MOST 16-year-olds usually get a card and cake for their birthday. Others might get money. Calum Moffat could get a whole new country.

The Inverkeithing High pupil turns 16 today and will head to the ballot box to decide on Scotland’s future in the independence referendum.

Nearly 4.3million people have registered to vote, including a total of 109,533 youngsters under 18.

For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds have been given the vote, with Calum among the 8155 Fife teens set to have their say.

And Calum, from Aberdour, is well aware that “it’s a great opportunity at our age to have a say in the future of Scotland”. He told the Press, “It’s an opportunity more than a duty – strange that it’s the first time we will be voting and it’s such a big decision.

“I will be leaving school very soon and it’s easier knowing what’s going to happen to Scotland – if we will or won’t be independent.

“I’ll be having a say in a decision that will affect the rest of our lives.

“My friends feel the same way – most of them have looked into it and think it’s a really good idea we can vote as well.

"Most of the websites I’ve been looking at have both sides of the argument and based on what I’ve found, I’ll be making an educated decision on how I’m going to vote.” His big issues are university, jobs for young people, competitiveness and “what Scotland will be like in the next five to 10 years”.

He said, “I’m concerned if university is going to stay free or be free, and if there will be places for young people coming out of school.

“I’m worried that there might be businesses failing or the number of jobs might stay the same.

“If there are no places for young people at university, there might be someone from abroad who is more qualified for the job.” Although today marks a double milestone for Calum, he has no plans to celebrate – “just go to school, vote, might do something at the weekend”.

And whatever the outcome tomorrow, Calum is hoping it will be accepted by all.

He added, “It’s been a really interesting debate and some good reasons on both sides.

“I hope there’s no rioting, whatever the result. Both sides should not rub it in the others’ faces too much.”