THE fate of the United Kingdom was at stake Thursday as Scotland began voting in a referendum on becoming an independent state, deciding whether to unravel a marriage that helped build an empire but has increasingly been felt by many Scots as stifling and one-sided.

    The question on the ballot paper is simplicity itself: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Yet it has divided Scots during months of campaigning — and Thursday the future of the 307-year-old union with England would be decided.

    More than 2,600 polling places opened Thursday at 7 a.m. and would close at 10 p.m. Turnout was expected to be high, with more than 4.2 million people registered to vote — 97 percent of those eligible.

    Polls suggested the result was too close to call, with the pro-independence Yes side gaining momentum in the final weeks of the campaign.

    First Minister Alex Salmond cast his vote near his home in northeastern Scotland. If the Yes side prevails, he will realize a long-held dream of leading his country to independence after an alliance with England formed in 1707.

    Anti-independence leaders, including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, have implored Scots not to break their links with the rest of the United Kingdom.

    Once the polls close, ballot boxes would be transported to 32 regional centers for counting of the votes. The result is anticipated Friday morning.(SD-Agencies)