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Live Reporting

BBC News staff

All times stated are UK

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  1. The end of a remarkable day

    Steven Brocklehurst

    BBC Scotland news website

    That's all from the live page updates for today. We will be back at 08:00 to cover the latest developments in this story.

  2. End of a dream

    The Daily Record went with "the dream shall never die", but The Times wrap instead declares it's the "end of a dream".

    The Times
  3. Labour hits out at Cameron

    Labour's shadow attorney general, Emily Thornberry, tells the BBC's Scotland 2014 that David Cameron is "trying to hitch a whole lot of other stuff" to plans for more Scottish devolution, including English votes for English laws in the Commons.

    "It is simply not possible to stitch these two things together," she argues, and accuses the prime minister of a "pretty glib, pretty party-political and pretty facile analysis of what needs to happen next".

  4. Post update

    Here is tomorrow's Scotsman front page.

    scotsan
  5. Stick to timetable

    Former chancellor and Conservative politician Kenneth Clarke told BBC News the prime minister and the parties at Westminster would want to stick to the timetable given to Scotland for more powers.

    He said: "Once everyone has calmed down we will get back to delivering to the Scottish people the promises made in this referendum."

  6. Throwing in the towel

    Scotland's Daily Telegraph: Alex Salmond "throws in the towel".

    Scottish Daily Telegraph
  7. Thanks Alex

    Huw Silk: Some #indyref Yes fans outside Scottish Parliament tonight to arrange candles spelling out "Thanks Alex" #Salmond

    Yes supporters
  8. 'Impeccable timing'

    Former SNP MSP Andrew Wilson said Alex Salmond had chosen his time to leave with his usual impeccable timing.

    "I think his second retirement should be more rewarding than his first," he said.

    andrew wilson
  9. Trouble in Glasgow

    A Police Scotland spokesperson confirms three arrests have been made so far following trouble across Glasgow this evening. Investigations are under way and officers will be conducting enquiries retrospectively which could lead to further arrests.

    Following rumours on Twitter of a stabbing on Buchanan Street, Police Scotland say no-one has given them any information on such an incident.

  10. 'Sad to see him go'

    Former special adviser to Alex Salmond, Stephen Gethins, told Scotland 2014 that his ex-boss had a massive impact of politics.

    He said: "He is still the most popular politician in Scotland after seven years in government. I am really personally sad to see him go."

  11. Salmond success

    Professor of public policy at Edinburgh University James Mitchell told BBC News that Alex Salmond had taken the SNP from a "fringe party to a party of government".

  12. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Fiona Watson: As a yes voter I accept the result and will play my part in taking the decision forward. However let's not forget the amount of yes voters and the promises that have been given to Scotland and the timescales. If for any reason Westminster fall short on the vows they made then all bets are off. The possibility of a future referendum cannot be dismissed.

    Geoff Tompson: I confess to being pro-UK sticking together but, had Scotland chosen to split, that would have been the population's democratic right. Though I didn't accept Alec Salmond's views, he did create an environment within the UK that I hope will genuinely benefit us all by creating a fairer society for all our citizens. I'm therefore saddened that he has chosen to resign with his job unfinished. At the very least he should stay until the next General Election to ensure Westminster is held to account and to make sure it follows through on the promises it has made to the Scottish people. As an Englishman I want to be part of an inclusive UK that is fair for all. Alec Salmond has not yet failed, he has merely started a long overdue process to ensure that all UK citizens are fairly represented, I therefore hope he will reconsider his decision and that the SNP has the sense to back him for the benefit of all UK citizens, be they Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish or English.

    Neil MacDonald: This has been a nasty campaign from start to finish, but what has been missed in all the rhetoric is this was a fight for the soul of our country. The quiet, dignified majority do not believe in separation. We demonstrate our national identity by our consideration and care for others, in particular our brothers and sisters in the rest of this island. The sickening scenes we are witnessing in George Square are not about a disenfranchised electorate, but are a result of the Pandora's's box which this campaign has opened.

    • Tonight's comments, tweets and texts have been produced by the BBC's Bernadette McCague, Amber Dawson, Andree Messiah and Kerry Alexander.
  13. Triggered a debate

    Nick Robinson

    Political editor

    I don't think I have ever experienced a day quite like this.

    A vote to reject major constitutional change in one country has actually triggered a debate about major constitutional change in all the countries of the UK.

    And the man without whom all this might not have happened, Alex Salmond, has quit.

    When we analysis this vote, it wasn't about purely independence, about self-government, about national identity.

    In many ways it was treated by the electorate here as a referendum on the Westminster establishment, on the way power works in the United Kingdom today.

    And many people, No as well as Yes voters, were deeply unhappy.

  14. Disunited Kingdom

    The Independent goes for "the disunited kingdom", looking at David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Alex Salmond.

    The Independent
  15. Join the conversation

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Andy from Wales: My family and I live in Wales and I in particular have been watching this campaign with huge interest. I have lots of friends and work colleagues who live in Scotland and voted yes for independence. I am glad Scotland decided to stay but am also proud of the 1.6 million Scottish people who voiced their opinion. As a country we now have to listen to the strong voice of those people despite it being a minority result for the yes campaign. I am very patriotic and proud to be Welsh but do not support any kind of independence for Wales I just don't think the country can stand on it's own two feet. We are a unique United Kingdom.

  16. Queen's pledge

    The Daily Telegraph focuses on The Queen's "pledge to help reunite" the UK.

    daily telegraph
  17. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Alan in Glasgow: Disgraceful scenes at George Square. Sums up our "Union" as we know it in Scotland. Wait for the hand wringing of Unionist politicians about the loyalist behaviour, but they haven't a problem accepting their votes!! Scotland's shame laid bare in front of a watching world.

  18. Get involved

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @supermavio tweets: Scenes in Glasgow make me wonder what kind of Scotland we will have in 10 years. I fear for my daughters generation #indyref

  19. Sturgeon taking over?

    Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is tipped to replace First Minister Alex Salmond as SNP leader, by the Daily Star of Scotland.

    Daily Star
  20. What now?

    There's a special edition of The Independent's i on Saturday newspaper - "What now for the UK?".

    i paper
  21. Post update

    Comedian Limmy tweets: I feel a lot more in common with No voters now, not less. Because that stuff in George Square, I know neither of us are that.

  22. George Square

    Channel 4 correspondent Alex Thomson tweets: "There is no question that there was a minority out to cause trouble and the sectarian tinge to some chants and flags was clear to all."

  23. Home rule

    The Daily Mail looks at what it all means for England.

    Daily Mail
  24. Salmond's sword

    The Scottish Daily Express go with the headline "Salmond falls on his sword".

    Scottish Daily Express
  25. Independence dream

    Tomorrow's Daily Record leads with First Minister Alex Salmond's "dignified promise" that the Scottish independence dream shall never die.

    Daily Record
  26. Eastenders discusses No vote

    Tonight's episode of BBC soap Eastenders included a scene in which two characters discussed the No vote in the Scottish independence referendum.

    In a scene in the cafe, Tamwar Masood (Himesh Patel) says to Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick): "It's nice the Scots did not forsake us. Although it got a bit desperate towards the end there, all that needy 'don't leave us' stuff from our side."

    eastenders

    Tamwar then tells Jay off for not having more to say on "Scotland deciding against independence".

    He says: "What could have been the biggest story in UK history in hundreds of years and you have nothing to say about it."

    Jay replies: "They voted No didn't they. So everything stays the same"

    The cast had filmed two scenes in advance to reflect both possible outcomes of the referendum.

    A post on the show's official Facebook page explained: "As EastEnders viewers are aware, the residents of Walford will often reference topical issues to reflect big moments that our audience are talking about.

    "As we knew the referendum was approaching, we filmed two different scenes to ensure that either outcome of the vote was covered."

  27. Get involved

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @DanielJones2291 tweets: I've always felt immensely proud to be Scottish. After looking at what is going on the Glasgow City Centre, today I am not. #NOTHANKS

  28. Get involved

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @joeheenan tweets: #GeorgeSquare At this time yesterday Scotland had hope. Now it has shame.

  29. Get involved

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @MichaelMacLeod1 tweets: Top marks to the cops for keeping the peace after things looked much more worrying earlier. They've got square in lockdown, all routes shut.

  30. George Square latest

    A police statement said: "Officers continue to manage the situation and prevent further disruption. Most have now dispersed. Small group remains with police in attendance"

  31. End of an era

    Political commentator John McTernan, who was political secretary to Tony Blair, told BBC News he was surprised that Alex Salmond resigned.

    He said: "It is the end of an era. This is what he came into politics to do. Nobody thought he would get an independence referendum, he got it and he lost it.

    "He lost it not narrowly. It was a big defeat. SNP heartlands such as Aberdeenshire where he has his seat, Perthshire, Moray, rejected independence. Paradoxically it would not have been so close if were not for Labour voters voting for independence."

  32. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Carl: I am pleased with the result of the referendum but what a shame has Salmond resigned after what he has done for Scotland. I am sure the Scottish people do not want him to resign. He has done a fantastic job and should also hold his head up high on the results achieved on the referendum. He should stay and continue to be the great asset to Scotland that he is.

  33. Salmond's 'great ability'

    Lib Dem MP Sir Menzies Campbell told BBC News: "I think there are 25% of the people in Scotland who believe in independence unequivocally.

    "Alex Salmond's great ability was to convert that 25% into nearly 50%.

    "There will always be people who believe in independence. It is a perfectly legitimate position. They won't go away. But I think most people are pretty well settled with the view that there should not be another referendum for a very long time, if ever."

  34. George Square photos

    Pro-union protesters chant and wave Union Flags during a demonstration at George Square in Glasgow.

    Pro-union protestors chant and wave Union Flags during a demonstration at George Square in Glasgow
    Pro-union protestors chant and wave Union Flags during a demonstration at George Square in Glasgow
  35. George Square

    Catriona MacPhee, STV journalist, tweets: Eerie scene in Queen St Station just now. Quiet & tense, with George Sq exit blocked, lined by riot police, & roar of chanting from outside.

  36. Hannah on Prime Minister

    Actor John Hannah tonight told The One Show he would also like to see David Cameron resign.

    John Hannah

    Mr Hannah said: "It would be nice of him [David Cameron] to follow suit".

    "I think one of the things that we've learnt about this is that 97% of the electorate in Scotland voted because they weren't happy with Westminster."

  37. George Square latest

    There are still angry scenes in George Square in the centre of Glasgow. The police are trying to contain a group of protesters, who are waving union flags and letting off flares.

    The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg said the ruckus in George Square is not a stand-off between Yes and No campaigners. "It is hoolies turning up who want a fight."

    george swuarwe
  38. Post update

    On a lighter, flakier note, Twitter user George Chambers posted this Alex Salmond tribute ahead of last night's results. It's what he calls "Salmond en croute".

    Salmon en croute
  39. Post update

    @sasflan tweets: People saying the yes campaigners are violent. I've just witnessed several saltires being burned & people being jumped. Good going Scotland

  40. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Carl: I am pleased with the result of the referendum but what a shame has Salmond resigned after what he has done for Scotland. I am sure the Scottish people do not want him to resign. He has done a fantastic job and should also hold his head up high on the results achieved on the referendum. He should stay and continue to be the great asset to Scotland that he is.

  41. Something to add

    Douglas Fraser

    Business and economy editor, Scotland

    Since filing my blog earlier, Alex Salmond has announced he's stepping down as SNP leader and First Minister, once a successor is elected.

    Asked about future strategy, he made clear to journalists that the "once in a generation" view was his and not a pledge which will bind his successor.

    In saying the SNP will "hold Westminster's feet to the fire" on new powers for Holyrood, he left little doubt that this form of torture could well include the prospect of another referendum.

    It came with a sting for his successor, whoever she may be - his observation that there's now a movement of 'Yessers' and other activists who are changing politics, and holding political leaders to account.

  42. George Square

    Laura Kuenssberg

    BBC Newsnight

    To be clear, tonight's ruckus in George Sq is not a standoff btw Yes and No campaigners - it's hoolies turning up who want a fight

  43. More powers

    Shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran told BBC News there was a "deep disillusionment" with the way politics is conducted, particularly at Westminster.

    She said the proposals for devolution of powers in England would not slow down the promised change in Scotland.

    "The extra powers for the Scottish Parliament can be clearly implemented because we have been talking about them and planning them for some period now," she said.

    "The new proposals from the prime minister I don't think are thought through and he's not clear about them in the way that we are about Scotland."

  44. Your Salmond reaction

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    James Adams: Whichever side of the debate people have found themselves on no one can deny the impact that Alex Salmond has had on Scottish politics. He managed to lead the SNP to a victory that broke the Holyrood system designed to stop a majority and take the country into a referendum that may well permanently change UK politics for better or worse.

    Alastair Milne: Nice of Salmond to "accept" the result, did he think he had an alternative? An arrogant egotist, won't be missed.

  45. George Square

    Laura Kuenssberg

    Chief Correspondent

    Horrible end to day when people absorbing #indyref result but a bunch of people wanting a Friday night fight.

  46. Glasgow leads call for change

    Nick Robinson

    Political editor

    Some will ask 'why on earth are politicians talking about constitutional change on the very day the Scottish people rejected independence?'

    The answer is clear and it is here in Glasgow. The people of this great city voted by a majority to leave the UK. The anger they feel at the way Westminster currently runs things is felt up and down what remains our United Kingdom.

  47. Onto the streets

    The Guardian's Libby Brooks: Police doing a great job as Britannia-chanting crowds spill onto streets

    Libby Brook's pic aftermath of George Square
  48. Your views

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Chris in London: Can we now have a national debate about the issues raised during this campaign? How about a referendum for all UK citizens on the abolishment of Trident and the setting up of an oil wealth fund that would benefit all the citizens in the UK?

  49. Worldwide reaction

    Reuters US News tweets: 1 in 4 Americans open to secession in urge to cut ties with Washington.

  50. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Stewart Miles: Well done Scotland. You have moved British politics which thankfully will never be the same again. The English regionshave regional authorities and Wales and N& Ire will have have more powers.

  51. Yes city

    Actor Brian Cox, who is from Dundee, said it is the "Yes city of Scotland".

    "We are all very proud of that," he said

  52. 'Head and shoulders above the rest'

    Scottish actor Brian Cox, who has been campaigning for a "Yes" vote, told BBC News that Alex Salmond was "head and shoulders above any other political leader in these islands".

    He said: "I was not always a fan but I certainly am now. I have watched him grown and be such a statesman as a result of this."

    Brian cox

    Mr Cox said he thought Alex Salmond would be "at the negotiating table" on the future of Scotland even if he is no longer first minister.

    He said: "He'll want to see that we don't get a bad deal. If you think about it, being leader and being head of negotiations on this so-called vow would be a difficult two jobs to do."

  53. Dundee rally

    "Yes" campaigners in Dundee held a final rally today in the city. Dundee voted "Yes" to independence in yesterday's referendum, by the highest margin of any local authority in Scotland.

    Yes rally in Dundee
  54. More on George Square

    A Police Scotland spokeswoman has said that there are approximately 100 people from each side in George Square in Glasgow.

    There has been some minor disorder which has been dealt with quickly, with no arrests.

    The square is closed to traffic with local diversions in place.

  55. George Square latest

    Cameron Buttle

    BBC Scotland

    It is very tense in the square. It has calmed down a bit but is still very tense.

    Both sides have been throwing things, the police are in the middle trying to keep both sides apart.

    One side is singing Flower of Scotland and the other is singing Rule Britannia.

  56. Telegraph 'barred'

    The Telegraph has published a video on their website which allegedly shows their reporter Ben Riley-Smith being "barred" from entering Alex Salmond's resignation press conference.

