Referendum Day: Parliament has been focal point for many

Landmarks across the country have been adorned with campaign paraphanalia and the Scottish Parliament has been a gathering point for many.
People have been gathering around the parliament all dayPeople have been gathering around the parliament all day
People have been gathering around the parliament all day

Pamela Haye headed to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood to mingle with the crowds on the historic day.

“It’s a momentous occasion,” she said, sitting among groups of tourists, campaigners and election watchers from across the globe. “I wanted to experience it. It is amazing how much interest it has sparked all over the world.”

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The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood has become a destination for people keen to feel part of the referendum. Tourists and Scots alike clustered around the entranc, with some waving Saltires and others toting campaign material.

People have been gathering around the parliament all dayPeople have been gathering around the parliament all day
People have been gathering around the parliament all day

The area outside of the Parliament was last night occupied by up to 1000 Yes campaigners, who rallied outside of the international media tent in front of Arthur’s Seat.

Cars hooted their horns in support as they passed by, while one tiny Seat 600 vehicle - decorated in the Catalan flag and packed with three firefighters who undertook a three-day journey from Barcelona to experience Scotland’s referendum - was playing the national hymn of the Spanish territory.

Susan and Eric Jones from Dunfermline said they had cast their vote at a busy polling station close to their home early this morning before heading to Edinburgh to experience the historic event.ple

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“I feel the whole thing is quite traumatic,” said Mrs Jones. “We were born in England, but have lived here for 42 years. We are British and have always been proud of being British. It is not being thought through. I am terrified of what the outcome will be. This is people’s lives - and their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. I just hope people see sense.”