creative in making polling day a national celebration.'
But Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie called on the Yes campaign to clamp down on its 'menacing and abusive tactics' after an SNP councillor accepted a £40 fixed penalty fine for shouting and swearing at Better Together campaigners in Kinross, Perthshire.
Mr Rennie said: 'Alex Salmond keeps telling us this is a great democratic debate but too many people are incurring the wrath of angry nationalists simply because they don't support their independence plans.'
No voters are more frightened of independence than separatists are of staying in the Union, according to the pollsters YouGov.
Asked Scots how they would feel tomorrow morning 79 per cent of 'No' voters said they would be delighted to win, while for 'Yes' voters it's only 68 per cent.
And on the other hand, only 49 per cent of 'Yes' voters would be dismayed to lose compared to 69 per cent of 'No' voters.
If Mr Salmond pulls off a shock 'Yes' victory the recriminations will be felt in Westminster immediately.
David Cameron will face intense pressure to recall Parliament on Saturday – for the first weekend sitting of the Commons since the Falklands War and there is no guarantee that he will be able to cling on to his job.
MPs will demand to know why he allowed Mr Salmond to write the referendum question favouring a 'Yes' vote and why he refused to put a 'devo-max' option on the ballot paper that could have got him out of trouble.
Mr Cameron will also face questions over his erratic handling of the campaign and why he allowed Labour to take the lead.
The Prime Minister will face, however, equally demanding questions if Scotland narrowly rejects independence.
There is growing clamour from within his own party to ban Scottish MPs voting on English laws – and even for the creation of an English parliament.
In a taste of the political division to come on the issue, Gordon Brown, whose intervention in the independence campaign has won plaudits from former enemies, has already shown his opposition.
He said: 'I don't think you can have two classes of MPs at Westminster.'
Andy Murray says 'Yes' to Scottish independence: Wimbledon champion comes out at last minute to say 'No campaign negativity' has pushed him over the edge
- Ex-Wimbledon champion appears to have taken a side early this morning
- Olympic gold medallist told his 2.7million followers it was a 'huge' day
- In the past he has carefully avoided coming out in favour of either side
- He has said: 'I am proud to be Scottish, but I am also proud to be British'
Wimbledon champion and Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray appears to have finally taken a side in the debate over whether Scotland should break free from Great Britain.
After years of refusing to be drawn on whether he supports Scottish independence or no, the 27-year-old tennis star, today tweeted at 1.08am: 'Huge day for Scotland today! no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. excited to see the outcome. lets do this!'
With the bold statement to his 2.7million followers on the day voting starts, Murray appears to have dropped the carefully guarded neutrality he has maintained when he's been asked his views on the referendum in the past.
'Yes' supporters on Twitter were delighted when the reigning Sports Personality Of The Year star Murray tweeted his support for independence.
Murray represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, winning a Gold and Silver medal. He now appears to be in favour of an independent Scotland
One said: 'Bless you Andy. Fellow Scots going for the ace!' while another said: 'All power to @andy_murray - finally out for YES! It's true!'
But the move was seen by many as a stark betrayal by the man who represented Great Britain at the Olympics and in the Davis Cup.
The longstanding resident of Surrey, who is thought to be in England currently, does not have a vote in today's referendum.
No campaigners weighed in, with one tweeting: 'Disappointed in you andy, you may have just swayed the undecided.'
And the tennis ace provoked angry reaction on Twitter with trolls branding him 'hypocritical' and 'anti-British' after drawing the support of millions of Brits in his quest to lift the Wimbledon trophy.
Murray had reason to be particularly cautious about taking a stance, given the reaction to his comment about football - 'I'll support anyone that's playing England' - eight years ago that is still held against him by some to this day.
Murray last year declared he would have to say something on independence after his triumph at SW19.
But the nearest he has come to publicly expressing a view was in March last year, when he said in an interview with the Times magazine: 'I don't think you should judge the thing on emotion, but on what is best economically for Scotland.
Murray criticised Alex Salmond for unfurling a Saltire in Wimbledon's Royal Box last year
Andy Murray's brother Jamie tweeted his support of the Wimbledon champion's stance, backing the Yes campaign today
Murray has an impressive Davis Cup record for Great Britain, winning 19 of his 21 singles matches. His future as a member of Team GB will now be in question
'You don't want to come to a snap decision and then see the country go tits up.
'I am proud to be Scottish, but I am also proud to be British. I don't think there is any contradiction in that.'
More recently he has pointed out that his view has little relevance because, as a longstanding resident of Surrey, he does not have a vote.
His brother Jamie Murray showed his support for the Wimbledon champion's stance, and the Yes campaign, tweeting: 'Scotland is full of smart talented hard working humble people, Have faith in them to run our country successfully.'
There had been hints of Andy Murray's thinking, such as criticising Alex Salmond for unfurling a Saltire in Wimbledon's Royal Box last year.
In the past he expressed his admiration for staunch 'No' supporter Gordon Brown, and did not give the impression of being a great enthusiast for independence.
His private and professional connections make a nonsense of any suggestions that he is in some way anti-English, and he has never shied from wrapping himself in the Union Jack or made a secret of his pride in representing Great Britain.
It was notable that after London 2012 he declined to appear at the parade of Scottish Olympians in Glasgow but made his own personal visit to his hometown of Dunblane.
CHAMPAGNE IS ON ICE AS CONFIDENT NATIONALISTS PLAN GLITZY FIVE-STAR VICTORY PARTY IN THE SHADOW OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Confident Nationalists are planning a glitzy victory celebration at a five-star tourist attraction a stone's throw from the Scottish parliament.
SNP activists will gather at Our Dynamic Earth, one of the capital's top tourist attractions and conference centres, to watch the results roll in early tomorrow morning.
They expect the sound of popping champagne corks and clinking glasses will accompany the announcement of independence.
Afterwards, activists plan to gather outside the parliament in Edinburgh, and in George Square, in Glasgow, to continue celebrations – if there is a Yes vote.
Yesterday, the party refused to go into details about the plans – or where Alex Salmond would fly to by helicopter to make an announcement once the result is known.
Polling station workers make final preparations in a polling station before the start of voting in Edinburgh
In 2011, Mr Salmond stepped off a helicopter in the grounds of Prestonfield House, the opulent five-star Jacobean hotel in Edinburgh, to be embraced by Miss Sturgeon, following the Nationalists' sweeping victory in the Scottish elections which paved the way for today's vote.
He has frequently taken to the skies at taxpayers' expense during this campaign, famously covering seven cities with Miss Sturgeon in just one day last week.
However, the SNP, wary of appearing over-confident, remained tight-lipped about his plans beyond the closing of the polls at 10pm. 'We're working hard for a Yes vote and all our energy is going into that until the polls close on Thursday,' was all a spokesman would say.
A polling station worker pins up final instructions at a polling station before the start of voting in Edinburgh
Our Dynamic Earth has hosted several events during the independence campaign, including a joint statement by Scots pro-Union party leaders Johann Lamont, Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie, on more powers for Scotland. It would be hugely embarrassing for the pro-UK parties if it is also the place where, just weeks later, devolution dies to be replaced by separation.
The pro-Union Better Together campaign is planning to bunker down at Glasgow's Marriott Hotel later this evening.
Both campaign leader Alistair Darling and Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander will be at the city centre hotel in Argyle Street, throughout the night.
They will be ordering Indian food as the results pour in, starting with the Western Isles, where helicopters are speeding up the tallying of votes, to the big cities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, which are expected between 5am and 6am.
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