  57. Your views

    @BBCScotlandnews

    @s_ditchfield tweets: Glasgow feels very different tonight to the Glasgow of few months ago at commonwealth games #Glasgow2014 #whatashame

  58. 'Extremely disappointing'

    Speaking on the George Square trouble, Lib Dem MP Sir Menzies Campbell said: "For people like me who are committed to the democratic process and who have valued the way in which this campaign has been conducted until now, it is extremely disappointing.

    "I hope that police will be able to make calm heads prevail and people will go home. The best possible thing would be a heavy shower in George Square. That is often a way of dispersing people who are ready to make trouble."

  59. Weirs 'saddened' at Salmond resignation

    Chris and Colin Weir, the multi-millionaire lottery winners who helped bankroll the "Yes" campaign, said: "Whilst saddened at his decision, Alex Salmond has nothing to reproach himself for.

    weirs

    "He has energised our nation, not just in this campaign, but in all his years of service to Scotland. He has articulated the aspirations of a nation not just as a party leader but as Scotland's most successful first minister ever.

    "We wish him well and thank him for his part in making Scotland the confident, forward looking country it is today."

  60. Get involved

    @BBCScotlandnews

    @ScottWWright tweets: Horrible atmosphere building in Glasgow city centre as hardline side of Union "celebrates". Why oh why must it be like this? #infyref

  61. Leaders condemn scenes

    The leaders of Scottish Labour and the Scottish Conservatives have condemned the scenes in Glasgow's George Square.

    Speaking to the BBC's Reporting Scotland, Ms Lamont said she hoped order was restored "as soon as possible" while Ms Davidson said: "We don't want to be seeing scenes like that on our streets."

  62. Glasgow votes 'Yes'

    Yes campaigners and Loyalists who supported the Union have gathered in opposing protests in George Square in Glasgow, and it's fair to say the atmosphere is tense.

    Glasgow was one of four local authorities in Scotland to vote in favour of independence in yesterday's referendum.

    The others were Dundee, North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire.

  63. Salmond tweet

    First Minister Alex Salmond tweets: Heading home to Strichen. With love and thanks from Moira and I for all your kind messages of support.

    Alex and Moira Salmond
  64. Salmond's second resignation

    This is the second time First Minister Alex Salmond has decided to stand down as SNP leader.

    Alex Salmond

    He first won the leadership of the party in 1990 before stepping down in 2000. Scotland's now Finance Minister John Swinney then took charge before Mr Salmond assumed office again in 2004.

  65. More on George Square

    Cameron Buttle

    BBC Scotland

    The Loyalists have signs saying "Scotland is British". I see a flag that says Springburn/Derry Union up on the railings.

    Another flag says "Scotland is British, No surrender". There is lots of shouting of "this is our country".

  66. Swinney 'respects' Salmond decision

    Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney tells the BBC's Reporting Scotland that he respects Alex Salmond's decision to stand down.

    He repeats Mr Salmond's view that the referendum is a "once in a generation opportunity" and says the SNP "will work make sure that the commitments made in the referendum" by the UK parties about more powers are kept.

    "These have to be delivered and they have to be delivered within the timescale," he adds.

  67. George Square latest

    Cameron Buttle

    BBC Scotland

    There is definitely evidence of riot-trained police officers now coming in.

    The trouble started very quickly with the charge from the Loyalist side. We believe it was a coordinated charge. It came from different parts of the square and different angles.

    You could see flares going off in different directions. You could see people running in and they had concealed Union flags within their coats and jackets which they pulled out.

  68. 'Atmosphere changed'

    Cameron Buttle

    BBC Scotland

    I have been in George Square all day. It has ebbed and flowed, the crowd occasionally unpleasant, but about 20 minutes ago the atmosphere changed very noticeably.

    What I would describe as a Loyalist crowd turned up with lots of Union flags. All day the Saltire has been in evidence.

    There was a rush from the Loyalist side. Flares went up, the police came in, it all got very nasty for a while. the police have separated the crowds on either side of the square now.

  69. Get involved

    @BBCScotlandnews

    @Scanwich tweets: the only thing that's made me feel guilty for voting no is @AlexSalmond resigning #indyref #whatnow

  70. Flares in the square

    Protesters have let off flares at the gathering in Glasgow's George Square.

    geirge square
  71. Firecrackers in George Square

    Both campaigns are chanting slogans in George Square in Glasgow. A few firecrackers have been set off by both sides. Police are present and are trying to keep protesters separated.

    george square
  72. More from George Square

    Here's another picture of the events at George Square.

    geroge
  73. George Square protest

    This is the scene in Glasgow's George Square right now.

    Crowds of "No" supporters and "Yes" supporters are being kept apart by police.

    george square
  74. 'Changed political landscape'

    Mr Swinney said Alex Salmond had changed the political landscape.

    He added: "The challenge for the next SNP leader and first minister will be to put the Westminster parties under pressure to deliver against the commitments that they made during the referendum campaign."

  75. Swinney's 'deep appreciation'

    John Swinney said he wanted to make clear his "deep and profound appreciation" for what Alex Salmond did to get the party and the Yes movement to "this point".

    Mr Swinney said: "He took us into government in 2007 when all the pundits said we couldn't do it. He won a majority in 2011 when absolutely every commentator said it was an impossibility and then he delivered an independence referendum which commanded 1.6 million votes for independence yesterday.

    "Alex has earned the right to decide at what moment he wanted to stand down."

  76. Salmond's 'astonishing gains'

    Finance Secretary John Swinney told BBC Scotland that Alex Salmond had delivered "astonishing gains" for the SNP and "astonishing improvements" for Scotland.

    Mr Swinney, who was leader of the SNP before Mr Salmond, said: "I think that culminated in creating the opportunity for the people of Scotland to have the most engaged democratic decision we could have had about our future in the referendum yesterday, in which 85% of the public that were eligible to vote, participated. That was a great triumph for democracy and it was brought about by Alex Salmond."

  77. Firm favourite

    Bookmakers have already priced Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as the odds-on favourite to become the next SNP leader.

    Nicola Sturgeon

    Ladbrokes have Ms Sturgeon at 1/4, with Humza Yousaf next in line at 8/1. Alex Neil, Derek Mackay and Mike Russell follow at 10/1, with John Swinney priced at 16/1.

    William Hill is also offering odds - they price Ms Sturgeon at 1/3 and Mr Yousaf at 6/1.

  78. STUC on Salmond

    Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: "Alex Salmond has been a dominant figure in Scottish politics for over two decades.

    "Whatever you think of his politics you cannot deny his political achievements. The longest serving first minister; the first party leader to secure a Scottish Parliament majority; delivering a referendum on independence and increasing popular support for it.

    "His disappointment in not seeing the job through must be immense and, although a surprise to me, it is perhaps the right time for him to step aside as we now look to enhance Scottish devolution."

  79. More from The Queen

    The Queen's statement from Balmoral concludes:

    "Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all.

    "Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country.

    "My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task."

  80. Queen statement

    The Queen has issued a statement on the outcome of the referendum.

    It says: "After many months of discussion, debate, and careful thought, we now know the outcome of the referendum, and it is a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect," it reads.

    "For many in Scotland and elsewhere today, there will be strong feelings and contrasting emotions - among family, friends and neighbours. That, of course, is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country.

    "But I have no doubt that these emotions will be tempered by an understanding of the feelings of others."

  81. Queen statement

    The Queen said Scotland's vote to stay part of the UK was "a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect".

  82. Harvie: Salmond changed political landscape

    Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie said: "It's no secret that the Scottish Green Party and I haven't always agreed with Alex Salmond about a range of policy issues, but nobody in Scottish politics can doubt his commitment to the cause of Scottish independence, or the impact he has had, not only within Scotland, but also on a movement which still has the potential to reshape politics throughout these islands.

    "The first minister is 100% right to say that the aftermath of the independence referendum remains redolent with possibility, and that the incredible public engagement in our political process means that power must now lie with the public will, not with political parties in Westminster or Holyrood.

    "Despite our differences on a range of issues, I want to pay tribute to Alex Salmond for the role he has played in changing our political landscape. The future of Scottish, and of UK politics, could be entering a more open and creative period than we have known for many years.

    "If nothing else, Alex Salmond has been central to bringing us to that moment."

  83. @HumzaYousaf

    Humza Yousaf SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow tweets: @AlexSalmond's legacy not only his own political achievements but thousands like me who've been inspired by him to become politically active

  84. 'Outstanding parliamentarian'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick, who was elected as an SNP MSP before quitting the party to take up the politically-neutral Holyrood role, commented on Mr Salmond's decision to step down as first minister.

    She said: "Members from across the chamber will recognise the first minister as an outstanding parliamentarian and will join me in recognition of his substantial achievements and public service as an MP, MSP and as Scotland's longest-serving first minister.

    "He will bow out following the most remarkable national debate and democratic renewal of our nation."

  85. Get involved

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @HughWallace74 tweets: @AlexSalmond I am sad to see you go. This was never all about you but at the same time, without you we would have been nowhere. Thank you.

  86. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Jim Daisley from Greenock texts: "Disappointed with the result but the 1.6 million people of Scotland standing up against Westminster, banking, big business and the media, and the politics of fear, should be proud. Congratulations and well done to Alex Salmond and I agree with his decision to resign and make way for new invigorated leadership.

  87. Law Society on Salmond

    The president of the Law Society of Scotland, Alistair Morris, said Alex Salmond's place in "our nation's political history is assured".

    He said: "His achievements cannot be underestimated, not only as the longest-serving first minister and the first to obtain an overall majority at Holyrood, but also in securing a historic referendum on independence.

    "His passion for Scotland, his commitment to creating a fairer and more prosperous society and his formidable debating skills, both at Holyrood and Westminster, have been at the heart of Scottish politics for over 30 years. He has also been a proud and effective ambassador for Scotland on the world stage."

  88. Miliband reaction

    UK Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "Alex Salmond has been a formidable frontline politician.

    "Whatever our disagreements, he always spoke his mind and he has always stood up for what he believed in.

    "Our task now is to make sure that we deliver on the timetable we've set out, to deliver extra powers to the Scottish Parliament, and we will deliver on that."

  89. Salmond and the press

    The Guardian's Scotland correspondent Severin Carrell tweets: Newspapers not invited to @AlexSalmond resignation press conference: Financial Times; Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express. #indyref

  90. Miliband on further powers

    Leader of the Labour party Ed Miliband tweets: We will deliver on our promise of further powers to Scotland on the timetable set out during the referendum campaign.

  91. Your reaction to Salmond resignation

    Iain Murdoch from Fife emailed: Thank you Alex Salmond for all you have done to take Scotland forward to this point. You thoroughly deserve any rest you will now get. You have truly placed Scotland at the forefront of UK politics.

    Alvan Judson wrote: Just read your great news that Alex Salmond is resigning. Now he can go and spend his time watching re-runs of Braveheart until he, too, is blue in the face.

  92. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Sam Wakerley: The only thing progressive about this whole debacle is the fact we gave Scotland the vote. True progress would be one world freedom passport, one currency, one renewable energy policy & every child having basic needs taken care of, with wants allocated based on effort and attainment. Call it UKIP call it SNP, call it BNP, nationalism is ugly.

    William Wright: And the lies have begun already. Millipede is scurrying back under the bench and retracting all his promises. I wonder how long it will be before Westminster fully rejects the lies they promised?

  93. Cameron on Salmond

    David Cameron has said: "Alex is a politician of huge talent and passion. I respect and admire his huge contribution to politics and public life."

  94. William Bain MP

    @William_Bain

    Labour MP for Glasgow North East, William Bain, tweets: Huge aspect of #indyref level of public engagement with where power lies: why UK constitutional convention proposed by @Ed_Miliband is vital

  95. Thanks from lesbian and gay charity

    Scotland's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality charity, The Equality Network, said it wanted to say a "huge heartfelt thank you to Alex Salmond for significantly advancing LGBTI rights in Scotland".

    Policy coordinator Tom French said: "While more needs to be done, Alex Salmond should be incredibly proud of leading a government that has spoken out for LGBTI human rights, put in place some of the best hate crime legislation in Europe, and delivered one of the most progressive equal marriage laws in the world."

  96. Analysis

    Norman Smith

    BBC Assistant Political Editor

    In some ways it is a shock decision but in other ways it was not really a shock given the scale of the defeat.

    In a way he must reflect that although he has improved the SNP's standing hugely - they are now in government in Scotland and they got about 45% of the vote last night - he is a man who has a lot of people who just will simply never vote for Alex Salmond. There is a limit to his appeal.

    He may take the view that he does not have that final ingredient that will get a majority of people in Scotland voting for independence.

    He says he only made the decision this morning and that probably indicates that it was the scale of the defeat that made him decide to go.

  97. 'Tip our hats' to Salmond

    Sir Richard Branson tells the BBC News Channel that the referendum was "a great day for Britain", adding: "We should tip our hats to Alex Salmond for changing Britain for the better."

  98. Lamont on Salmond

    Johann Lamont said Alex Salmond "should be proud of his career and not allow the manner of its ending to dominate his thinking.

    "There is no question that Nicola Sturgeon and he were a formidable team."

  99. Salmond an 'immense figure'

    Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont says: "Alex Salmond turned a minority party into a party of opposition, into a party of government, and was responsible for there being a referendum on Scotland leaving the United Kingdom.

    "He has undoubtedly been an immense figure in Scottish political history.

    "I do not detract from his achievements when I say that his love of Scottish independence sometimes blinded him to its consequences."

  100. 'Greatest Scottish politician of his generation'

    Former SNP leader Gordon Wilson said Alex Salmond fought a brilliant referendum campaign.

    He said: "It is not his fault that the Scottish people did not vote for independence on this occasion. The winning of 45% of the vote in the Scottish independence referendum is a superlative achievement.

    "It is a mark of Alex's integrity that he has taken personal responsibility.

    "He is undoubtedly the greatest Scottish politician of his generation."

  101. The view from London

    Evening Standard

    The London Evening Standard - an evening paper - has splashed on David Cameron's pledge for "English votes for English laws" - this picture tweeted by the paper's political editor, Joe Murphy.

  102. 'I wish him well'

    Mr Darling added: "He has rightly said that the referendum was a once in a lifetime event and that we all need to work to bring Scotland together.

    "He can look back with pride on being the longest serving first minister and to the huge contribution he has made to public life in Scotland.

    "I wish him well in the future."

  103. Darling on Salmond

    Better Together campaign leader Alistair Darling said: "Alex Salmond is a formidable political figure. He transformed the SNP into a party of government and delivered their referendum on independence which they had craved so long.

    "Today he has accepted Scotland's verdict, recognising that it is for others in his party to take the SNP forward."

  104. Salmond: No plans to withdraw

    Mr Salmond reiterates that he has no plans to withdraw or retire from political life, when asked about his future by BBC Newsnight's Kirsty Wark.

  105. More Lamont

    Ms Lamont, who faced Mr Salmond on a weekly basis at first minister's questions, said: "I do not detract from his achievements when I say that his love of Scottish independence sometimes blinded him to its consequences.

    "He should be proud of his career and not allow the manner of its ending to dominate his thinking.

    "There is no question that Nicola Sturgeon and he were a formidable team."

  106. Lamont on Salmond

    Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said: "Alex Salmond turned a minority party into a party of opposition into a party of government and was responsible for there being a referendum on Scotland leaving the United Kingdom.

    "He has undoubtedly been an immense figure in Scottish political history."

  107. More on Salmond

    London editor of news and opinion website The Daily Beast, Nico Hines, tweets: Christ, everyone is in tears at Holyrood. Incredible scenes. It's like a funeral

  108. Salmond reaction

    MP for Glasgow Central Anas Sarwar tweets: Haven't always agreed with Alex Salmond's politics but recognise his contribution & commitment to Scotland. Wish him well for the future

  109. Business on Salmond

    Business leaders have paid tribute to Alex Salmond, following his resignation.

    The Federation of Small Businesses, which has 20,000 members, said he had made "a huge contribution" to Scottish public life and wished him well for the future.

