Helensburgh and Lomond forms part of the second largest local authority area in Scotland – including 23 islands — meaning boats and helicopters must be drafted in to ensure ballot papers arrive at Lochgilphead Joint Campus as quickly as possible.

The Advertiser team will be there reporting live from the count throughout the night — bringing you up-to-the-minute information and results as they happen.

Henry Ainslie, editor of the Helensburgh Advertiser, said: “The outcome of this referendum – whichever way it goes – will have a huge effect on the people of Helensburgh and Lomond, and as such the whole community has been fully engaged in this debate from the outset.

“On polling day we will be out and about around the stations speaking to the electorate, and along with our partners at YOUR Radio will offer full live coverage of the Argyll and Bute count throughout the night on our website and on social media – ensuring our readers can stay right up to date with developments as they happen.

“Thursday promises to be one of the most momentous and exciting days in recent Scottish history, and as ever the Advertiser will be there to make sure our readers don’t miss a beat.” All polling stations close at 10pm and then the count begins and will continue throughout the night. Once this is complete, the counting officer from Argyll and Bute, liaising closely with the chief counting officer, will verify the process, accounting for all ballot papers, including those which are spoilt or have not been used.

Turnout figures will be verified and declared before the local totals results are announced.

The Argyll and Bute result is expected to be declared between 3am and 6am on Friday, September 19.

The following polling stations will be open from 7am-10pm on Thursday, September 18; Rhu Community Education Centre, Hall Road, Gibson Hall, Garelochhead, Cove Burgh Hall, Shore Road, The Three Villages Hall, Arrochar, Luss Village Hall, Arrochar Primary School, Rosneath Primary School, Kirkmichael Centre, Townhead Road, British Red Cross Society Hall, 116 East Princes Street, Victoria Halls, Sinclair Street, Marriage Room, 25 West King Street, Colgrain Primary School, Redgauntlet Road, Naval Families Centre, Churchill Square, Geilston Hall, Main Street, Cardross.

You can follow our updates on Facebook, Twitter, and live video, audio, and text feeds through our website www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk.