A DALRY couple were left in shock when they turned up to vote in last week’s independence referendum to be told that they had already voted.

During Thursday’s historic vote, the pair – said to be a farmer and his wife – attended their polling station and gave  the clerk their names, only to be told they had already been crossed off the list.

At the North Ayrshire count later that night, it was reported that police were investigating.

Police Scotland later confirmed that the Dalry couple were allowed to cast their votes.

At this stage, it has not been established if a clerical error was to blame or a criminal act had taken place.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “The Counting Officer is unable to comment on the case of any individual elector.

“However, in terms of election law there are clear procedures which must be followed where an elector applies for a ballot paper but the Polling List shows that they have already voted.

“The provisions were fully complied with at the referendum poll on September 18.”