Scotland may historically have been a nation of emigration but a wave of recent Polish immigrants will vote in Thursday's independence referendum, with lessons from their home countries shaping their decision.
As in much of the rest of Britain, Poles make up the biggest group of immigrants in Scotland. Of the seven percent of people in Scotland born abroad, 15 percent or 55,000 are from Poland.
Most moved for economic reasons after Poland became part of the European Union in 2004 and Polish shops, cafes and bars now dot the streets of cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow.
At the Bazyliszek Polish Deli in Edinburgh, owner Adam Pietrzak worried that independence could be bad for Scotland and his business.
"We are against it. I think Scotland will be stronger in the UK -- I don't see the point of getting out of the UK. Scottish people have their own government," he said.
He feared having to pay import taxes on stock like Polish vodka and sausage if Scotland was excluded from the European Union while it renegotiated membership as an independent country.
While Poland has had to struggle for the right to self-determination repeatedly in its history, including before the fall of Communism in 1989, Pietrzak saw no parallels with the campaign for Scottish independence.
"I think it's a different story about Poland 25 years ago than Scotland now. Nobody beats you because of your thoughts. Over here, you can be Scottish, paint your face, nobody cares, it's totally different," he said.
Customer Adrian Lewczuk, 27, who works for a restaurant chain, was also worried about the economic impact of a "Yes" vote.
"I could see what happened with Ireland and Slovakia. They had big economic problems," he said.
"I can understand why Scotland would want to leave the UK. Poland did the same with Russia but these were different times and being under Russia was much worse than being under the UK."
'Embedded in our blood'
In the 19th century and 20th century, hundreds of thousands of Scots moved abroad in search of a better life. In 1904-13 and 1921-30 alone, 550,000 left -- a fifth of the working population.
But in recent years, more people have moved to Scotland than left. Net immigration in 2012-13 was 10,000, down from a peak of 33,000 in 2006-07.
If Scotland becomes independent, First Minister Alex Salmond wants to increase the number of people moving there in a bid boost the economy and tax revenues.
The Scottish government says it will stay part of the EU in the event of independence and citizens from other EU countries in Scotland will be able to remain as before.
But there have been questions in the campaign about whether Scotland could renegotiate membership and how long it would take.
The "Yes" to independence camp says some "No" campaigners have been warning Poles they might have to leave an independent Scotland as their right to be in the country under EU laws could be put in jeopardy if Scotland's position is uncertain.
The Herald newspaper quoted Marek Soltysiak of the Polish Community in Scotland organisation saying: "To suggest that we will all be deported following a 'Yes' vote is patronising and insulting."
The "No" campaign has dismissed the allegations.
Tomek Borkowy, an actor who is campaigning for Poles to vote "Yes" to independence, urged Poles to ignore the "scaring" arguments of the "No" campaign.
"Only 25 years ago we reclaimed our full independence. We understand the need of a nation for self-determination and most of us will support it," he said.
"Poles frequently tried to regain independence, but they also lent themselves to fight for the freedom of others."
He added: "This notion is embedded in our blood and that is the other reason why a lot of us will vote 'Yes'."
AFP
Wed Sep 17 2014
The "Yes" to independence camp says some "No" campaigners have been warning Poles they might have to leave an independent Scotland.
After Sinwar's death, Israel aims to lock in strategic gains before US election
Israeli leaders are seeking to reshape regional landscape in Israel's favour and shield its borders from any future attacks, sources said.
Netanyahu told Trump Israel will make decisions based on its interests, PM's office says
Israel is pondering its military reaction to recent Iranian missile strikes.
Ringgit extends positive momentum to open higher against US dollar
The ringgit traded higher against the US Dollar in today's early session, driven by continued buying interest towards the local currency.
BHP faces $47 billion UK lawsuit over Brazilian dam collapse
More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments, and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the collapse of the dam.
Trump hands out french fries in Pennsylvania, Harris visits Georgia churches
Both candidates were scrambling for votes in the most competitive states.
Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall
Lula "was advised to avoid long-distance air travel but is otherwise able to carry out his regular duties."
Lebanese flee as blasts hit Beirut, Israel warns of strikes on Hezbollah finance arm
On Sunday Israel said it hit Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons workshop in Beirut.
87 people killed or missing in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya, health ministry says
A total of 87 people were killed or missing under the rubble after an Israeli attack on Saturday on northern Gaza's town of Beit Lahiya.
Hundreds of colonists storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli protection
Hundreds of Israeli colonists stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning during the fourth day of the Jewish Sukkot festival.
ANALYSIS - What could happen if Trump rejects the US election results
If Trump seems to be losing, the delay could let him claim fraud and undermine confidence in election officials.
Motorcycling - Marquez wins Australian MotoGP after intense battle with Martin
The 31-year-old, third in the championship standings, has now won the Australian MotoGP four times in the premier class.
Prabowo takes up Indonesian presidency, vows to tackle corruption, other issues
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto on Sunday took over as president of the world's third-largest democracy, vowing to combat internal issues
Nepal's Sherpas deserve more, says teenager who scaled world's 14 tallest peaks
Sherpas are known for climbing skills that make them the backbone of mountain expeditions.
Inside the underground lab in China tasked with solving a physics mystery
China will soon collect neutrino data, aiming to unravel one of particle physics' biggest mysteries.
Millions in Cuba still without power as major outage persists
Millions of Cubans remain without electricity because of a prolonged outage at the main power plants on the island, Anadolu Agency reported.
Surge in Gaza violence increases famine risk, monitor says
About 1.84 million people across the besieged Palestinian enclave are living through high levels of acute food insecurity.
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Father of Malaysian Islamic banking, Abdul Halim Ismail passes away
His dedication and pioneering spirit played an important role in shaping the journey of Bank Islam as well as leaving a lasting impact on the development of Malaysia's Islamic finance industry.