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19th Sep 2014

Scotland Votes ‘No’ In Independence Referendum

The final result was won by a small margin.

Cathy Donohue

Scotland has voted no in an independence referendum which means the Union will stay together.

With 31 out of 32 regions declared, 55.42% voted against independence compared to 44.58% who wanted Scotland to stand alone and break the union with England.

The yes campaign scored four big wins, winning 53% in the largest city of Glasgow, 54% in West Dunbartonshire, 57% in Dundee and 51% in North Lanarkshire.

However, the no vote won the majority in 26 authorities, with the leader of the Better Together campaign, Alistair Darling voicing his delight.

Earlier this morning, Darling said “today is a momentous day not only for Scotland but for the United Kingdom as a whole”.

Scotland Decides - The Result Of the Scottish Referendum On Independence Is Announced
Better Together campaign leader Alistair Darling

Scottish National Party First Minister Alex Salmond praised the 86% turnout, saying: Thank you to Scotland for 1.6m votes for Scottish independence. We know that there is going to be a majority for the ‘No’ campaign.

“Scotland has by majority decided not, at this stage to become an independent country. This was a substantial vote for Scottish independence and the future of this country.

“The process by which we have made our decision as a nation reflects enormous credit to Scotland. This has been a triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics”.