  110. Davidson on Salmond

    Ruth Davidson argued that Alex Salmond's "decision to step down will help our country come back together again".

    She added: "I am pleased that the first minister says he will continue to serve in Scottish politics.

    "Scotland will benefit from his experience and service as we move forward."

  111. Ruth Davidson statement

    Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Alex Salmond has been the dominant figure in Scottish politics for the last seven years.

    "No-one can dispute his political achievements, nor fail to acknowledge his political gifts.

    "He has done the right thing in resigning.

    "While the referendum campaign has been hugely invigorating, by its very nature it has divided too."

  112. Salmond reaction

    Shona Robison, SNP MSP for Dundee, tweets: Really sad day, but watching the resignation of @AlexSalmond as FM, he has done so in a great statesmanlike manner

  113. 'Joint ticket'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Nicola Sturgeon would be a clear frontrunner to take over as SNP leader and first minister after Mr Salmond steps down, but the question of who would succeed Ms Sturgeon as deputy is much less clear.

    Last time round, Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon stood for the SNP leadership on a joint ticket.

  114. The next SNP leader?

    In a statement, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has just said she could think of "no greater privilege" than leading the SNP, adding that the decision to stand was "not for today".

    Back in April, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon spoke to the BBC's Marianne Taylor about her life and career, and the responsibilities of power.

    Nicola Sturgeon
  115. 'Finest first minister'

    "Alex's announcement today inevitably raises the question of whether I will be a candidate to succeed him as SNP leader," she added.

    "I can think of no greater privilege than to seek to lead the Party I joined when I was just 16. However, that decision is not for today.

    "My priority this weekend, after a long and hard campaign, is to get some rest and spend time with my family. I also want the focus over the next few days to be on the outstanding record and achievements of the finest first minister Scotland has had."

  116. 'Personal gratitude'

    Ms Sturgeon added: "The personal debt of gratitude I owe Alex is immeasurable. He has been my friend, mentor and colleague for more than 20 years. Quite simply, I would not have been able to do what I have in politics without his constant advice, guidance and support through all these years."

  117. Sturgeon statement

    Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Alex Salmond's achievements as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister are second to none.

    "He led the SNP into government and has given our country a renewed self confidence. Through policies such as the council tax freeze, free prescriptions and the scrapping of tuition fees, he has made a real difference for hundreds of thousands of Scots. And yesterday he inspired 1.6 million of our fellow citizens to vote Yes to independence."

  118. Who is Alex Salmond?

    Salmond

    Alex Salmond may not have achieved the ultimate prize of Scottish independence - and has now stood down as SNP leader and first minister - but no-one should doubt the scale of his achievements, says BBC political reporter Brian Wheeler.

  119. Salmond 'provides shocks'

    John Curtice, polling expert and professor of politics at Strathclyde University, says Mr Salmond "has form in providing us with shocks when it comes to the leadership of the SNP".

    "Some must remember the summer of 2000 when suddenly he announced he was standing down as leader of the SNP and was leaving the Scottish Parliament... then in the summer of 2004, he suddenly announced that in fact he was going to stand as leader again.

    "He spots opportunities and as a result of that he does provide us with shocks."

  120. Joe Pike of Border TV

    @joepike

    Joe Pike, political reporter for Border TV,tweets: Room is transfixed. Salmond's tone soft, his eyes watering. His advisers show no emotion. #indyref

  121. Aileen Campbell MSP

    @ClyesdAileen

    Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for Clydesdale,tweets: Gutted about @AlexSalmond 's resignation - he took us to the brink of independence and gave us all the chance to decide.

  122. Independence dead?

    When asked by the BBC's James Cook if his dream of independence is now dead, Mr Salmond says: "I think a referendum is a once in a generation process - that's my opinion."

    He goes on to say that he does not envisage another constitutional referendum in the "future we can see".

  123. Bob Doris SNP

    @GlasgowMSP

    SNP MSP or Glasgow Bob Doristweets: It has been a privilege 2 serve under Alex Salmond. He has brought gr8 confidence 2 our nation &social progress 2 Scotland in face of UK cuts.

  124. James Dornan MSP

    @glasgowcathcart

    SNP member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Cathcart, James Dornan,tweets: Devastated to hear @AlexSalmond going to step down as SNP Leader. Without a doubt the finest politician of his generation. Thanks Boss.

  125. Salmond resigns

    Douglas Fraser

    Business and economy editor, Scotland

    .@AlexSalmond to remain First Minister until SNP elects new leader, scheduled for mid-November SNP conference, then vote of MSPs.

  126. Salmond: Campaign 'bigger than me'

    Asked if he was adding to the upset for friends and party members on a day that was already difficult for them, he responded: "I have consistently argued... that this was not about an individual or a political party - or any political party - this was much bigger than that."

  127. Salmond: 'People accept result'

    "I see no sign of the divided country that some people were forecasting - 99% of people know we have elections and referendums to have a result."

    He says it's been an "invigorating process".

  128. Get Involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    The number of tweets about the Referendum dropped to under 40,000 between 3pm and 4pm. The figure is down 7% on the previous hour.

    Top tweet in the last hour is from Alastair Ross: "BBC is reporting Labour leader Ed Miliband will not sign up to the PM's plan to give more powers to the Scottish Parliament #indyref" It was retweeted 510 times.

    Comedian Russell Brand tweeted his latest video: "Were the cards stacked against independence? 'How Westminster Fear & Media Bias Shafted Scotland' is today's Trews." It is currently the most shared video.

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  129. Alex Salmond's resignation- Your Views

    Text 80295

    Lorna: I was heartbroken by the No vote and the acceptance by 55% of a pig in a Westminster poke. However, Alex Salmond's stepping down has left us leaderless and at the mercy of the spivs of the city.

    Andy in Darvel: Alex Salmond has put in a good shift, fair play. Is there grounds though for holding Scottish elections early now?

  130. Salmond questions

    Alex Salmond is continuing to take questions from journalists at Bute House in Edinburgh.

  131. Salmond: Key quotes

    "I am immensely proud of the campaign which Yes Scotland fought and of the 1.6 million voters who rallied to that cause by backing an independent Scotland.

    "I am also proud of the 85% turnout in the referendum and the remarkable response of all of the people of Scotland who participated in this great constitutional debate and the manner in which they conducted themselves.

    "We now have the opportunity to hold Westminster's feet to the fire on the 'vow' that they have made to devolve further meaningful power to Scotland. This places Scotland in a very strong position."

  132. Salmond: Key quotes on future

    "Until then [November] I will continue to serve as first minister. After that I will continue to offer to serve as member of the Scottish Parliament for Aberdeenshire East.

    "It has been the privilege of my life to serve Scotland as first minister. But as I said often during the referendum campaign this is not about me or the SNP. It is much more important than that.

    "The position is this. We lost the referendum vote but can still carry the political initiative. More importantly Scotland can still emerge as the real winner."

  133. Salmond: Key quotes on resignation

    "For me right now there is a decision as to who is best placed to lead this process forward politically.

    "I believe that in this new exciting situation, redolent with possibility, party, parliament and country would benefit from new leadership.

    "Therefore I have told the National Secretary of the SNP that I will not accept nomination to be a candidate for leader at the Annual Conference in Perth on 13-15 November.

    "After the membership ballot I will stand down as first minister to allow the new leader to be elected by due parliamentary process."

  134. Salmond: I will not retire

    "I have no intention of retiring from Scottish politics - there are a large number of things you are able to do when you're not first minister or leader of a political party."

  135. Salmond 'had to make judgement'

    When asked his reasons for standing down, Mr Salmond says: "I had to make a judgement as to whether I'm best placed to take that opportunity forward - and I think others are.

    "And the party I'm sure will make a wise choice and take party and country forward. The most important thing is not about First Minister."

  136. Join in the conversation

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @Soulstorm99 tweets: This dark day for Scotland just keeps getting darker. Thanks for everything, @AlexSalmond. #indyref

  137. BreakingSalmond successor

    Mr Salmond says there there are a "number of eminently qualified and very suitable candidates for leader".

  138. BreakingSalmond 'time over'

    "We lost the referendum vote but Scotland can still carry the political initiative. For me as leader my time is nearly over but for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream shall never die."

    Alex Salmond
  139. BreakingBreaking News

    Alex Salmond is to stand down as first minister.

  140. Salmond speaks

    First Minister Alex Salmond, speaking to members of the media, said: "I am immensely proud of the campaign that Yes Scotland fought and particularly of the 1.6m voters who rallied to that cause."

  141. Join the conversation

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @Dilicorne tweets: @BBC_HaveYourSay @BBCWorld the fact #scottland would end-up outside of #eu must have played a role in the referendum @Number10gov

  142. Highlights from the final day

    Watch highlights of the night Scotland decided to stay part of the union.

    BBC
  143. The minute Scotland knew

    Watch #BBCtrending's take on the social media reaction from Scotland's No vote.

    Voter's reaction to No result
  144. Salmond press conference

    First Minister Alex Salmond's first press conference since the result is due to start shortly.

  145. Miliband 'derailing' Devo plans

    Tim Reid

    Political correspondent, BBC News

    Bernard Jenkin [Conservative backbencher] accusing Ed Miliband of "derailing" PM's devo plans for England and "playing fast and loose" with the Union

  146. Get involved

    Tweet @BBCScotlandnews

    @lauraharmes tweets: I've basically been awake for 3 days. Things are getting a bit trippy #indyref

  147. The Big Debate

    One No supporter says he was very pleased when he woke up to the result but is "horrified" at the abuse he says he has been subjected to by Yes campaigners.

    "Throughout the whole campaign the nasty side of independence has come from the Yes campaign," he says, but Ms Leckie says "proportionately No has been nastier on social media".

    Moving to the more positive, an audience member says Scotland should be very proud that so many people were involved in the referendum campaign, and in politics for the first time. "The most important thing now is that we get these powers of devolution," adds the No voter.

    Another lauds the massive turnout - nearly 85% - and the passion she saw during the campaign.

    One member of the Big Debate audience gets very animated as she demands "detail, detail, detail please" on any new powers Scotland may receive.

  148. Miliband: Debate needed

    Robin Brant

    Political Correspondent, BBC News

    Ed Miliband signals that he will not sign up to the prime minister's plan to give more power to the Scottish Parliament at the same time as trying to agree new powers for English MPs.

    While accepting the need for reforms, the Labour leader says that he wants a process of debate to begin before the general election but - crucially - he calls for a constitutional convention to finalise reform to happen later, in the autumn of 2015.

    David Cameron had earlier said changes to address the so-called English question - to allow English MPs the same powers over England-only legislation that the devolved parliament and assemblies will have in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast - "must take place in tandem with, and at the same pace as, the settlement for Scotland".

  149. What happens next?

    A Scottish Saltire flag and British Union flag fly together with the London Eye behind in London

    BBC Scotland political reporter Andrew Black says the focus is now on how the UK government delivers its promise of more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

    He looks more closely at what we can expect next here.

  150. Analysis

    Douglas Fraser

    Business and economy editor, Scotland

    So when is the next independence referendum? No, hang on. Stop whimpering like that. Bear with me. You may soon have withdrawal symptoms from the campaign, so why not plan for the next one?

    After all, 1.6 million people wanted Scotland to be independent - the nationalists among them irreconcilable to UK citizenship, some of them newly and passionately mobilised to the cause.

    Alex Salmond

    They may be heart-sore at losing. It will hurt all the more to have seen the opinion polls narrow to a dead heat, with momentum apparently going their way, only to see a decisive result turn against them on the night.

    But they're not going away. So what else would happen to their cause but a campaign for another referendum to give it another big heave?

    Read Douglas' full blog.

  151. Get Involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Garth Beecroft: The high turnout shows that people are more interested in politics & policies rather than the person, which is how it should be. It's the bickering between politicians & one-upmanship that turns people off.

    Mat Dixon: Is it just me that feels slightly annoyed by the Scots voting No? I think it was unfair that the English cannot have a vote to see if we still want to be in a union with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It seems, from my point of view, that because I am English that everyone assumes that I want to be classed as British. I really hoped that they would vote Yes then we could get on with our own business and they could get on with theirs.

    Michael Prager: England must have the same devolved powers on law making and tax-raising as the Celtic fringe of the UK. The famously unwritten constitution of the UK must be amended so that, in balance to greater devolved powers, there is a requirement that no one nation can take decisions that affect the others without a clear, say 2/3 majority across the entire UK on matters that affect the boundaries of the nation, the rule of law or the delegation of powers to non UK, supra national bodies, e.g. The EU.

  152. 'Work starts today'

    Lord Smith of Kelvin, who has been appointed to oversee the process of devolving more powers to Scotland, says it is "time for us to come together and work together".

    Lord Smith of Kelvin

    "I have started work today and will present what I hope will be unifying recommendations on 30 November," he added.

    "There will be an opportunity for everyone to have their say. First, I will be speaking to all the UK and Scottish political parties.

    "Secondly, I will be engaging the institutions of Scotland, whether it be trade unions, businesses or voluntary organisations.

    "Lastly and most importantly, 4.2 million people in Scotland were involved in the referendum. They aren't all represented by political parties or institutions; they are individuals who have ideas and thoughts on our future. I want to reach out to them and make them an essential part of this exciting process."

  153. Referendum - Your Views

    Text 80295

    BBC News website reader: Never felt so ashamed to be Scottish. We chose subservience instead of freedom. The establishment can again celebrate that nothing has changed.

    BBC News website reader: Scottish referendum. Now treat England exactly the same. That is - establishment of an English parliament with the same powers and then a referendum on an independent England.

  154. BreakingBreaking News

    US President Barack Obama welcomes the referendum result, congratulating the Scottish people for a "full and energetic exercise of democracy".

    "We have no closer ally than the United Kingdom, and we look forward to continuing our strong and special relationship with all the people of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as we address the challenges facing the world today," he says in a statement.

  155. Referendum - Get Involved

    Text 80295

    Derek, Scotland: Lorna, 14:07: Perhaps the old voted NO because they are experienced with detecting when a story doesn't add up. Let's not pretend this wasn't a massive endorsement of the union. YES failed to win the argument on every level.

    Tom, Glasgow: I'm angry today: angry at the dyed in the wool Labour voters who only vote Labour because they always Labour; notwithstanding the fact that their 'new Labour' party is now so far to the right and in bed with the Tories; and I'm angry at the older voters who only had their self interests at heart over the needs of young people and the future of this country.

  156. 'Lack of rancour'

    Norman Smith

    BBC Assistant Political Editor

    It's only anecdotal - but vox popping folk in Glasgow city centre - there seems a remarkable lack of rancour over #indyref vote #lifegoeson

  157. Welsh worries

    Hywel Griffith

    BBC Wales Health correspondent

    If David Cameron thought that offer to put Wales at the centre of the debate over a new UK would find him some friends in the Welsh Assembly this morning, he was wrong.

    Labour's Carwyn Jones, the First Minister for Wales, rounded on him pretty quickly, accusing David Cameron of almost sleepwalking into disaster over Scotland and now potentially doing the same over the rest of the UK.

    Carwyn Jones

    For two years, Jones has been calling on a UK constitutional convention. That, it seems, isn't going to happen in three months. The real problem for Welsh Labour here is two-fold: they don't have much leverage. This discussion, increasingly, is going over the relationship between Scotland and England.

    Secondly, one for the Welsh MPs. Not the West Lothian question, but the Clwyd West problem, because Labour has 26 MPs here in Wales. If you take them out of Westminster, clearly that causes a headache next May.

    So, the response to that offer from David Cameron - cool, I have to say. People do want more powers, but they want a proper seat at the table too.

  158. Salmond delay

    Laura Kuenssberg

    BBC Newsnight

    Alex Salmond press conference has been delayed for hours...

