To believe that it will be a "no" vote in the majority on the 18th?

[Tabby1963]

My reasoning is that, although there appears (from media reports) to be increased enthusiasm for voting "yes" it is not the whole story (they're just shouting the loudest). The noes are the default; and therefore they don't have to say anything or do anything, just vote on the 18th.

My experience having chatted to neighbours, colleagues, friends is that the vast majority (more than 80%) are going to be voting no.

I'm hoping for a no vote, I care hugely about this country and fear the future if "yes" wins. I am certain that if "no" is the majority then I anticipate there will be big changes coming for Scotland, and devolution will continue slowly and carefully.

I totally sympathise with the notion that Scotland does not want the Tories to rule from Westminster and that only by voting for independence will that never happen again, but surely we have to look at the bigger picture here? There is so much at stake to base the future of Scotland and its inhabitants on this single issue?

I still think the 'no' vote will win.

The undecided are more likely to go 'no ' on the day.

I think Scotland should vote for independence but I think the 'No' vote will win by a less than 10% margin.

I think it could quite easily go either way tbh and would not want to put any money on one side or the other winner.

I really hope that the no vote will win (I'm expat so can't vote). But I am surprised at the number of Scots I know- serious, intelligent people, some with important jobs - who are saying yes.

This is the most politically engaged they have ever been. They have given it much thought and discussion and yes is what they have decided. Terrifies me, but I can't argue with the amount of thought they've given it.

I also think its the 'yes' that are disproportionately vocal, from the conversations with friends and family in Scotland.

Must depend where you live, I only know two no voters, all my other friends and family are Yes. I don't know which way it will go on the day!

Why can't the process of devolution be carried forward over the next 50 years; slowly and carefully, so that any difficulties or wrinkles can be identified and dealt with in a proactive manner?

I fear that we will just end up reacting to urgent or unforeseen situations, and go on to make serious and damage errors which may be unfixable.

So, why the rush?

I think in the areas where Yes is very vocal and wrecking all the No campaigns posters there may well be a group of "silent nos" who are not admitting to anyone but the the ballot box that they will vote No.

Hope the yes vote wins. Think it will be close.

I personally don't know a single no voter so it does depend on who you're talking to, I suppose. I don't know how it will go, I guess we'll just have to see.

Typically those supporting change will be far more vociferous so I think and hope no will prevail

Yes is going to win, I'm out campaigning every day, our canvass returns are always over 60% for yes.

I think it's very hard to know. The polls may not having been picking up those who haven't voted before. With a high turnout predicted in the 80% range, who knows?

I think it will be close.

The yes campaign have really targeted the non voting masses, people who've never voted before because they believe their vote doesn't make a difference. Grassroots campaigns, hundreds of volunteers going door to door. So the polls don't even reflect the real figure as they are using previous elections to base the polls on, where turnout has been around 40%.

In my area all the yes posters and stickers have had no's put on top.

Between me, friends and relatives, there is slightly more Yes.

Fanny, unless people are telling you what they know you want to hear?

In my immediate family there are ten Yes votes to 2 No votes.

The default position is to stick to the devil you know. That is how Major got back into power in the 1992 when it looked unlikely. Ultimately, the undecided will err on the side of caution and vote for things to remain unchanged. Also from where I am sitting, safely in England, because the yes vote shout down the opposition who dare to challenge them, I think a lot of people are keeping quiet about voting no.

It is too close to call though. It will be fascinating but I wouldn't fancy being in Scotland post 18th September that is for sure.

If it is a no vote, it'll be the biggest red face ever. I'll be mortified and I really don't think we'll go unpunished for this, however dramatic that sounds.

I'm inclined to agree with you.

Wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people saying they're going to vote yes, don't.

And the undecideds are unlikely to swing yes on the day.

I think the No vote will win with a surprisingly large majority.

I don't think so.

The Scottish electorate were told the sky would fall in if they voted yes for devolution, they got it and it didn't.

Then we were told the sky would fall in again in 2007 if the SNP got in, and it didn't, and Scotland did pretty well.

Then we were told it would be even worse than the sky falling in, it fact it was impossible, if nationalist parties ever got a majority... you get the picture.

Some of the hysteria I've read from No supporters on here has been ridiculous - I think the worst, on another thread, was that trains would stop running in Scotland and the North of England.

There are a decreasing number of people who are swallowing the scare tactics, because they've been pulled on us so many times.

I really hope it's no and I hope it's a big margin but think it'll be close. The bitterness will last years.

Was discussing this with a friend the other night. She thinks it'll be a comfortable No vote and isn't worried about it all. I'm desperately hoping it will be a No but am seriously worried that Yes may sneak it at the last minute. I am dreading waking up on the 19th to find out the result .....don't know how my nerves are going to stand it. Of the people I know in real life I'd say its 60:40 in favour of No.

What concerns me almost as much as a Yes vote is the division and bitterness that this is going to leave behind. I genuinely worry that the scars will take a long time to heal.

I have canvassed for many different elections, my canvass returns are never wrong.