Independence Day? How the historic referendum will unfold
POLLING stations in Scotland will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday 18 August.
Thursday 07:00
Polling stations across Scotland.
More than 4.29 million have registered to vote; 97 per cent of the adult population. Unlike General Elections, 16 and 17-year-olds can vote. Turnout is expected to exceed 80 per cent.
22:00
Polls will close and counting will begin as soon as possible in the 32 local authority areas across Scotland.
All areas will count throughout the night, with none waiting until the next day. However, there may be delays to counts beginning in some rural areas, particularly the Western Isles. If bad weather conditions mean helicopters will be unable to transport ballot boxes, they will have to be moved by road and sea instead.
This may cause counting delays.
Friday 02:00
The first counts are due to be completed in seven authorities, including North Lanarkshire which has one of the largest shares of the electorate.
The results will be given to the chief counting officer, Mary Pitcaithly, who will give permission for them to be announced locally.
02:30
Clackmannanshire, which is considered to be a Yes-stronghold, is expected to declare.
Turnout for the referendum is expected to exceed 80 per cent
03:00
Another 11 authorities are expecting to declare, including Dundee thought to go Yes and Dumfries and Galloway predicted to vote to save the Union.
03:30
Six more authorities, including Shetland, due to declare.
04:00
Fife and Highland expected to declare results.
04:30
North Ayrshire due to announce results.
05:00
Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Scottish Borders are set to declare.
Whichever side emerges as victor will want to know it secured the support of the country's capital. Glasgow has the highest share of the electorate of any of the local authorities.
06:00
Aberdeen is due to become the final area to declare its results. Chief counting officer Mary Pitcaithly will now have the full set of results.
06:30
Chief counting officer Mary Pitcaithly is expected to announce whether Scotland's 307-year union with the rest of the United Kingdom has come to an end.