EDINBURGH, Sept 18 (Agencies): Scotland voted Thursday in an independence referendum that could break up the centuries-old United Kingdom and create Europe's newest state since the collapse of Yugoslavia.
Some 97 per cent of eligible Scots -- nearly 4.3 million people -- have registered to vote, underscoring the passions that the historic decision has ignited across the nation.
In queues snaking outside polling stations, voters spoke emotionally about the momentous choice they were faced with.
"It's an important day. This is a decision which lasts forever, which will impact my children," said Charlotte Farish, 34, who turned out early in Edinburgh with her two children before taking them to school and heading into work.
Voters answer "Yes" or "No" to the referendum question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
Votes cast at 5,579 polling stations until 22:00 Thursday. The result is expected on Friday morning.
After months when it looked like the independence camp could not win, a surge in support in the final two weeks has left pollsters warning the outcome is too close to call.
One of Scotland's most famous sportsmen, tennis star Andy Murray, appeared to lend his support to separation in a last-minute tweet accusing the "No" campaign of negativity.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has pleaded with Scots to vote in favour of keeping "our home" and has warned the break-up would be a "painful divorce" full of economic risks.
If Scots vote "Yes", it would end a union dating back to 1707, could force Cameron to resign and might raise serious questions about Britain's status on the international stage.
Financial markets have been volatile for days on uncertainty over the outcome, which is being watched closely around the world.
The force of the "Yes" campaign has encouraged separatist movements, such as Catalans in Spain, while a number of Britain's allies have urged the Scots not to leave.
"I hope it remains strong, robust and united," US President Barack Obama said in a tweet from his official account.
From the windows of people's homes to stands on street corners, lapel badges and even cupcakes, support for the "Yes" campaign has been more visible than for "No" in many parts of Scotland.
But the "No" camp insists that many voters opposed to independence have simply not made their voices heard yet.
"The silent majority will be silent no more. We will not have this," said Britain's former prime minister Gordon Brown, who is Scottish, in a passionate appeal at a Glasgow rally on the final day of campaigning.
The final opinion polls put the "No" camp slightly ahead, but there remains many undecided voters whose decision will be crucial.
Debate has focussed on the economy, including what currency an independent Scotland would use and whether its North Sea oil wealth would help make it a richer nation.
Questions over whether an independent Scotland could be a member of the European Union and how long this would take to negotiate have also surfaced repeatedly.
