Aberdeenshire pupil poll finds strong support for the union

A mock referendum by school pupils has found three-quarters against independence.

Around 11,500 pupils in Aberdeenshire voted in a project involving 17 secondary and four special needs schools.

Aberdeenshire Council and Grampian Electoral Registration Office helped the pupils set up, contest and hold polls and it was found that just under 75% voted No when asked the question: Should Scotland be an independent country?

Around 24.5% voted Yes, with 88 spoiled ballots.

The vote took place on Tuesday and the results were announced to pupils today in Meldrum Academy, Inverurie.

The council said 14,584 pupils were eligible to take part and there was “an incredible” turnout of 79.9%.

Only one of the schools recorded a majority for independence, the council said. Two other schools recorded tied results.