Polls have closed in a Scottish independence referendum that could break up the centuries-old United Kingdom and create Europe’s newest country since the collapse of Yugoslavia.

Some 97 per cent of eligible Scots – nearly 4.3 million people – registered to vote, underscoring the passions that the historic decision has ignited across the country.

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In queues snaking outside polling stations on Thursday, voters spoke emotionally about the momentous choice they were faced with – what one called “a wonderful democratic process”.

A campaign sticker for ‘no’ vote supporters.

“It’s an important day. This is a decision which lasts forever, which will impact my children,” said Charlotte Farish, 34, who turned out to vote early in Edinburgh with her two children before taking them to school and heading to work.

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 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.

“Let’s do this!” Murray, who no longer lives in Scotland, tweeted, echoing a slogan raised by pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond in a final fiery campaign speech.

British newspapers quickly made the statement a top story and 12,000 people re-tweeted the message, including Salmond.

Scotland today votes on independence from England.

“We can take our future into our own hands,” Salmond said after voting in the village of Strichen in a northeast farming region where he is the local MP.

“We’ve got the chance to build a more prosperous economy but also a fairer society,” he said.

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.

Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond.

“I hope it remains strong, robust and united,” US President Barack Obama said in a tweet from his official account.

The question for voters at Scotland’s more than 5000 polling stations is “Should Scotland be an independent country?” and they are asked to mark either “Yes” or “No”.

Polls close at 9pm and the result is expected in the early hours of Friday morning.

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.