Scottish Americans in Colorado watching elections closely

It’s an historic day in Scotland.

Polls have closed and the Scottish people are waiting to see if Scotland will secede from the United Kingdom.

It could have a huge impact globally, but Scottish Americans in southern Colorado are also watching closely.

“My grandparents used to be part of what was called the Scottish Society of the Pikes Peak Region,” said Joe Poch.

“My heritage is Scottish, I’m a third generation Scottish American,” said Stephen Williams.

Those who keep that heritage close to their hearts are watching their ancestral country closely.

“We as Americans really don’t understand all of the intricacies,” Williams said.

More than 4.2 million Scots voted Thursday deciding whether their country should be an independent country.

Some in Colorado said yes.

“I believe they have plenty of resources, oil, and can leverage to build an independent future for themselves,” Williams said.

Others said no.

“They have no banking system that’s independent, the European Union isn’t knocking on the door, they have their own problems,” Poch said.

Opinions are just as divided in Scotland. Polls are neck and neck and just 8 percent of voters were undecided.

“Younger folks are very much yes. Older folks see the business and banking side if they’re independent, so they’re voting no,” Poch said.

“Whether you’re in the yes camp, or the no camp, I’m for self determination in whatever form that takes,” Williams said.

Proof that opinions are divided not just in Scotland, but across the world.