SEPTEMBER 18, 2014: The people of Inverclyde were 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 was soon to be over.

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

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

(Image: Newsquest)

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 attended 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.”

Once the vote was over, a huge operation kicked 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 was in place to ensure the massive election operation ran smoothly.