Edinburgh residents divided over Scottish independence referendum

The possible break-up of the United Kingdom is just a matter of hours away, as Scotland’s five million people are voting Thursday on independence.

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron gave the go-ahead for the referendum two years ago, in what was called the “Edinburgh Agreement”, when it was assumed a “No” vote was a safe bet.

But opinion polls in the Scottish capital Edinburgh have turned within the last week, making the contest now too close to call.

On Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile businessmen make much of Scotland’s rich traditions.

Among the traders is John Thorburn who’s been making cash from kilts for the last 15 years. Perhaps surprising then he sees no future in an independent Scotland.

“I think leaving the Union would be very bad for business. I think there’s prosperity and opportunities in a greater entity,” the shopkeeper said.

Others want to take back the powers they believe Scotland reluctantly lost with the Act of Union 300 years ago.

“I think it’s more important that decisions effecting the people of Scotland are taken here in the Center of Scotland,” said a tour guide Philip Taylor.

Those divided opinions can be dated right back to the second century when the Romans built Hadrian’s Wall here to keep out the marauding Scots.

And to this day the Scots are celebrating the victory of Robert the Bruce over the English at the battle of Bannockburn 700 years ago.

But the English Crown fell to Scotland’s King James when the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I died without a direct heir.

One hundred years later in 1707 the arrangement formalized and the United Kingdom came into being.

It could now unravel, thanks to Thursday’s government backed referendum.

So concerned are the three main leaders of the British Parliament that they’ve come together and signed what they called a vow promising extensive new powers to Scotland if they only vote “No” for independence.

On the Royal Mile for some at least it was the promise of project panic.

“No, I don’t believe it. What we got? We’re talking about the three serpents who’ve come North of the wall, aren’t we,” said a Scottish resident.

“I don’t think anybody up here believes anything they tell us, absolutely nothing,” said another resident.

“I wouldn’t believe any of this for a moment,” said another resident.

Results of the referendum should be known by early Friday.