THE people of Inverclyde are today helping to shape Scotland’s future by voting in the historic referendum on independence.

After many months of campaigning and canvassing across the district, public meetings, an avalanche of social media activity, rallies and the televised debates featuring the Yes and No camps, the wait to find out if Scotland will go it alone or stay within the union will soon be over.

More than 62,000 people in the district are registered to vote in the referendum and counting officer John Mundell expects an ‘80 per cent-plus’ turnout.

Voters, including first time 16 and 17-year-olds, will flock to polling stations in Greenock, Gourock, Port Glasgow and outlying areas throughout the day to deliver their verdict.

Polling stations opened at 7am and activists from both sides were there to greet voters.

Voting was brisk in several town centre stations with people queuing up outside before 7am.

The Tele spoke to voters at the Salvation Army in Roxburgh Street, including two first-time voters.

John McKenzie, 17, who attends Notre Dame High School, said: “I voted Yes.

“Scotland paid £9.3 billion in tax and revenue last year and got 9.3 per cent back. That money could have been used in health and education. We should be in control of all our finances.” The teenager added: “It’s a good decision to let us vote because we’re engaged.” Student Ross McStay, 17, of Mearns Terrace, also voted yes.

He said: “You can see what’s happening in England with privatising health care and student fees.

“I don’t want that happening here.

“I’m not sure what the outcome will be — it’s a hard one to call.” Agnes Duffy, 60, declined to comment on how she’d voted but said: “I feel it’s been a really good campaign for both sides.

“I think the outcome will be 50/50.

“Over the last few days the Yes profile has been higher locally than the No campaign.” A 44-year-old NHS worker, who declined to give her name, told us that she was voting No.

The woman said: “The NHS is in a bad enough state just now as it is. I think it would get worse under independence.” John Paton, 49, who was voting Yes, said: “I’m quite excited about the campaign and I think it’s going to be a Yes vote.

“I think it’s been a tremendous campaign.

“I’ve taken two days off work to watch the count.” At Craigend Resource Centre, in the east end, Tanya Harris, 34, left, a cook from John Wilson Street, said: “I’m voting Yes because I feel the country couldn’t get any worse — it could only get better under independence.

“If Ireland can do it we can do it.” Sean Watt, 29, also from the east end, said: “I’m voting Yes because I’m Scottish.

“Eventually I think it will be better for the people of Inverclyde.” John Taylor, 76, below, inset, wouldn’t say how he voted, but told us: “I think the campaign has been a shambles.

“Alex Salmond never answers any questions.

“I think the result will be No.” The polls close at 10pm tonight, with the people of Inverclyde urged to allow themselves plenty of time to make sure they have their say.

Once the vote is over, a huge operation kicks into gear to promptly deliver all the ballot boxes from right across the district to the count HQ at the Waterfront Leisure Centre in Greenock.

A team of some 250 council employees is in place to ensure the massive election operation runs smoothly.

Five counting teams will compile the Yes and No totals.

The district’s final result, including the verdict of a large contingent of 14,000 postal voters, is expected to be announced by 3am as the people of the area and across the whole country wait on tenterhooks for the national result which is due a few hours later.

The Tele will be at the count providing updates online and on Twitter.

Follow @greenocktele and see tomorrow’s paper for full, extensive coverage of the local and national result, with all the reaction.