  159. The Result - In Maps

    While more than 1.6 million Scots voted Yes, the campaign only topped four of Scotland's 32 local authority areas.

    See the breakdown of the vote.

    map of referendum result
  160. The issues of Northern Ireland

    Andy Martin

    BBC Ireland Correspondent

    I think the big question for Northern Ireland is can it handle any more devolution? Can it handle any more power?

    Government here in Stormont is not like anywhere else in the United Kingdom. We have a mandatory collation of five different parties. The two main parties - the DUP is a centre right unionist party, and the other party Sinn Fein is a hard left nationalist party. They don't agree on very much.

    Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness

    First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are at loggerheads at the moment over the implementation of welfare reform which hasn't happened in Northern Ireland and as a consequence it will cost the budget here £84m this year, £114m next year.

    The question arises: if they got further tax-raising powers or if they got the ability to have more power over their financial affairs, would they be able to manage that? The one thing they do agree is corporation tax should be devolved.

    Two quotes to leave you with. Peter Robinson: "There is no point in giving the executive more powers. It is not capable of controlling the powers they have."

    And Arlene Foster, of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, says there needs to be a "huge dose of reality".

  161. 'Wrong campaign'

    Andy Maciver, who voted No and is a panellist on The Big Debate, says it is easier to run a campaign for change than a campaign for the status quo.

    "No ran the wrong campaign for 90% of it because they ran a campaign on telling Scotland they couldn't do something which actually they could do."

  162. 'Different place'

    Daniel Johnson, speaking on The Big Debate, says Scotland is now a "different place". He adds: "There is a sense of opportunity and a change in the air and that is actually really very exciting."

    Louise Batchelor, Yes campaigner, says she is finding it hard to be positive about the result.

    "I feel as if I'm at a funeral for an idea that could have been realised last night and wasn't and you have to do that thing that you do at a funeral for a friend of brightly smiling."

    She fears the nation is moving towards a period of "nasty politics", adding the referendum was a "wasted opportunity".

  163. 'Not off the hook'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Scotland's local government minister, Derek Mackay, encapsulates one of the key Scottish government messages of today, that more powers must now be delivered by the UK government.

    He stops short of suggesting there'd be another independence referendum if there's any dithering, but adds: "Westminster is not off the hook".

  164. 'Visionary' campaign

    Carolyn Leckie, former Scottish socialist MSP and member of Women for Independence, tells the Big Debate she is disappointed by the result but is "really proud" of the Yes campaign.

    "The Yes campaign in general was extremely positive, creative, visionary, inclusive, democratic, wanted to have people discussing things."

  165. Richard Branson

    @richardbranson

    Entrepreneur Richard Bransontweets: This referendum was a vote for change, and change begins today. #indyref

  166. The Big Debate

    Gary Robertson is joined at BBC Pacific Quay by an audience of young voters and the following panel members:

    • Carolyn Leckie, a former Scottish socialist MSP who backed a Yes vote
    • Andy Maciver, former head of communications for the Conservative Party, who backed a No vote
    • Louise Batchelor, journalist who campaigned for a Yes vote
    • Daniel Johnson, from Business Together, a group who campaigned for a No vote
  167. Ben Riley-Smith

    @benrileysmith

    Daily Telegraph Scottish political reporter Ben Riley-Smithtweets: 72% of 16/17yr-olds voted Yes - more than any other age group. Polls got that completely wrong. Ballot extension didn't 'backfire' on SNP.

  168. Alan Fisher, Al Jazeera English

    @AlanFisher

    Al Jazeera English correspondent Alan Fishertweets: I never thought I'd see a Scottish #indyref in my lifetime. I don't think I'll see another. That's how democracy works.

  169. Get Involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Bethan Scotford: This shows democracy at work and at its best! A historic and totally exemplary example of how Democracy is meant to work, and how democracy can work. Congratulations to all Scottish people for being so articulate and informed about the issues involved, and for turning up to vote, so that the result is truly representative of the 'will of the people'. An impressive people! They have paved the way for newer steps to be taken across Britain, in terms of political re-formation.

    Andy in Newcastle upon Tyne: I'm reminded of an analogy as we look forward to the UK continuing but with the inevitable calls for change. Whether or not to be a member of a club is an individual's choice. But what the club rules are is for all of its members to decide.

    Jase Ayathorai: To accept defeat with dignity is to be honourable. But to try to couch defeat within the context of scaremongering is an insult to the ability of Scots to think and make rational decisions!

  170. BBC programmes

    Remember, you can keep up to date with all the latest reaction and analysis from the Scottish referendum on television, on radio and online.

    On BBC One Scotland, there are regular updates through the afternoon before a special Reporting Scotland between 18:30 and 19:30.

    Then, Sarah Smith hosts a referendum special of Scotland 2014 from 22:30.

  171. Boris: Simmer down

    London Mayor Boris Johnson says: "I'm absolutely thrilled the country I grew up in is whole and entire and intact. It's really wonderful... what we need to do now is for everybody cool off, simmer down a bit and try to sort out some of these constitutional promises made to Scotland in a way that's totally fair to England, London and the rest of the country."

    London Mayor Boris Johnson

    Mr Johnson, who recently announced he would stand as an MP in the general election sparking speculation he is chasing David Cameron's job, adds: "We need to work out how to make sense of the promises to the Scots - the financial promises - the perpetuation of the Barnett formula for instance - in such a way that doesn't disadvantage the rest of the country and in such a way that doesn't make a nonsense of democracy at Westminster. We need to do it in a very careful way."

  172. The Big Debate

    The Big Debate with Gary Robertson is getting under way on BBC Radio Scotland. We'll bring you a flavour of what voters have to say on the result.

  173. All quiet

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    I've just arrived in a very empty Scottish Parliament building - then again it's always pretty deserted on a Friday. But things will crank up again next Tuesday when MSPs reconvene to hear First Minister Alex Salmond's next move, when he makes a statement to Holyrood.

  174. Get Involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    The number of tweets about the Referendum has dropped to under 50,000 between 1pm and 2pm. The figure is down 13% on the previous hour.

    Top tweet in the last hour has come from Wired: "Designers everywhere thank Scotland. Long live the Union Jack, a true design masterpiece" along with a picture of the union flag. It was retweeted 311 times.

    Currently, one of the most influential accounts is New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. He tweeted: "Scotland's 'No' Vote: A Loss for Pollsters and a Win for Betting Markets."

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  175. Kenny MacAskill, SNP MSP

    @KennyMacAskill

    SNP MSP for Edinburgh East Kenny MacAskilltweets: 1.6 million people when told No they can't by the establishment and their business and international friends said Yes we can. Proud of them.

  176. Referendum - Your Views

    Text 80295

    Elizabeth: Feel totally humiliated that, as a country, there are people still happy to let Westminster decide what happens with our revenue. Scotland, I thought, was a strong nation! Unfortunately not. Don't think Scotland could have got any worse than what it is now had we got independence. Disappointed we never got a YES!

    Alistair: The union has been given one last chance. If we, including all on the Yes side, are honest, all of the problems what we need to fix can be fixed inside the UK. The question is, will they be? We know that we will be together, time will prove whether or not we will be better. The powers that need to be devolved are those that can make Scotland more prosperous and fairer. If, in a decade or two we are not more prosperous, and we do not have a fairer society, because the powers needed to achieve these things are not devolved, the union will finally end.

    Lorna, Glasgow: I'm deeply depressed that the old voted No while the young voted Yes. So, the retired will lunch out while young working families depend on food banks.

    Anon: England should vote to decide if the ungrateful Scots should stay in Britain.

  177. The Economist

    @TheEconomist

    The weekly newspaper The Economisttweets: By shifting the debate to the West Lothian Question, David Cameron cannily puts Labour in a very sticky position.

  178. Political report card

    BBC News School Reporters have been giving their reaction to the No result.

    BBC's School Report

    Students at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh felt the result was a positive thing locally as it protected the future of the Faslane Royal Navy base.

    Kirsten, 17, said: "I think it is quite good for Helensburgh as it is a safeguard for the base which will keep local businesses afloat."

    The first-time voters at the school had the experience of going to the polling station for the first time. Ryan, 17, said: "It wasn't as exciting as I expected," while Jonathan said: "It was exciting but bland at the same time, although just putting an X meant a lot to me."

  179. Iranian twitter reaction

    There is plenty of praise among Persian-speaking Twitter-users for Scotland opting to remain in the UK, BBC Monitoring observes.

    User "mohebatre" says it is Britain's destiny to "maintain its greatness".

    According to "shahohoseni", there are three winners in the referendum: the people, democracy and the right of self-determination.

    But a few people, including blogger "imanbrando" say Scots "are not brave enough to be independent because its men wear skirts".

    A notable number of Persian-language tweets question whether the referendum took place at all, calling it a BBC "plot" to spark separatism in other parts of the world.

  180. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Joy Ball: A clear and overwhelming mandate for the status quo! Let's put this NO vote into perspective... a clear and large majority of votes (55.303%) responded NO to independence - this represents a differential of over 10%; yet a margin of 1000 times smaller in favour of YES (50.005% vs 49.995%) would have been sufficiently large mandate for Scotland to have been independent this morning! That is why the Quebecois advised the Scottish Government not to go with a simple absolute majority vote on this issue.

    Geoff James: Looking at the map of how people in the 32 Scottish councils voted, those opposed to independence nearly ended up being dominated by those voters living in a very centralised area of the country based around Glasgow... not unlike the situation the pro-independence supporters complain about when they talk about London.

    S. Saffin: Alex Salmond must be over the moon today. A Yes vote and he had to make good on a number of unlikely promises. Now, anything positive in Scotland he will claim as a result of his obtaining concessions; anything negative wouldn't have happened if the vote had been Yes. It was said a Yes vote should result in Cameron resigning. I bet the thought of resignation will not enter Salmond's mind even though he's lost.

  181. For richer or poorer?

    Robert Peston

    Economics editor

    The big question about the Prime Minister's plan to hand more control over taxes, spending and welfare to the four nations is how far this would end the subsidy of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by England, and especially by London and the South East.

    For all that it may sound attractive to the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish to have greater influence over their respective economic destinies, presumably that would be less desirable if at a stroke they became poorer.

    The point is that as and when there is an English Parliament for English people - of the sort that the former Tory minister John Redwood has been demanding, and David Cameron seemed to concede today - the financial transfer from England to the rest of the UK may be harder to sustain.

    Read Robert's full blog.

  182. Get involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    John Sweeney from Airth: I am disappointed. I accept it is a democratic vote and I have to get on with my life now. I hope the promises of the British government do actually transpire. That worries me. And I don't think the idea of independence is going to go away in Scotland.

    James Beaven, a student in Edinburgh: I am relieved rather than ecstatic. It is not a resounding vote either way, 10 points is good but we were looking at a 20-point lead earlier in the campaign. I also feel that the rhetoric in the campaigns took a nationalistic tone in the sense that both sides of the debate took Scotland to be a differentiated group to the rest of the UK, rather than looking at what unites us as part of the UK. I don't think the aftermath is going to rumble on for too long. I think people will try to embrace the result rather fight it.

    Patricia Smith, Dundee: Gutted. I just feel like we've let the country down. A Yes vote to me meant an awakening, it would have been like waking up and embracing a new chance to do something for ourselves and future generations. We could have had belief in ourselves and not just blame Westminster for everything. I feel like we had a chance to change things and we've blown it. I hope that Catalonia get a chance to do what we have failed to do. We have to respect that is what people have voted for. I just don't see that we are going to get what we have been promised. I'm so upset that we didn't have the bottle to go for it. We lost an opportunity.

  183. Party time?

    About 04:30 in the morning is the time even the liveliest parties tend to wind down.

    The guests - some of them looking the worse for wear - begin to leave; the plates and champagne bottles are cleared away; the party balloons begin to shrink and sag.

    Better Together party

    But at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow, 04:40 BST was the time people started to stand up, fill (or re-fill) their glasses and turn their attention to the giant TV screens on the wall.

    Read Political Correspondent Ben Geoghegan's take on the celebrations of the Better Together campaign.

  184. Analysis

    Norman Smith

    BBC Assistant Political Editor

    I'm in the centre of Glasgow, one of the few cities to actually vote Yes but where people are coming to terms with a really quite decisive defeat - a defeat brought about it seems by the shy Nos. The silent majority, people who didn't put up posters, didn't wear badges, didn't talk to us journalists, but in the privacy of the polling booth finally expressed their true support for the Union.

    George Square in Glasgow

    For so long, politics in Scotland has been dominated by the issue of independence and it has hung over relations between London and Edinburgh, even soured relations between the two capitals. Now, all sides accept that is over and is over for a generation and maybe even longer.

    But if the referendum is over, its aftermath could yet prove as protracted, as difficult, because David Cameron will now not only have to live up to his promise to hand more powers to the Scottish Parliament, he has coupled that with a promise to devolve more powers to the rest of the UK and to the same timetable as handing over further powers to Scotland.

    What that means is he wants a new deal for England Wales and Northern Ireland by January of next year. That is an extraordinarily daunting, difficult and potentially divisive process.

  185. George Galloway, Respect MP

    @georgegalloway

    Respect MP George Gallowaytweets: Labour in Scotland and everywhere must become real Labour again. We are ready to help them with that. To get the Tories out and the SNP too.

  186. German reaction

    The German Foreign Minister believes the No result in the independence referendum is "a good decision for Scotland".

    Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: "People in Germany have followed with great interest the lively debate about independence in Scotland and in other parts of the United Kingdom. I have great respect for Great Britain's exemplary democratic culture as it was displayed in this referendum.

    Frank-Walter Steinmeier

    "The vote is clear: People want a strong Scotland within a strong Great Britain. I believe this a good decision for Scotland, Great Britain and for Europe.

    "We wish that the United Kingdom stays an powerful and engaged partner in Europe, and we are looking forward to the continuation of a close and trusting close partnership."

  187. Get Involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    The number of tweets about the Referendum has dropped to under 55,000 between 12pm and 1pm. The figure is down 7% on the previous hour.

    A top tweet in the last hour is from William Hague: "PM @David_Cameron has asked me to draw up plans for a fair settlement for the rest of the UK alongside new powers for Scotland." which was retweeted 148 times.

    Lots of broadcasters, including CNN, the BBC and ABC, are topping the influencer chart.

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  188. Nicola Sturgeon, SNP deputy leader

    @NicolaSturgeon

    SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon tweets: Scotland has changed forever as a result of #indyref. There is no going back to business as usual. The demand for change must be heeded.

    SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon
  189. Referendum - Your Views

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Tom Watsontweets: Am I right in saying #indyref is the 1st time Scotland has got 2 teams to an international final?

    Josephine Patmore tweets: Please stop! If I wasn't bored before the vote I certainly am now, Scotland has decided, let's move along now pls.

  190. Fallon reaction

    Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has said the government hopes to get agreement on both Scottish devolution and a new deal for England and Wales and Northern Ireland before the next election.

    Mr Fallon told the Daily Politics: "Our aim is to get agreement on these things before the general election and that's what we're doing urgently now."

  191. Get Involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Tracey, Edinburgh: Heartbroken today. But this was not a fair fight. The self-serving Westminster government encouraged banks and businesses and the media to strike fear into the heart of the Scots. But we fell for it.

    Nigel Ashworth: What the UK now needs is a real northern powerhouse city to rival London and the south east. This referendum has been as much about Scotland versus the south east of England, which is creating so much unbalance in our island. I want to see all mainstream parties agree to a long-term plan to build a creative, manufacturing, scientific and entrepreneurial city in the North, Manchester or Glasgow would be good candidates for the UK to have a second world-class city.

    Darren, Kilmarnock: I cannot understand all the frustration from the Yes campaigners about people voting No because they are too risk-averse. These people complaining are probably the same ones who were up in arms when the banks were taking massive risks a few years ago. Voting No didn't mean that I think things are perfect - far from it. However, I think being in the UK and the EU is better economically and we are stronger as a result. Some of the hatred and abuse on social media today is despicable. It's time to move on and upwards Scotland!

