High turnout confirmed by latest figures

An expected turn out of 80 per cent was being forecast for the independence referendum in Shetland at 5.30pm.

By late afternoon, around 50 per cent of the local electorate had cast their votes.

Turnout for each of the 28 Polling Stations varied, with figures of 32 per cent in Unst South, 46 per cent in Lerwick, 57 per cent in Bressay and closing in on 50 per cent at Skeld. Voting continues until the close of poll at 10pm this evening.

About 92 per cent of those registered for postal votes have returned their ballot papers so far.

Shetland counting officer Jan Riise said: “The turnout for this referendum is high and there is clearly a good level of attendance at polling stations in Shetland. I’d expect the final turnout figure to reach perhaps 80 per cent by the close of polling stations at 10pm this evening.”

The turnout for the European elections for the Shetland was 29.6 per cent in May 2014 and for the Shetland Islands Council elections in May 2012 was 55.2 per cent.