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'Little Scotland': Corby holds mock referendum vote 'Little Scotland': Corby holds mock referendum vote
(about 7 hours later)
A mock independence vote is being held in England's "Little Scotland". Hundreds of people have cast their vote in Northamptonshire's "Little Scotland" during a mock independence referendum.
The ballot, staged as part of Corby's Highland Gathering, will see those who attend offered the chance to vote. The ballot was offered to those attending Corby's annual Highland Gathering and asked whether Scotland should be an independent country.
Thousands living in the Northamptonshire town are of Scottish descent having moved there in the 1930s to work on iron and steelwork sites. The town has become home to thousands of people claiming Scottish descent.
Organiser Mark Pengelly said the vote was "a bit of fun" but might be an indicator of the likely outcome of the national vote in September. Organiser Mark Pengelly said the vote was "a bit of fun" ahead of the actual Scottish referendum in September. The result is expected at 16:30 BST.
According to the 2011 census, 7,765 (12.7%) of the town's population of 61,255 were born in Scotland. Scottish people moved to the town in the 1930s when a giant new steelworks offered jobs.
The Corby annual Highland Gathering at The Charter Field features pipe bands and highland dancing, and is said to be the biggest such event held outside Scotland. Many stayed in Corby after the collapse of iron and steel working sites in the area, leading to the town's "Little Scotland" tag.
Many Scots stayed in Corby after the collapse of iron and steel working sites in the area, leading to the town's "Little Scotland" tag. According to the 2011 census, 7,765 (12.7%) people of the town's population of 61,255 were born in Scotland.
Linda Cassidy, who moved to Corby in 1977, said: "Living outside of Scotland has never made me feel any less Scottish.Linda Cassidy, who moved to Corby in 1977, said: "Living outside of Scotland has never made me feel any less Scottish.
"I won't have a vote in September, but I do have a view and I hope everyone in Corby will make their views heard today.""I won't have a vote in September, but I do have a view and I hope everyone in Corby will make their views heard today."
Scottish 'voice'Scottish 'voice'
Corby Borough Council had campaigned for its residents to have a say on Scotland's future.Corby Borough Council had campaigned for its residents to have a say on Scotland's future.
Only those permanently living in the country are eligible to vote in the official poll.Only those permanently living in the country are eligible to vote in the official poll.
Mr Pengelly, a Labour councillor, felt a mock vote would give Corby's Scots "a voice".Mr Pengelly, a Labour councillor, felt a mock vote would give Corby's Scots "a voice".
"Corby has a lot of Scottish traditions," he said. "The vote will certainly create a lot of interest.""Corby has a lot of Scottish traditions," he said. "The vote will certainly create a lot of interest."
A polling station for the mock poll will open at 09.00 and close at 16:00 BST. The result is expected to be announced 30 minutes later. A polling station for the mock poll opened at 09:00 and close at 16:00.
The actual referendum on Scottish independence will take place on 18 September. The Corby Highland Gathering features pipe bands and highland dancing, and is said to be the biggest such event held outside Scotland.
Organisers believe up to 8,000 people could attend the Highland Gathering if the weather is kind.