  192. Focus on Alex Salmond

    Alex Salmond has been a source of fascination for the world's media during the Scottish referendum campaign. But what makes the Scottish National Party leader tick?

    The BBC's Brian Wheeler has been finding out...

    Alex Salmond
  193. Referendum - Your Views

    Text 80295

    Mike, Perth: This is a 1979 moment. If we have another Poll Tax fiasco there will be another referendum & a 1997-style landslide for Yes. 2014 is a warning shot across the bows of the Establishment. One big opportunity now to make devolution work.

    Stuart Montgomery, Edinburgh: "I just want to dance all the way down the street."

    Elaine, Aberdeenshire: To Kevin in Dundee: this was not an election, it was a referendum and by the same token you cannot win a referendum by shouting down your opponents and not acknowledging the risks and uncertainties that may have resulted from a Yes vote. But, make no mistake, Westminster will not be given the benefit of the doubt in future if they back away or fail to deliver a better deal for the Scottish people.

  194. Who is Lord Smith?

    Lord Smith of Kelvin

    Lord Smith of Kelvin has been appointed to oversee the process of devolving more powers to Scotland. But who is he?

  195. International reaction

    More comment is appearing on European websites expressing relief mixed with unease at the outcome, observes BBC Monitoring.

    Commenting on the post-referendum scene, commentator Milan Vodicka says in Czech news website iDnes: "Now comes the British nightmare. It will be difficult to sleep in the same bed."

    Vodicka says the EU was saved from an unpleasant chain of events. "Since 1990, twenty-five new countries have been created in the world, but Britain is a different kettle of fish… It embodies a kind of timeless strength, tradition and permanence. If this oak had also split apart, it would have provided separatists across Europe and the whole world with very strong encouragement."

    Pic

    The popular Bosnian news portal Klix.ba chooses as its front-page headline: "David Cameron after referendum: Yes vote would have broken my heart"

    And an editorial on Hungarian news website Origo says: "The EU and Nato can relax."

    Read a round up of international reaction here.

  196. English question?

    Labour MP Frank Field is urging the Labour leadership to come up with its own answer to the "English question" as soon as possible.

    The former minister says Labour needs to be "ahead of the curve" and has given a warning that the party can't afford to drag its heels or be seen as "anti-English".

    "If, by this weekend," he continues, "we're off the mark, saying that we'll bring forward our own proposals which satisfy equity requirements for England on the scale we're giving to Scotland, we could still appear as the proper representatives of England. If not, then I fear the future will be very difficult indeed."

  197. Sinn Féin reaction

    Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams says: "The people of Scotland engaged in an informed and respectful debate and have made their choice. This decision demonstrates that the people are sovereign and that change is possible.

    "The union is no longer fixed, it is in the ownership of the people. It will now be up to the Westminster-based parties to make good on their promises of full fiscal and policy transfer to Scotland."

  198. Referendum - Get Involved

    Text 80295

    Jane: I was a No voter from the beginning, majority of Yes push their point too strong - this can have a negative effect.

    Philip, Glasgow: Happy, relieved and proud, but ready to hold out a hand of brotherhood to Yes voters.

    Kevin, Dundee: I'm very disappointed. Just shows you can win an election with a negative campaign of half truths and vague promises.

    James, London: Some of the rhetoric coming out of the disappointed Yes camp is a bit frustrating. Is it impossible to believe that the majority made an informed decision not out of fear, or of being risk-averse, but because having weighed up the options in a considered way, it's what they actually wanted?

  199. Social vote

    Despite losing, Yes has dominated the conversation across multiple platforms on social media throughout the campaign. Over the last seven days, #VoteYes has been used 39,000 times compared to 13,000 for #VoteNo.

    Yes campaign balloons
  200. The party's over...

    Philip Sim

    Tayside and Central reporter, BBC Scotland

    They spiked the fountains with bubble bath in anticipation of a party in what was dubbed Scotland's "Yes city", but this morning only a hardy few supporters of Scottish independence remained in Dundee's City Square.

    Yes supporters passing by described the result as "rubbish", "depressing", and even "a dark day for Scotland", although many say they are proud to belong to a city that backed independence with a strong majority of 13,000.

    A few days ago it was impossible to leave the square without a leaflet or a flyer from one campaign or the other, often from the canvassers buzzing around the Yes Scotland stall which had become a near-permanent installation.

    Dundee fountain after No

    And, while there's still the odd Yes badge in evidence, today the dreary weather reflects the flat feelings of many of the city's inhabitants.

    There's little jubilation on show from No voters either, with people on both sides saying they just want to move on and see what additional powers might be transferred north from Westminster.

  201. Referendum - Your Views

    Text 80295

    Alex, Broomhill: I feel cheated. All we wanted was a chance to have a more level playing field and away from the increasing gap between the have's and have not's. Don't like seeing children in extreme poverty or the existence of food banks.

    Stephen, Blantyre: The issue being that Scotland is divided can change by continuing to make our voice heard, but not divided, instead united. We need to continue to keep the people's voice loud for changes that suit the people, which we are all united on, not necessarily what Westminster decide but what we decide. We can't leave it to politicians, we have seen and heard the power of people, we feel empowered because we are. Come on Scotland, don't stop now.

    Trevor Douglas, Bonkle, North Lanarkshire: I'm having a UK party tonight, with a big Union Jack cake to celebrate. I felt sick all day yesterday and couldn't sleep last night with worry. So glad it's all over. Thank you silent majority.

    Arthur: I feel resigned to the inevitable understanding that Scots are essentially risk-averse. I'm also concerned that this was a vote for the past rather than a vote for the future.

  202. Salmond 'safe'

    Norman Smith

    BBC Assistant Political Editor

    My sense is that Alex Salmond's position is safe - for now. If he had been pushed down to 40% or below that then I think it would be a very, very different situation.

  203. Steve Bargeton, Deputy Editor, The Courier

    @stevebargeton

    Steve Bargeton, Deputy Editor, The Courier,tweets: Speculation growing about future of @AlexSalmond. Scheduled press conference being put back and back, we hear. #indyref

  204. John Baird, Canadian Foreign Minister

    @HonJohnBaird

    Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird tweets: The Scottish people have voted to remain within a strong United Kingdom. Canada welcomes this decision.

  205. 'Realign politics'

    Times journalist David Aaronovitch, also on the Daily Politics show, says Scotland doesn't need a nationalist party any more.

    "It almost certainly needs a realignment of its own politics so it can get on with the business of discussing what its own priorities are," he adds.

  206. Reflections from the Borders

    Giancarlo Rinaldi

    South Scotland reporter, BBC Scotland news website

    There had been optimism in the Yes camp that they could make a real fight of it in the south of Scotland but, in the end, the outcome was more one-sided than they had hoped.

    The vote was almost two to one against Scottish independence with an impressively high turnout - in line with the rest of the country. Proximity to the border almost certainly played its part in a strong majority for No in both the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

    That close relationship with England was summed up by one voter I overheard leaving a polling station in Dumfries. "I cannae even understand why we're voting on this," he was telling a friend. "We've been friends with them for years."

  207. Northern Ireland reaction

    Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson will speak at Stormont Castle at 12:30 - we'll bring you his reaction as soon as we have it.

  208. Cameron's authority 'eaten away'

    Journalist Anne McElvoy tells the Daily Politics show it was a very good result for the No campaign when the momentum had seemed to be with the Yes camp.

    She says two years ago most people thought the result would certainly be a No but "what has happened is that the authority that Mr Cameron had has been eaten away as this has gone along and now he has to regain that".

  209. Get Involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Mark Billingham: "Hearts and Mind". I am so pleased that minds won over hearts!

    Colin Holce from Warrington, Cheshire: Seems like the winners today are the money markets who bet on the pound given the percentage swing. It amazes me how quickly this was all put together given that we are still waiting for our referendum on Europe.

    Helen Edmunds: I was dreading the news this morning and reluctant to look at it. However, I have read that Scotland has rejected independence. I know there are many who will be disappointed but we are an island nation, we will retain our cultural and linguistic differences, but will be side by side united. More devolved power to each of our nations but there for each other. Thank you to the No voters.

    Gary McAlonan: Well done Better Together. I am pro-independence for Scotland and must admit my disappointment at the outcome and the lost opportunity. But moving forward, I would now like to see all of the people in Scotland unite to build a better, fairer, more prosperous country. We must all make sure we don't let Westminster forget how close they came to losing this brilliant country. Keep them accountable now and forever.

  210. How close was the vote?

    Map

    See more of the result in maps.

  211. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    There have been just under 60,000 tweets about the Referendum between 11am and 12pm. The figure is down 19% on the previous hour.

    Top tweet in the last hour is from The Economist. They tweeted a graph: "How Scotland voted, council by council." Retweeted nearly 1,000 times.

    Quite a lot of photos of The Queen are being shared. One in particular shows her Majesty being shown something on a computer screen with the tweet: "update my status: STILL QUEEN OF SCOTLAND" #indyref

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  212. Thoughts from Aberdeen...

    Ken Banks

    BBC Scotland North East reporter

    In Aberdeen, many of the saltire flags which had been in evidence in the run-up to the count were no longer in evidence on Friday morning. The streets also seemed strangely quiet. One flag, however, could still be seen flying in Wallfield Place in the city's Rosemount area.

    There were also still some "Yes" stickers on windows and lampposts.

    The vast wealth associated with the North Sea oil and gas industry was one of the fiercest areas of debate during the referendum campaign.

    Aberdeen post No vote

    So, it was perhaps ironic there were reports yesterday of offshore workers being unable to fly home to polling day to cast their vote because of weather issues.

    However, the north east of Scotland delivered decisive "No" votes so it may have been academic whatever way any such votes would have been cast.

  213. David Eades, BBC World News presenter

    @bbcdavideades

    BBC World News presenter David Eades tweets: Bernard Jenkin MP (Con) tells me the end of the referendum is just start of a hugely contentious battle for all nations in the UK. #indyref

  214. Get Involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    @rj_gallagher tweets: Post #indyref today in Glasgow, George Square:

    'Too many sheep in Scotland' chalked on pavement in Glasgow
  215. Get Involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Judith Graham from Ripon, Yorkshire: The 1.5 million people who voted 'YES' are now dominating our politics. We must thank them for waking up the English.

    Douglas Cady in Devon: Following this morning's news we are now faced with pouring increased funding to Scotland at our expense with the knowledge that 45% of the recipient's don't want anything to do with us. When do the remainder of the UK vote for whether we want Scotland as part of the UK?

    Richard Hill from Glasgow: Mr Salmond must resign. The failure to deliver his defining political aim make his position as First Minister untenable.

    Geoffrey: We in Cape Town, where the are many Scottish descendants, feel a little depressed by the outcome. The opportunity for a new start and entrepreneurial renewal, for which Scots are known, has petered out. No more 'Scotland the Brave' but rather 'Scotland the fearties' and it would appear that Scotland was again, as in 1700, 'bought and sold for Rowling's Gold'.

  216. 'Togetherness theme'

    Former Conservative leader Michael Howard says the issue has now been "resolved for a lifetime". "The Better Together campaign has won - and I hope that togetherness will now be the theme of what happens in the discussions that are going to take place on more powers for Scotland and the rebalancing of the United Kingdom."

    Michael Howard
  217. Royal reaction

    Nicholas Witchell, royal correspondent, BBC News

    Balmoral

    Balmoral seems very remote and cut off, but of course the Royal Family has been following this minutely.

    Reaction - one word, relief. Relief that's it's over, relief that Scotland has decided what it has. The Queen undoubtedly, privately would have felt immense sadness had the United Kingdom been split up. Relief too for her officials who had been starting to contemplate some very tricky constitutional issues.

    Once all the politicians have said what they wish to say, I think this afternoon it is expected that The Queen will issue a short written statement.

    It seems logical to surmise that after this really quite divisive campaign she will concentrate on the vote, the decision that Scotland has taken, and express the view that Scotland will now go on.

  218. Nessie said Yessie?

    Steven McKenzie

    BBC Scotland Highlands and Islands reporter

    In Inverness, the fast food outlets were doing a roaring trade in early morning sales of caffeine.

    Everyone seemed to have a takeaway cup in hand as they briskly walked to work, maybe needing the jolt of coffee or tea to wake them up after staying up all night to watch the referendum results.

    There can be no doubt that this city, and other places across the Highlands and Islands, have been gripped by the debate.

    Inverness post No

    Countless lamp-posts, bus stops, windows of houses and flats have been plastered with placards, stickers and posters for "Yes", and in the later stages of the campaigns material saying "No Thanks".

    Even the Loch Ness Monster was drawn into the debate. A wooden sculpture of the legendary beast, a landmark on a roundabout on Inverness' Dores Road, has had a sign on it that saying: "Yessie".

  219. How the final result looks

    Final result graphic
  220. 'Huge responsibility'

    Dominique Minten, in Belgian daily De Standaard, says extra powers for Scotland will have to come "otherwise the call for independence will return immediately".

    De Standaard

    Minten added: "There is therefore a huge responsibility on the shoulders of British Prime Minister Cameron to carry out reforms."

  221. Get Involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Alan Weir from Falkirk: Great that so many have engaged in the vote. Sad that just under half of the nation will be disappointed with the result. Hope that we can all move on stronger and together as a nation, regardless of the result.

  222. Referendum - Get Involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Left Peggers tweets: Disappointed in my home town, Aberdeen, today.

    Chris Tolmie tweets: The UK should allow 16 & 17-year-olds to vote in all elections in the future to balance ageing population #bbcindyref #indyref

  223. Wales 'not second fiddle'

    First Minister Carwyn Jones says Wales "cannot and will not play second fiddle" as the new UK constitution is decided.

    The Welsh FM says David Cameron has made no attempt to contact him about putting Wales "at the centre of the debate" over a new UK constitution. He added that his office was going to try to speak to the prime minister later today, but he knows "it's a busy day".

  224. Referendum - Your Views

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    @JohnTowney tweets: Due to the decision to delegate Scotland with more power, its possible that England would be better off if Scotland said 'YES'.

  225. Referendum - Get Involved

    Text 80295

    Andy Stewart: The cage was open but the rampant lion appears to have become too timid after being caged for so long. A Norwegian friend, resident in Scotland, sadly said this morning that she's living in a nation filled with too many sheep!

    Allan, West Linton: Feeling very relieved, I was on the fence then veered to the No camp, but when I voted I had a moment of madness & went for Yes. I followed my heart instead of my head. I was happy when I heard the result.

    Sheila, Falkirk: From what I've heard, No voters seem to have voted from a purely personal point of view. I voted Yes, willing to take some difficulties, in the hope that we would create a better society for all. I'm gutted.

    John: Remember Scotland, when the UK returns the Tories next year at the general election - you did vote for it!

  226. Musings from Italy

    Italian dailies are musing about how the meaning of "United Kingdom" has changed, BBC Monitoring observes.

    Fabio Cavalera, reporting for Italy's Corriere Della Sera from Edinburgh, says: "The nationalists have been defeated but the United Kingdom today is different. The outcome of the vote will have major constitutional and political implications. Secession is averted, but the balance of power will undergo a profound change. There will be another United Kingdom."

    Corriere Della Sera

    Alessandra Rizzo, reporting for Italy's La Stampa from Edinburgh, says other European separatist leaders were "rooting for the Yes side" - among them, Italy's Northern League leader, Matteo Salvini, who was in Scotland for the vote...

  227. Business reaction

    Businesses have spoken of "relief" over Scotland's rejection of independence, but say the No vote is just the beginning of a period of change. Read more here.

  228. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    There has been a dip in the number of tweets about the Referendum between 10am and 11am. Just over 66,000 which is down 28% on the previous hour.

