• The fate of the United Kingdom was at stake as Scotland began voting in a referendum on whether to become an independent state. Matt Dunham/ AP Photo
    The fate of the United Kingdom was at stake as Scotland began voting in a referendum on whether to become an independent state. Matt Dunham/ AP Photo
  • Polls suggest the result is too close to call, with the pro-independence Yes side gaining momentum in the final weeks of the campaign. Leon Neal/AFP Photo
    Polls suggest the result is too close to call, with the pro-independence Yes side gaining momentum in the final weeks of the campaign. Leon Neal/AFP Photo
  • Anti-independence leaders including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have implored Scots not to break their links with the rest of the United Kingdom. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
    Anti-independence leaders including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have implored Scots not to break their links with the rest of the United Kingdom. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
  • But if the Yes side prevails, first minister Alex Salmond will realise a long-held dream of leading his country to independence after an alliance with England formed in 1707. Lesley Martin/AFP Photo
    But if the Yes side prevails, first minister Alex Salmond will realise a long-held dream of leading his country to independence after an alliance with England formed in 1707. Lesley Martin/AFP Photo
  • Voters expressed a mixture of excitement and apprehension about Scotland’s choice. Leon Neal/AFP Photo
    Voters expressed a mixture of excitement and apprehension about Scotland’s choice. Leon Neal/AFP Photo
  • Once the polls close, ballot boxes will be transported to 32 regional centers for counting of the votes. Leon Neal/AFP Photo
    Once the polls close, ballot boxes will be transported to 32 regional centers for counting of the votes. Leon Neal/AFP Photo
  • The result is anticipated Friday morning. Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
    The result is anticipated Friday morning. Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

World

In pictures: Scotland votes in historic referendum

Robert Mickelson

September 18, 2014

  • English
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More than 2,600 polling centres opened across Scotland on Thursday. The question on the ballot paper simply states: Should Scotland be an independent country?

Yet it has caused deep divisions among Scots in months of campaigning leading up to this day. In 15 hours on Thursday, more than 4.2 million people registered to vote will decide on the fate of a 307-year old union with England.

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