Scottish dream could 'prove costly'

Nadia Burborough (left) with parents Morando and Mary Bertoncini who are hoping Scotland stays part of the United Kingdom. Photo / Ben Fraser

Nadia Burborough's parents aren't sure if they want to go home at the end of their Rotorua holiday.

Mary and Morando Bertoncini cast their vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum before they left for New Zealand and are hoping the country remains part of the United Kingdom.

The pair are among four million voters who will decide on Friday (New Zealand time) if the country will stand alone after 300 years of being governed from London.

Mr and Mrs Bertoncini are due to return to Ayr on October 2.

"When I get to Auckland Airport I might claim asylum and not go back," Mrs Bertoncini joked.

"We already have a Scottish parliament with our own education system and legal system."

Their Rotorua-based daughter has lived in New Zealand for 14 years, which means she doesn't have a vote in the binding referendum. However she said it had formed a lot of discussion in her home.

"I hope that those who do vote have thought it through," Mrs Burborough said.

"Everyone is going to be affected. People vote on emotion, that's why there is so much campaigning."

She said a lot of her friends in Scotland were voting yes, to separate, but her parents were in the Better Together camp.

"Whatever happens we can't go back," said Mr Bertoncini, an Italian-born Scot who has lived in Scotland since 1948.

"It's not like a general election where you can change your vote and the government. No one can tell how it's going to go. It's the undecided people who can swing it. I don't know what's undecided about them.

"They're selling us a dream and it will take a few years to realise and a lot of money."

Polls close Friday 9am (NZT) but the result is not expected to be known until Friday evening. Voting is open to all British, qualifying Commonwealth and EU citizens, as long as they are resident in Scotland. Voting has been opened up to 16 and 17-year-olds for the referendum.