    Top tweet in the last hour is from bookmakers Paddy Power. They tweeted: "Familiar feeling this morning as Scotland again fail to make it out of the group." Retweeted over 500 times.

    One of the most shared photos is a picture of 'Scotland's' Facebook status update from 'it's complicated' to 'in a relationship'.

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  229. Morning after the night before

    Angie Brown

    BBC Scotland, Edinburgh and East reporter

    The drizzly damp weather summed up the mood in Edinburgh's streets as the capital city woke up to a No vote to Scottish independence.

    The Scottish Parliament, which had hundreds of campaigners outside only hours earlier, was deserted. The only signs of life were tourists taking pictures and the floodlights of the neighbouring media tent.

    The parliament seemed stubbornly quiet against a backdrop of an Arthur's Seat, which was shrouded in mist.

    Scottish Parliament

    Around the corner in the Royal Mile, some late night supporters were drinking coffee in cafes and tourists carried on their sightseeing tours huddled under umbrellas and ponchos.

    Campaign posters and notices have been taken out of shops and there were no saltires hanging from flat windows.

    A passerby said although he had voted No he felt a tinge of disappointment as he walked through Edinburgh's street to get to work as the "excitement had gone".

    Everything seemed to be back to normal.

  230. Referendum - Get Involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Patrick Stuart Young from Berne tweets: Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon have my admiration, people of real guts. They stood up to be counted. They did not lose. Scotland chose.

  231. Thoughts from Spain

    Madrid's El Pais, like many other papers in Spain, is leading with the news of the Scottish referendum - and has a banner headline that reads 'Scotland Rejects Independence'.

    In an opinion piece, one of the paper's columnists Jose Ignacio Torreblanca says that the No vote won because after running a poor campaign, it delivered a more coherent message in the last two weeks in large part due to the role played by the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

    But the Barcelona based pro-Catalan independence paper, El Punt Avui, strikes a different chord.

    It says that regardless of the result Scotland is a completely different and more empowered country than it was in 2012 when the referendum was announced. The Scottish nationalists, the paper says, now have more leverage to gain more power from Westminster.

  232. Reaction in Germany

    In the German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung, Stefan Kornelius praises the "No" vote as a "good decision" arguing the problems of the modern world cannot be solved with "new borders".

    BBC Monitoring observes Mr Kornelius said: "Segregation and withdrawing into your little allotment may give citizens a feeling of certainty in a confusing world, but this world demands of its highly interconnected and interdependent states less segregation and a better division of labour."

    Suddeutsche Zeitung

    Meanwhile, Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger - writing in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - believes the result will give Scots the "best of both worlds" - a vote for change and more federalism, but without "reducing the United Kingdom to dwarf status on the European and international stage".

    The tabloid Bild's headline today was "Britain stays great!"

  233. Wales reaction

    Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood says she is "disappointed" with the result - but Wales's case for more devolved powers remains strong.

    "We don't have the financial settlement that we need, we don't have the fiscal powers that we need, we don't have powers over things like energy and the criminal justice system," she added.

    "That's the next step for Wales now. There's great appetite for more independence, more devolution for Wales from people out there and it's essential that we make sure that we get Wales's needs met through this process."

    First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, is giving a press conference now.

  234. Laura Kuenssberg, Chief Correspondent, BBC Newsnight

    @bbclaurak

    In George Square where Yes campaigners have gathered night after night - mood pretty miserable and empty. Daubed on the ground - 'Glasgow said Yes' - Scotland's biggest city did vote for independence.

    Council workers already arrived to clean off the pavement where Yea slogans have been written.

  235. Faisal Islam, Sky News Political Editor

    @faisalislam

    Faisal Islam, Sky News Political Editortweets: Labour conference going to be fun. West Lothian? Balls & fiscal devolution? Not carrying Glasgow? Host city wanting full spending autonomy.

  236. Post update

    @BenSmithBBC

    BBC Journalist Ben Smith tweets: #indyref not the end for Scotland/UK. It has triggered what will become most fascinating period of politics in years.

  237. Key quotes

    Key figures have been giving their reaction to the result throughout the morning. Here's a reminder of some of the best quotes:

    Better Together leader Alistair Darling is congratulated by Labour leader Ed Miliband at a rally in Glasgow
    • First Minister Alex Salmond: "Let us not dwell on the distance we have fallen short. Let us dwell on the distance we have travelled and have confidence that the movement will take this nation forward as one nation"
    • Prime Minister David Cameron: "The people of Scotland have spoken. It is a clear result. They have kept our country of four nations together. Like millions of other people, I am delighted"
    • Better Together leader Alistair Darling: "We've taken on the argument and we've won. The silent have spoken."
  238. 'New era'

    Business Secretary Vince Cable says the vote is a "good outcome".

    "But it also opens up a new era where we have got to settle the devolution issue - in fairly short order - and address the particular issues that are then left in relation to England."

  239. As the dust settles...

    Nick Eardley, BBC News

    Glasgow

    Buchanan Street feels very different this morning. On Wednesday, it was full of campaigners, with person after person wearing a badge or top declaring their allegiance.

    Yes campaigners were jubilant as they stood outside the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to hear Blair Jenkins, Yes Scotland chief executive, declare his confidence they would win. This morning, under grey skies, there is no sign of the referendum.

    All the Yes badges have gone and posters have been packed away; not a single person wearing a campaign badge is visible.

    Even a pro-independence sticker, put on a statue of Donald Dewar, the architect of devolution, has been removed.

    George Sq

    A few people say they are happy at the result. One woman says the nature of the No campaign means its supporters are less likely to be vocal in their opinions.

    And it feels that way.

    A few minutes away is George Square (pictured above). For the last three nights, thousands of Glaswegians have gathered there to show their support for independence. On Friday morning, a couple dozen remain; the ecstasy of a vibrant campaign replaced with desolation.

    "Business as usual" perhaps doesn't need the same sort of fanfare. Central Glasgow is back to normal...

  240. Daily Politics Show

    We'll get #indyref result reaction from @BlairJenkinsYes @blairmcdougall on Fri #bbcdp with @afneil starting at 12:00.

    Blair Jenkins (left) and Blair McDougall
  241. Church says 'we are one Scotland'

    Right Reverend John Chalmers, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said he was proud of the spirit of reconciliation shown by Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling this morning.

    Speaking on Good Morning Scotland, he said: "What I have heard this morning has been wonderful. As a minister, I feel for those who feel dispirited, but I think the words that they have heard from leaders of both campaigns have been reassuring, restrained and they have spoken about working together.

    "I think that is where we are now and I am looking forward to that process of working together."

    Rt Rev Chalmers added it is time to take down the Yes and No signs from windows and lampposts and "make it more obvious we are one Scotland".

  242. Labour debate

    BBC political correspondent Iain Watson has been looking at how the Labour Party will deal with the No vote fallout. The prospect of more powers for Scotland is opening up a debate within party about whether a more distinctly English voice needs to be heard, he writes on his blog.

  243. David Walliams, Comedian

    @davidwalliams

    David Walliams, Comedian, tweets: I am so pleased Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom. Wales, don't get any ideas please.

  244. 'Dejected' over Punch & Judy

    Writer and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch, who had campaigned for a Yes vote, says she feels a "bit dejected", adding: "It's the first day I haven't had a badge on so it feels like a new start for sure."

    She says of the campaign: "Part of the tedium that has been created by this campaign was a kind of Tweedledum, Tweedledee mechanism - where one politician becomes Punch the other automatically becomes Judy."

  245. Get Involved

    Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Iain Spowart from Aberdeenshire: I'm pleased with the result. Alex Salmond was very gracious and I agree with his statement that it is now time for Scotland to work together for the future, for a strong Scotland within a strong union, and fair powers for Scotland, as well as England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  246. Graham Grant, Home Affairs Editor, Scottish Daily Mail

    @GrahamGGrant

    Graham Grant, Home Affairs Editor, Scottish Daily Mailtweets: Roughly equal numbers lining up outside the Apple store in Glasgow at 5am for new iPhone as there were in 'Independence Square.' #indyref

  247. Voters' views

    The BBC News Channel has been speaking to some voters.

    Sandra voted No: "I was terribly worried because I feel that united we stand, divided we fall." She adds that she never waivered in her decision.

    Taylor voted Yes: "I was a No to begin with but it was actually my flatmate and my family and those around me who [persuaded me] and [when] I saw the facts and figures I changed to a Yes." She says the rest of her family also changed to Yes voters.

  248. Cox: Westminster 'disconnect'

    Scottish actor Brian Cox, who campaigned heavily for a Yes vote, says he is disappointed but has had "the time of my life".

    Actor Brian Cox

    "It's been the most extraordinary two weeks... I've loved it, I am so proud of our country.

    "People have shown that social democracy really works and "it's a triumph as far as that's concerned", he says.

    "We have shaken the powers that be in Westminster, I think they should move now," he adds, saying there remains a "serious disconnect" between the political Establishment and the rest of the country.

  249. Pound weakens

    The pound has been in retreat since about 09:00. Overnight it was trading well above $1.65 but it's now a little below $1.64. "Some devolution uncertainty will remain, distracting investors' attention from superior UK growth relative to Europe," said Adam Myers, currency strategist at Credit Agricole.

    Pound dollar
  250. International reaction

    A number of leading Indian news websites are running their own "live page" on the Scotland results, and some fear there will be calls for a similar referendum in Indian-administered Kashmir and the country's north-eastern region, BBC Monitoring observes.

    Kashmir separatist leader Umar Farooq has demanded that the people of Kashmir should be given a chance for a referendum, the Mail Today newspaper reports. Other activists from the region have echoed Mr Farooq's call.

  251. BBC News Europe Editor Gavin Hewitt

    @BBCGavinHewitt

    BBC News Europe Editor Gavin Hewitt tweets: Spanish PM Rajoy - mindful of Catalonia - says 'we are very happy Scotland is staying with us'. Calls it positive 'for integration of EU.'

  252. New York Times reporter Dan Bilefsky

    @DanBilefsky

    New York Times reporter Dan Bilefsky tweets: Interesting: On #Scottish "No" vote, the pollsters got it wrong, while the betting markets were right on the mark

  253. Oil and Gas

    Bob Collier, Chief Executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, told Good Morning Scotland that a No vote had "not entirely" alleviated uncertainty from the oil and gas industry overnight.

    "We need the government to apply the results of the Wood report," he said. "We need to make sure the right kind of fiscal regime is available off shore to get the maximum possible return for the whole country."

    Mr Collier added there has been uncertainty for a while, first with the ballot question, then the issues of currency and the EU, and now with what additional devolution means.

  254. Kevin O'Sullivan, Daily Mirror columnist

    @TVKev

    Kevin O'Sullivan, Daily Mirror columnist tweets: Respect to Andy Murray for having the courage to declare his support for independence...

  255. What the papers say

    While papers went to press before the results of Scotland's independence referendum were declared, the story is nonetheless on front pages.

    Papers

    Many papers produced late editions to carry the news that Scots voted No in the historic independence referendum.

  256. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    There have been more than 85,000 tweets about the Referendum between 9am and 10am this morning. That's a drop of 35% on the previous hour.

    Comedy writer Armando Iannucci's tweet is one of the most-shared tweets in the last hour: "84.6% One way to unite today would be for every Scot to wear that number as a badge of pride. An extraordinary turnout. #indyref" was retweeted nearly 500 times.

    Actor Simon Pegg is currently one of the most influential accounts.

    The Guardian's result graphic is amongst the more shared photos.

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  257. 'Rocked to the core'

    Entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter told Good Morning Scotland he was really proud Scotland had "rocked the political establishment to its core".

    He added: "That's got to be good. I think the people have shown that we want change. We want change from our politicians, and that is really important. It is fantastic day for democracy."

  258. A view from France

    BBC Monitoring has been looking at reaction to the vote in the European press. French daily Le Monde's London correspondent Eric Albert says that the voters faced two very similar options.

    "What if the result of the referendum on independence in Scotland is not all that important, after all? Despite the victory of the 'no' with 55.42% of the vote, the Scottish nation will move away from the rest of the United Kingdom.

    le Monde reports on Scotland's referendum

    "Behind the rhetoric and appearances, the Scottish effectively faced two very similar options: on the one hand, independence 'light', while staying very close to the rest of the United Kingdom; on the other, maximum decentralization... which will give it far-reaching autonomy."

    #ScotlandDecides and #Ecosse were among top Twitter trends in France this morning,

  259. David Clegg, Political Editor, Daily Record

    @davieclegg

    David Clegg, Political Editor, Daily Record tweets: To take support for Indy to 45% is a remarkable achievement for Alex Salmond and the SNP. Woe betide the UK parties if they don't deliver.

  260. Sir Gerald Howarth

    @geraldhowarth

    Sir Gerald Howarth, Conservative MP for Aldershot tweets: Major constitutional changes must not be rushed. Appeasing Scottish Nationalism is what brought us to the brink of disaster #Union

  261. 'Scotland 2.0'

    Asked what additional powers he would like to see in the Scottish Parliament, Sir Tom added: "Tax-raising powers and further devolved powers over social security.

    "I think the SNP government have done a very good job over the past while at governing Scotland and I think Scotland is a better place because of it. Now, I think it is time to move on to Scotland 2.0"

  262. Result 'is a sound decision'

    Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament

    The Scottish people have voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. First of all I welcome that this vote took place within a democratically agreed process inside of the country.

    I believe that, in a time when sticking together has proven its worth in meeting the challenges we are facing in all walks of life, this is a sound decision.

  263. Sir Tom on 'devomax'

    Business and entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter, speaking on Good Morning Scotland, said: "I've listened to Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling speak this morning and they both accepted the result with humility, which I think is really important now - that we have got to being Scotland back together.

    "I've always been uncomfortable that in Scotland we can spend the money but we can't raise the money," Sir Tom said.

    "I think that is a lopsided balance sheet, and it causes resentment. I fully understand why people in the rest of the UK would say 'well, hang on a minute'.

    "Therefore, I would like to see us having more power to raise our money and spend it. That's accountability, and that's grown up devolution."

  264. Miliband outlines 'our mission'

    Labour leader Ed Miliband pays tribute to Alistair Darling, saying he "played one of the most important roles in keeping this country together".

    Change begins today, he tells Labour activists in Glasgow.

    "We will deliver on stronger powers, stronger Scottish powers and a stronger Scotland."

    The next eight months are about "how we change our country together," he continues.

    "Let us be able to tell our children and our grandchildren that we did not just keep our country together, we changed our country together. That is our mission."

  265. More powers

    Mr Darling on more powers for Scotland: "We must at all costs see that implemented on the timescale that was agreed."

  266. 'Emphatic answer'

    Alistair Darling, speaking at a Labour rally, says: "All my adult life the question has been around us... and at 10 past six this morning, that question was answered emphatically."

  267. English laws

    Andrew Neil

    Presenter, The Daily Politics

    Re English votes for English laws, Labour must work out how to save huge in-built advantage without being depicted by Tories as anti-English

  268. Miliband to speak

    Labour leader Ed Miliband has just arrived at a party rally in Glasgow where he will shortly give a speech.

  269. Striking pictures

    Pic

    Striking images have been coming in from around the country. See more here.

  270. 'Get my feet up for a wee while'

    Chief Returning Officer Mary Pitcaithly

    "I'm tired. It's gone very well and it's been very smooth. All of the counts have been very good and we were able to give a result in the same kind of timeframe we had promised.

    Chief Returning Officer Mary Pitcaithly

    "It's been a long night but people are waking up to find out there has been a clear result.

    "I'm going to try to have some breakfast and then get my feet up for a wee while before going back into the office.

    "I'm delighted that it passed off, by and large, without any incident. People were very good natured throughout the day; if they had to queue at all they were very short queues.

    "The comedy, camaraderie and friendship people were showing to each other in the queues was great to see."

