In a surprising and bold move, Edinburgh city council today announced their plans to hold a referendum to decide whether the Scottish capital should leave the UK.
At a press conference announcing the vote, council bosses said:
"For too long, Edinburgh has had to bend to the whims of the UK and Scottish Governments.
"In around 600AD, Edinburgh was a strong and stable medieval hillfort, with high walls and a no-nonsense attitude toward incursions from Germanic settlers to the south.
Bizarre footage shows stray swans holding up traffic in Edinburgh's city centre
"We plan to recreate that happier time, when no one ever told the leaders what to do.
"Our first act as an independent Edinburgh will be to turn Edinburgh Castle into student accommodation."
If Edinburgh votes for a 'hard Edxit', it's thought that there could be severe shortages of essential supplies from England, such as Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire puddings, Branston pickle, and Cliff Richard CDs.
The council also made it clear that all Glaswegians will be deported.
Leading public figures from the UK are pleading with Edinburgh to stay.
Ant and Dec, Jenny and Lee from Gogglebox and Gemma Collins have all come forward with heartfelt statements asking Edinburgh to vote remain.
And Irish band Jedward randomly weighed in, saying:
"At our recent gig at The Three Sisters on the Cowgate, we became very aware of how valuable Edinburgh is to the rest of the UK.
"From your fine shortbread to your excellent gin and well-crafted woolen garments, the UK would be a poorer place if you vote to leave."
The reaction from locals has been mixed, with many branding the decision 'confusing' and 'weird'.
Matt Fraser, who works for Ipsos Mori on Leith Links, said:
"It's all been very unclear, shambolic, bungled, badly communicated and - frankly - a huge mess. A lot like the real Brexit."
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
For more stories from across the Edinburgh area like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter: enter your email in the blue box at the top of this article.
