11 Things That Could Decide The Scottish Referendum On Thursday

The Scottish Independence Referendum is on a knife-edge. It could go either way, with the polls saying it's just too close to call on whether the people of Scotland will vote to end the 307-year old union, or remain within the United Kingdom. Here are 11 things that could decide the outcome on Thursday.

1. Alex Salmond

independent.co.uk

There's no doubt that in a world where politicians tend to be unpopular, Alex Salmond can boast a loyal following of nationalists. However, he's also hated by many on the other side of the independence debate.

2. The Weather

files.stv.tv

With a changeable forecast for Thursday, the weather could influence people's decision. Rain might make Scots more pessimistic and vote NO, whilst sun could deliver a YES vote.

3. David Cameron

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Who knows? The second tearful address in as many visits to Scotland could turn the vote towards NO ... or YES!

4. Royal Baby

i.telegraph.co.uk

Could the announcement of a new baby for the Earl and Countess of Strathearn (or Wills and Kate to you and me) swing voters thoughts in favour of their British identity?

5. The BBC

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The Yes campaign has accused the BBC of a pro-union bias; but is it surprising since the white paper from the SNP says the BBC in Scotland would be abolished and replaced with a Scottish Broadcasting Service?

6. Piers Morgan

independent.co.uk / Via independent.co.uk

Could this be a deal clincher? Britian's most hated celebrity tweeted on Sunday; “Dear People of Scotland, if you vote NO, I promise to go straight back to America. #indyref” Best reason to vote NO yet!

7. The Royal Bank of Scotland

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RBS announced this week they are making plans to move their headquarters from Scotland to England, should Scotland vote for independence. For a bank with Scotland in their name, this is surely a drastic move!

8. Let's Stay Together Rally

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Eddie Izzard, Dan Snow, and about 5,000 Londoners held a rally in Trafalgar Square on Monday, urging voters in Scotland to stay in the union. Recent polls show the vast majority of the rest of the UK want Scotland to vote NO.

9. That it's Getting Darker

news.images.itv.com

Yes, the night's drawing in could have an effect on the outcome of the vote. It's said that in a general election that conservative (small c) voters turn out in the morning, and liberal voters in the evening. That's because of a culture of voting for more conservative people. A darker evening (sunset is at 7:24pm in Edinburgh on Thursday) might mean more liberal voters stay at home!

10. Scottish Universities Have Started Term

i.telegraph.co.uk

Students are among the biggest supporters of independence in Scotland, but the term has already started at most universities. The referendum falls in freshers' week, so will voting be a priority for those students who were partying the night before? Also, students might not be registered to vote in their university town, and may not want to, or be able to, go back home to vote.

11. 16 & 17 Year Old Voters

syp.org.uk

For the first time ever in a UK ballot, 16 & 17 year olds in Scotland will be able to vote in the referendum. Younger people tend to be more pro-independence, but polls show that these newly enfranchised voters are actually much more cautious and split marginally in favour of keeping the union!