  271. Lamont praises youth

    Johann Lamont, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, thanks party members - and particularly young activists - for helping to secure the No result. "This was a huge moment for Scottish Labour... much of this campaign was driven by the Scottish Labour party," she tells the Labour rally in Glasgow.

    She goes on to say "this is a time to savour but not to be triumphalist". It is vital change now happens and calls for action not simply words, she says.

  272. Tax and benefits

    Scotland has voted to remain part of the United Kingdom but Scots can still expect significant changes in the taxes they will pay and the welfare benefits they will receive, writes Personal Finance Reporter Brian Milligan.

    Personal finance
  273. Referendum reaction

    Gary Lineker

    Football pundit Gary Lineker tweets: GREAT Britain!

  274. UK to play 'leading role'

    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General

    I fully respect the choice that the people of Scotland have made in yesterday's referendum.

    I welcome Prime Minister Cameron's statement that the United Kingdom will go forward as a united country.

    The United Kingdom is a founding member of NATO, and I am confident that the United Kingdom will continue to play a leading role to keep our Alliance strong.

  275. Referendum reaction

    Sadiq Khan and Iain Macwhirter

    Sadiq Khan MP tweets: Most important vote in generation saw 1000s of 16 & 17 year olds vote in #indyref How can we deny them vote in General Election?

    Iain Macwhirter, political commentator Herald & Sunday Heraldtweets: Scots thought this was about their future - turns out it was all about setting up an English parliament.

  276. Referendum reaction

    Duncan Mavin and John Rentoul

    Duncan Mavin, Europe Finance Editor, Wall Street Journal, tweets: #indyref raised big questions about UK governance. For investors, politics likely to remain messy and unpredictable.

    John Rentoul, Independent on Sunday columnist tweets: Opinion polls underestimated No vote by 2 or 3 points. How much will shy Tories be worth in general election next year?

  277. 'Work together'

    Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has just released a statement. He says: "I hope all parties will now accept this vote was fair, legal and decisive and we have settled the question in a way which means we will not keep coming back to it.

    Alistair Carmichael

    "The decisive choice of people in Scotland to remain part of the UK is the beginning of a new, stronger country for us all.

    "It comes at the end of a hard-fought two year process which has raised important issues for Scotland and engaged a huge number of people in the debate.

    "We will continue that process by working together as one country, across the whole political spectrum, making life better for the people who live and work here.

    "It's also clear that the people of Scotland have overwhelmingly voted for a stronger Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom based on the cross-part plan for more powers. That work will begin today and we will deliver it for everyone."

  278. Tax, spending & welfare

    James Landale

    Deputy political editor

    The Downing Street constitutional declaration - as it will become known - marks the start of what potentially could be massive constitutional change.

    In particular, the prime minister has promised to give English MPs a greater say over legislation that affects England. He made clear this would cover the same issues over which Scotland will have greater control - tax, spending and welfare. And the changes will be agreed at the same pace with draft legislation by January.

    But David Cameron did not spell out the detail, leaving a policy vacuum that will now be filled by Conservative MPs and an army of constitutional experts and think tanks. Everything from a full English parliament to complicated plans for English grand committees will be discussed.

    The risk for the PM is that he loses control of this debate.

    Full blog.

  279. Analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Total number of votes cast:

    Yes - 1,617,989

    No - 2,001,926

    3,429 rejected papers - want of an official mark 16, voting in favour of both 691, voter identified 168, unmarked or void for uncertainty 2,554.

    This means that Yes won 45% of the vote and No 55% of the vote exactly in line with the BBC prediction at just after 05:00.

  280. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    There have been nearly 130,000 tweets about the Referendum between 8am and 9am this morning. That's a dip of 22% on the previous hour.

    One of the most shared tweets in the past hour has come from comedian Frankie Boyle: "To be fair, I've always hated Scotland" retweeted nearly 3,000 times.

    A transcript of David Cameron's speech is amongst the more shared photos.

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  281. Continuing coverage

    Gerry Holt

    BBC News

    BBC One's results programme has just ended - but stay with us for continuing coverage and all the latest reaction.

  282. Referendum recap

    A reminder now of the dramatic events of the last 24 hours:

    Pro-union supporters celebrate as Scottish independence referendum results come in at a "Better Together" event in Glasgow, Scotland
    • Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom
    • 55% of voters said No to independence, while 45% said Yes
    • Turnout was nearly 84.5%
    • The final result was announced in Edinburgh in the last hour by Scotland's Chief Counting Officer Mary Pitcaithly

    Full story.

  283. 'Momentous decision'

    Labour MP Douglas Alexander: "A momentous decision, a momentous night and, I think, a great, great, day for Scotland.

    Douglas Alexander

    "I couldn't be more proud of the decision that we have made to work for faster, safer and better change than the risks of separation. The choice was ours but the consequences are going to be felt in every part of the United Kingdom."

  284. fleetstreetfox, Daily Mirror columnist

    @fleetstfox

    fleetstreetfox, Daily Mirror columnisttweets: Well thank goodness for that. Thank you, Scotland.

  285. Galloway reaction

    Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, the Respect MP and No campaigner George Galloway says: "It was a very tough fight, we were reminded all over again just how hated the Westminster political class is."

  286. Farage plea

    @Nigel_Farage

    UKIP leader Nigel Farage has just posted letters from Westminster to all 59 Scottish MPs asking them not to vote on English issues...

    Mr Farage tweets: We need a full, proper national debate about the democratic future of England #indyref

  287. Jon Snow, Channel 4 News presenter

    @jonsnowc4news

    Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snowtweets: Final 45% YES 55% NO: I'm pretty sure that for all the cash they make, not one polling outfit got the margin right.

  288. Full Results

    Visit our Results Page for a full graphic break down of the independence referendum.

    Results Page
  289. #indyref

    #BBCtrending looks at how the Scottish independence referendum played out on Twitter last night.

    #IndyRef
  290. Stock market reaction

    Shares in London have opened with sharp gains. The FTSE 100 is 0.6% higher in early trading. Royal Bank of Scotland shares are up 4%, Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Bank of Scotland, is up 2.6% and energy firm SSE is up 2%.

  291. Post update

    Kamal Ahmed

    BBC Business editor

    Kamal Ahmed, BBC Business editor, tweets: Lloyds Bank statement on Scotland more equivocal than RBS. Keeping options open on legal domicile #indyref.

  292. Official declaration

    Mary Pitcaithly

    Mary Pitcaithly, confirming the result, says there were 3,429 rejected papers and the reasons for rejection were:

    • Want of an official mark - 16
    • Voter in favour of both answers - 691
    • Writing a mark by which the voter could be identified: 168
    • Unmarked or void for uncertainty: 2,554
  293. Tom Bradby, Political Editor, ITV News

    @tombradby

    Tom Bradby, Political Editor, ITV News tweets: I think history is going to be pretty kind to Gordon Brown, a man who can credibly claim to have saved the financial system and the Union.

  294. Better Together celebrate

    Supporters of Better Together celebrate in Edinburgh as the final results of the independence referendum are confirmed.

    Better Together
  295. Referendum - Your Views

    Text using 80295

    Larissa, Fife: The result is a relief but the referendum has divided the people. The 45% who voted for independence must be heard too and the party leaders must keep their promise of more powers. Let's hope that this vote will trigger a much needed overhaul of Westminster and result in more powers for the different parts of the country!

    Gary, Carmarthenshire: I'm interested to know how much this referendum has cost, but more importantly who has foot the bill. If this has been funded by Westminster using British taxpayers money then it's a disgrace. The outcome of this referendum would have impacted on the whole of the United Kingdom with only the Scottish people having a say!

    Lorna: I am deeply depressed. Heard Cameron. He will not deliver on Brown promise.

    J.Fin: Scotland had a chance to make world history. Whitehall now sees Scotland as history.

  296. Post update

    David Eades, BBC World News

    David Eades of BBC World News tweets: Referendum result opens Pandora's Box on devolution across the UK. Regional press focus on call for more powers across NE England. #indyref

  297. Lloyds statement

    Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Bank of Scotland and Halifax said: "Lloyds Banking Group has maintained a neutral stance in this debate as we believe the decision was to be solely a matter for the people of Scotland.

    "The group is proud of its strong Scottish heritage and remains committed to having a significant presence in Scotland. We remain fully focused on supporting households and businesses in Scotland as well as right across the rest of the UK."

  298. Final result announcement

    The final result of Scotland's referendum is being officially announced by Mary Pitcaithly, Chief Counting Officer.

  299. Pound surges

    The pound has hit a two-year high against the Euro and a two-week high against the US dollar, as Scotland voted against independence.

    pounds

    In early Asian trade, sterling jumped 0.43% to 1.2743 euros.

    Read the full story.

  300. Post update

    Ruth Davidson MSP

    @ruthdavidsonmsp

    tweets: Scotland had the biggest, broadest conversation about our future. We have to come together again & move forward together. It's all our home.

  301. Robinson analysis

    Nick Robinson

    Political editor

    The prime minister has also promised to produce reforms which deliver the soundbite - "English votes for English laws". It was a promise made in the last Conservative manifesto. It was and is a very popular in England. There is a reason, however, why it hasn't been enacted.

    Prime Minister David Cameron

    It could create two classes of MP. It might mean a government has a majority to pass certain laws but not others (if, for example, the next Labour government did not have a majority of MPs in England).

    What's known as the West Lothian question hasn't been answered since it was first asked in 1977. (The question was - Why should the MP for Blackburn in West Lothian in Scotland be able to vote on English matters when the MP for Blackburn in Lancashire can't vote on Scottish issues?).

    This referendum may have ended one debate in Scotland - for now. It has, however, lit the touchpaper on the explosive question of where power lies in the UK.

  302. Robinson analysis

    Nick Robinson

    Political editor

    The people have spoken. Scotland has rejected independence. The result has been accepted by both sides. So that you might think is that. Not a bit of it.

    First Minister Alex Salmond

    The fact that over one and a half million British citizens voted to break away from the rest of the UK, the fact that a majority in Scotland's biggest city - Glasgow - backed independence, the fact that the Westminster establishment briefly thought this vote was lost is the reason for that.

    The leaders of the three UK parties are now promising significant constitutional change and not just for Scotland but for England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well.

    They have agreed on a timetable for giving more powers to the Scottish Parliament but are a long, long way from agreeing proposals. Alex Salmond may have lost this vote but he remains Scotland's First Minister. He's unlikely to merely accept what is offered up by his opponent.

  303. Faisal Islam, Sky News Political Editor

    @faisalislam

    Faisal Islam, Sky News Political Editor tweets: ...So did one stray opinion poll in the Sunday papers change via panic and GBrown, course of the United Kingdom constitutional settlement...

  304. BreakingFINAL RESULT

    The final result:

    • 1,617,989 (45%) said Yes
    • 2,001,926 (55%) said No
    • Turnout was 84.5%
  305. BreakingHIGHLAND RESULT

    "No" wins by 87,739 to 78,069.

    That is 52.9% for "No" and 47.1% for "Yes"

    Total votes 165,808. Turnout was 86.9%.

  306. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    There have been nearly 160,000 tweets about the Referendum between 7am and 8am this morning. That's a dip of 15% on the previous hour.

    The most shared tweet in the last hour is from UK Prime Minister David Cameron. He tweeted: "Just as Scotland will have more power over their affairs, it follows England, Wales and N Ireland must have a bigger say over theirs."

    His account is also the most influential.

    Amongst the most shared photos are those of no supporters reacting to the results.

    You can join the conversation via #indyref, tweet or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  307. Referendum reaction

    David Mundell MP

    Scottish Conservative MP tweets: Was it only 24 hours ago that I was queuing up outside Moffat Town Hall to vote? As we have seen a long time in Scottish politics!

  308. How the No side won

    Vanessa Barford examines how Better Together managed to win the Scottish independence referendum.

    No thanks
  309. 'Business as usual'

    Douglas Fraser

    Business and economy editor, Scotland

    Clydesdale Bank statement: business as usual, with strong roots in Scotland.

  310. Throws down the gauntlet

    Andrew Marr, broadcaster and journalist

    BBC News

    What started as a vote on whether Scotland would leave the UK has ended with an extraordinary constitutional revolution announced outside Downing Street by the Prime Minister.

    It throws down the gauntlet to the Labour party that we are going to see very big change coming and it had better come quickly.

    We always used to be told that if you laid all the economists in the world end to end they still wouldn't reach a conclusion and I think that could be said often about parliamentary committees and inquiries and commissions.

    Well it can't happen this time because it's not taking place in a sealed room with the Westminster parties, the old smug consensus, getting round an argument with each other as before.

    This is really taking place in a huge glass house, being watched by all the Scottish voters and by millions of people around the UK.

    What the Scottish shock has done is produce a constitutional revolution on a very, very tight timetable. Possibly the most exciting political story in my lifetime.

  311. In Pictures

    Our picture gallery on the story of the day and night, from the polling stations to the reaction in George Square.

    George Square reaction
  312. Chris Ship, Deputy Political Editor, ITV News

    @chrisshipitv

    Chris Ship, Deputy Political Editor, ITV News tweets: I see the #indyref story is very quickly moving to England. I can imagine the reaction in Scotland to that is "what's new?"

  313. Cameron: Key quotes

    David Cameron closed his statement by saying: "This referendum has been hard fought, it has stirred strong passions, it has electrified politics in Scotland and caught the imagination of people across the whole of our United Kingdom.

    "It will be remembered as a powerful demonstration of the strength and vitality of our ancient democracy."

  314. The verdict from abroad

    The BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent Bridget Kendall reports on how nations around the world will react following a No vote on Scottish independence.

    Catalan campaigners
  315. Hague appointment

    Just a reminder of another appointment made by David Cameron who said the leader of the Commons, William Hague, alongside a Cabinet committee, will draw up plans to allow English MPs to decide the outcome of laws that only apply to England.

  316. Cameron: Key quotes

    "Now the debate has been settled for a generation, or as Alex Salmond has said: 'Perhaps for a lifetime'. So their can be no disputes, no re-runs, we have heard the will of the Scottish people.

    "Scotland voted for a stronger Scottish parliament backed by the strength and security of the United Kingdom and I want to congratulate the No campaign for that, for showing people that our nations really are Better Together.

    "I also want to pay tribute to Yes Scotland for a well-fought campaign and to say to all those who did vote for independence 'we hear you'."

  317. Cameron: Key quotes

    Prime Minister David Cameron: "The people of Scotland have spoken and it is a clear result. They have kept our country of four nations together and like millions of other people I am delighted.

    "As I said during the campaign, it would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end.

    "And I know that sentiment was shared by people not just across our country but around the world because of what we have achieved together in the past, and what we can do together in the future.

    David Cameron

    "So, now it is time for our United Kingdom to come together and to move forward.

    "A vital part of that will be a balanced settlement, fair to people in Scotland and importantly to everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well.

    "To those in Scotland sceptical of the constitutional promises that were made, let me say this: we have delivered on devolution under this government and we will do so again in the next parliament.

    "The three pro-Union parties have made commitments, clear commitments on further powers for the Scottish Parliament.

    "We will ensure that those commitments are honoured in full."

  318. 'No means a landslide'

    Diane Abbott MP tweets: The 6 million strong city of London (& other cities) must get powers to parallel those being devolved to Scotland #indyref.

    British actor Simon Peggtweets: Feel sad for those who campaigned hard for a Yes vote. Hopefully some meaningful change will come of this. It was by no means a landslide.

  319. Voter turnout

    Gary Robertson

    BBC Radio Scotland

    Official turnout in #indyref verified as 84.6% #bbcgms.

  320. Your emails from Australia

    Paul Gibbings from Melbourne wrote: "John Lennon would be happy, he wanted less countries not more. There needs to be an example set, the world needs to unify."

    Martin Cooper emailed: "Please let the vote result be a peaceful one without reprisals and animosity."

