IN NINE days' time, 16 and 17-year-olds across the country will be taking to the polling stations for the first time.

For many, this new sense of responsibility is not one they're taking lightly, and it has sparked an interest in politics they never had before.

At Bellahouston Academy, a secondary school in the south west of the city, four sixth-year pupils met to discuss their opinions.

They will join nearly 100,000 other teenagers who are registered to vote on September 18.

Zahrah Tayyub, a 17-year-old from Pollokshields, is undecided about how to vote. She said many of her friends and family have made their choice, but she is still looking for more information and wants to be fully informed before voting day.

As with many people her age, she says, she is not allowing herself to be influenced by the opinions of her peers, and encourages other first time voters to do the same.

Zahrah said: "It's really about whether we can take the risk and make the leap to independence.

"It's about being more cautious and safe, but then it's also about being stuck with the downsides which voting No causes.

"If we vote Yes we're taking a lot of risks too."

Her classmate Cameron Bell, 17, has decided to vote for independence, and said the referendum has opened up the world of politics for him.

The Cardonald teenager said: "I never used to be interested in politics, but now I am."

The range of concerns among the group of first time voters seems to be widespread, from Trident and defence to education and currency.

Hira Khan, 16, from Dumbreck is another undecided voter.

She is worried that tuition fees may rise in an independent Scotland, and said: "All I'm hearing is that if we go independent then the universities will be more separate and we will start paying fees.

"If voting Yes means for paying for university, I don't see the point.

"We get it for free at the moment so it would be a downside for us."

Zahrah was more concerned about the status of the army, and whether Scotland would be able to defend itself.

She said: "I was thinking about things like war - if we are an independent country, will there be things like an army?

"I'm not sure."

"And if Scotland make weapons, it could provoke other countries and create more tension."

No-voter Scott Greig, 16 from Kinning Park, said he felt Scotland would be better as part of the UK.

He said: "I've read a lot about Scotland getting more powers anyway if the decision is No, so that's why I've decided to vote No.

"We already have a lot of powers, for example roads, education and healthcare."

The teenager was also concerned about the issue of currency, and added: "We're told we might not be allowed to use the pound, and I don't think using the euro would be a good idea, so that's unclear."

Cameron was concerned that many of his peers were not informed enough to make a decision, and said: "Very few people are interested in politics in our age group. They will end up falling for tactics from both campaigns, or end up voting for what their parents are voting for."

However, for the rest of the group, being given the chance to vote had instilled a send of responsibility in them and they had all tried to research as much as they could.

Zahrah said: "This is the first time ever I've actually put my mind to something political. I try to avoid the politicians and what they say. It's too easy to get sucked in by watching someone on television. I'm trying to find out for myself."

Hira added: "I'd never really thought about it before but I've actually done research for this vote in my own time to make sure I'm doing the right thing."

hannah.rodger @eveningtimes.co.uk