  321. Jon Snow, Channel 4 News

    @jonsnowc4

    Channel 4 News presenter tweets: Damp calm pervades Edinburgh... many I have spoken to, whether YES or NO, deeply mistrust Westminster's will to deliver promised reforms

  322. UKIP reaction

    UKIP leader Nigel Farage tells BBC Radio 4's Today: "I'm writing to Scottish MPs to say please commit from today not to vote or debate at Westminster on English issues."

  323. The Key Moment

    Watch the moment when it became official that Scotland had voted No in the independence referendum.

    Scotland votes No
  324. Robinson analysis of Cameron

    Nick Robinson

    Political editor

    What is really new is not what he's saying about Scotland - it's what he's saying about England. Specifically a promise to bring in English votes for English laws - a Tory manifesto promise that he didn't deliver on and that there was no coalition agreement to which, in simple terms, means this: Within Westminster when there are matters being discussed which the Welsh Assembly has responsibility for or the Scottish Parliament or the Northern Ireland Assembly that those MPs for should not be allowed to vote in Westminster.

  325. RBS statement

    Kamal Ahmed

    BBC Business editor

    Royal Bank of Scotland has given a statement to the BBC's business editor, Kamal Ahmed, it says: "The announcement we made about moving our registered head office to England was part of a contingency plan to ensure certainty and stability for our customers, staff and shareholders should there be a 'Yes' vote. That contingency plan is no longer required. Following the result it is business as usual for all our customers across the UK and RBS."

  326. Devolution move

    Magnus Gardham

    The editor of the Daily Herald tweets: Cameron announces @Glasgow2014 chair Lord Smith of Kelvin is to oversee the issue of devolution #indyref

  327. Analysis

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Now there's been a "No" vote, David Cameron used his speech to aim to show the UK government is immediately grabbing the initiative by announcing Lord Smith of Kelvin, a former BBC governor, to oversee the implementation of more devolution on tax, spending and welfare.

    He said draft legislation would be ready by January, as per the timetable laid out by Mr Cameron's predecessor as PM, Gordon Brown.

    Mr Cameron knows he has to move quickly, to avoid any accusation from the SNP - which of course is still forms Scotland's government - that his more powers pledge was a pre-referendum bribe.

  328. Market reaction

    Mike Amey, managing director and portfolio manage at bond trader PIMCO, tells Today he expects the markets to open higher as a result of the Scottish referendum result. "It will be back to the data for our traders and what the Bank of England will do [on interest rates]."

  329. The scene in Edinburgh

    Andrew Kerr

    BBC News

    Dawn is breaking here at the Scottish Parliament. It's a misty, murky autumn morning. Yes supporters are still gathering outside Holyrood.

  330. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    There have been nearly 180,000 tweets about the Referendum between 6am and 7am this morning. That's up 10% on the previous hour.

    The top tweet in the last hour is from BBC News: "Scotland has rejected independence, #indyref results confirm" retweeted over 6,500 times.

    One of the most shared photos is of a no supporter, wearing a union flag hat and shirt.

    You can join the conversation by using #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News page on Facebook.

  331. UK is stronger - Miliband

    Labour leader Ed Miliband tweets: Our United Kingdom is stronger today than it was yesterday.

  332. Analysis

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    David Cameron says there is clear support for maintaining the union. It is time now for the UK to come together - with a "balanced settlement" which is fair to Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.

    He says the debate on independence has been "settled for a generation": the settled will of the Scottish people. That latter a conscious echo of words delivered by John Smith about devolution.

    Prime Minister David Cameron

    Now, he says, there is a chance to change the way the British people are governed. Once more, emphasis on all the constituent parts of the UK.

    Insists the promises for Scotland will be delivered "in full". Lord Smith of Kelvin to oversee that process. England, Wales and NI must have bigger say too. A new and fair settlement across the UK.

    More powers for Wales. Make devolved institutions function effectively in NI. But now England must be heard. In short, he wants a decisive answer on West Lothian - with English votes on English issues. William Hague to work on that. To the same timetable as the Scottish action.

    Challenges: can it be done to the timetable; will not some, perhaps many, at Westminster want to move on to other issues; will not the UK parties be focused on fighting the General Election rather than agreeing on the constitution.

  333. Lord Smith appointment

    David Cameron says Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, is to oversee the process of further devolution.

    Draft laws on new powers for Scotland will be published by January, he adds.

  334. Cameron: Devolution pledge

    "We have delivered on devolution and we will do so in the next parliament," adds the prime minister.

    Prime Minister David Cameron

    "We will ensure that those commitments are honoured in full."

  335. Cameron: Referendum was right

    "It was right that we respected the SNP's majority in Holyrood and gave the Scottish people the right to have their say," adds the prime minister outside Downing Street.

    "There can be no disputes. No re-runs. We have heard the settled will of the Scottish people."

    England, Wales and Northern Ireland "should be able to vote" on tax, spending and welfare, he continues.

  336. Cameron 'move forward'

    David Cameron says: "It is time for our United Kingdom to come together and move forward."

    The prime minister credits both sides of the debate for a "hard fought campaign".

  337. BreakingBreaking News

    David Cameron says: "The people of Scotland have spoken and it is a clear result. They have kept our country of four nations together and like millions of other people I am delighted."

  338. George Square tensions

    Ken Macdonald

    BBC Scotland Science Correspondent

    Police trying to defuse a standoff in Glasgow's George Square between remaining Yes campaigners and a handful of No supporters waving union flags.

    George Square after No vote
  339. Reaction from Germany

    Katrin Göring-Eckhardt, parliamentary leader of German Green Party, said: "The No victory is a huge relief for me. It prevents a further fragmentation of Europe. But the close race shows that people want more participation."

    Ms Göring-Eckhardt made the comments on German public TV ZDF Morning Magazine.

  340. Argyll clear-up

    Result 6am, room cleared by 6.10am. That's showbiz... and politics.

    Argyll
  341. Cameron statement

    Prime Minister David Cameron is about to speak outside Number 10 Downing Street.

  342. Analysis

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Alex Salmond thanks Scotland for 1.6m votes for independence. Acknowledging that there is a majority for No, he urges all in Scotland to accept that outcome.

    The conduct of the plebiscite - and the turnout - are, he says, part of a triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics.

    First Minister Alex Salmond

    Turning to the consequences, he pledges to work constructively in the interests of Scotland and of the rest of the United Kingdom. Explicitly, he says that the promise of more powers must be honoured "in rapid course".

    A clear indication, once more, of the direction which the SNP will follow: demanding and driving change.

    Equally, though, Mr Salmond is speaking at a rostrum with a logo stating "One Scotland". His approach, therefore, offers a consensual tone following a closely fought and, by simple definition, potentially divisive referendum.

    At the same time, however, he identifies a "scare and a fear" at the heart of the Westminster establishment.

    But his conclusion is that there will be further progress. Not independence. But change.

  343. No vote confirmed

    Chief counting officer Mary Pitcaithly: "It is clear that the majority of people voting have voted No to the referendum question."

  344. 'Up for the fight'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    The pro-independence business group Business for Scotland is highly sceptical that proper new powers will come to the devolved parliament from Westminster. Chief Executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, says: "We will get nothing without a fight - but we are up for that fight."

  345. RBS reaction expected

    Kamal Ahmed, BBC Business Editor

    With No confirmed as the winner in the referendum, we can expect the Royal Bank of Scotland to say there is now no need to move domicile to London. The bank had prepared for a "Yes" vote by saying last week that it would move its headquarters from Edinburgh. I wouldn't be surprised if Ross McEwan, the chief executive, re-iterated the bank's commitment to Scotland. I am sure RBS's executives are relieved that the upheaval of independence will now not happen.

  346. Darling 'get on with it together'

    Mr Darling adds: "We must also recognise the debate has created some deep divisions in our country. It has been a campaign that has energised and divided."

    Better Together's Alistair Darling

    He stresses that those divisions must be addressed and everyone has a part to play in bringing the country together.

    Mr Darling ends his speech by saying: "Come on Scotland, let's get on with it together."

  347. A new dawn

    Scotland has voted No to independence, and this is how the result was reflected on the BBC's headquarters in Pacific Quay in Glasgow.

    BBC headquarters after No vote
  348. BreakingFIFE RESULT

    "No" wins by 139,788 to 114,148.

    That is 55% for "No" and 45% for "Yes"

    Total votes was 253,936. Turnout was 84%

  349. Lamont on Salmond's speech

    Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, questioned the tone of the First Minister's speech. She said she understood the emotional pressure he was under, but hoped he would "reflect".

  350. 'Austerity agenda'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Green MSP Patrick Harvie, a key figure in the Yes Scotland campaign, says he's "disappointed" with the result, but adds: "The strength of feeling expressed in the referendum cannot be ignored, and the UK government cannot be allowed to sweep Scotland aside.

    "Any further devolution must not force Holyrood to implement the UK's austerity agenda."

  351. Darling: Silent have spoken

    Better Together campaign leader Alistair Darling thanks everyone who has worked to secure victory, adding: "We've taken on the argument and we've won. The silent have spoken."

  352. BreakingBreaking News

    Better Together leader Alistair Darling says: "Today is a momentous result for Scotland but also for the United kingdom as a whole."

  353. Clegg relief for 'family of nations'

    Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will appear before the media in Edinburgh later this morning, but he's just said: "I'm absolutely delighted the Scottish people have taken this momentous decision to safeguard our family of nations for future generations. In a dangerous and uncertain world I have no doubt we are stronger, safer, and more prosperous together than we every could be apart."

    Mr Clegg adds: "A vote against independence was clearly not a vote against change and we must now deliver on time and in full the radical package of newly devolved powers to Scotland."

    He says the verdict marks not only a new chapter for Scotland within the UK but also wider constitutional reform across the Union.

  354. 'Take forward'

    Douglas Alexander, shadow foreign secretary and part the Better Together campaign, says: "I think there needs to start today a process of reconciliation. Our challenge is to bring our nation together and take our nation forward."

  355. Campaigners' reactions

    Laura Maxwell, BBC Scotland News

    There have been tears from "Yes" campaigners at Ingliston. But one lady told me she was realistic before coming here this evening, and 45% of the vote was still a vote for change.

    One senior figure from the Conservatives told me he had been at many counts in Ingliston, but rarely on the winning side - he said it was definitely less tiring being on this side of the vote.

  356. Analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    The variation in No support in different kind of councils is very much in line with some of the expectations in advance of the night about the kinds of places in which the No campaign would do relatively well.

    No supporters

    The No vote was generally higher in places with a relatively high migrant population from the rest of the UK, in places with a relatively high middle-class population, in places where there are more older people and in the more rural half of Scotland. These patterns are illustrated by the following figures:

    1 - the No vote has averaged 64% in those councils where more than 12% of the population was born in the rest of the UK and just 53% in those where less than 8% were born elsewhere in the UK

    2 - the No vote averaged 60% where more than 30% of the population are professional and managerial but only 51% where less than 26% are in professional managerial occupations.

    3 - the No vote was 61% on average in those places where more than 24% of the population were aged 65 and over but only 51% where less than 21% are over 65 and over

    4 - the No vote at 60% was higher in the more rural half of Scotland than in the more urban half where it averaged just 53%.

  357. Campaign leaders react

    Salmond graphic

    We're hearing there will also be reaction from Better Together leader Alistair Darling within the hour.

  358. Handing over

    The website's overnight referendum coverage was brought to you by - Andrew Black, Steve Brocklehurst, Marianne Taylor, Aiden James, Martin Currie, Laura Pettigrew, Rob Corp, David Martin, Stuart Nicolson, Louise Sayers, Deirdre Kelly, Catherine Lyst, Tom Housden, Jonathan Austin, Carol Duncan, Jamie Ross, Doug Kennedy, Tom Moseley, Louise Andrew, Graham Gillies, Craig Frew, Kimberley Patterson, Scott Currie, Paul Mcfadyen, Oliver Thompson, Nathan Williams, Alex Murray, Alison Daye.

    .... the day shift taking over includes Graeme Esson, Paul McLaren, Thomas McGuigan, Jim Johnson-Rollings, Cheri Burns, Esther Webber, Vanessa Barford, Calum Watson, Trevor Timpson, Bryan Quinn, Ken Banks, Angie Brown, Steven McKenzie, Philip Sim, Brian Ponsonby, Giancarlo Rinaldi, Graham Fraser, Gerry Holt and Nick Eardley.

  359. Highest Yes votes

    The local authorities will the highest proportion of Yes votes are:

    Dundee 57%

    West Dunbartonshire 54%

    Glasgow 53%

    North Lanarkshire 51%

  360. Join the conversation

    Email Haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

    Ian Rochester in Northumberland asks: 55% of the Scottish voting population have decided on retaining the "status quo" between Scotland and the rest on Great Britain, so why are people now saying that fundamental changes must now happen?

  361. Celebrations from No

    Laura Maxwell

    BBC Scotland

    Robbie MacNiven, 22, from Inverness and 21-year-old Solvein Siem from Norway celebrate the No vote at Ingliston.

    Robbie MacNiven, 22, from Inverness and 21-year-old Solvein Siem from Norway celebrate the No vote at Ingliston.
  362. Alistair Darling

    @TogetherDarling

    Alistair Darling, leader of the Better Together campaign tweets: An extraordinary night. Humbled by the level of support and the efforts of our volunteers. Will give speech in Glasgow shortly. #indyref

  363. Cameron statement

    Cameron tweet

    David Cameron tweets: I'll be making a statement following the Scottish Referendum results just after 7am. #indyref

  364. Salmond: 'Forward as one nation'

    Mr Salmond ended his speech by saying: "We shall go forward as one nation."

  365. Salmond 'not business as usual'

    "Whatever else we can say about this referendum campaign, we have touched sections of the community who have never before been touched by politics, these sections of the community have touched us and touched the political process. I don't think that will ever be allowed to go back to business as usual in politics again."

    Alex Salmond
  366. Scotland deserves 'enormous credit'

    Mr Salmond added: "I think the process by which we have made our decision as a nation reflects enormous credit upon Scotland. A turnout of 86% is one of the highest of the democratic world, in any election or any referendum in history."

  367. Salmond 'accepts' electorate's verdict

    Mr Salmond said he "accepted the verdict of the people and called on Scotland to accept the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland".

    "I call on all of Scotland to follow suit in accepting the democratic will of the people of Scotland," he adds.

  368. Darling tweet

    Alistair Darling tweets: An extraordinary night. Humbled by the level of support and the efforts of our volunteers. Will give speech in Glasgow shortly. #indyref

  369. Salmond speaks

    Alex Salmond says he now knows there will be a majority for the No campaigners.

    "Our referendum was an agreed and consented process. Scotland has decided No at this stage to become and independent country and I accept that verdict."

  370. Salmond cheered by supporters

    Alex Salmond has thanked 1.6 million Scottish voters for voting for independence.

    Mr Salmond was cheered by supporters in Edinburgh moments after Better Together won the independence referendum to ensure Scotland remains part of the UK.

  371. BreakingBreaking News

    Following the result in Fife, the official result is in. Scotland has voted No to independence.

  372. BreakingARGYLL AND BUTE

    "No" wins by 37,143 to 26,324.

    That is 58.5% for "No" and 41.5% for "Yes".

    Total votes was 63,467. Turnout was 88.1%

  373. BreakingABERDEENSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 108,606 to 71,337.

    That's 60.4% "No" to 39.6% "Yes".

    Total votes 179,943. Turnout 87%.

  374. BreakingEDINBURGH RESULT

    "No" wins by 194,638 to 123,927

    That is 61% "No" to "39%" Yes.

    Total votes 318,565 Turnout 84.3%

  375. Sturgeon concedes defeat

    Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has conceded that the No side have won the referendum.

  376. Ingliston tears

    Laura Maxwell

    BBC Scotland

    There have been tears from "Yes" campaigners at Ingliston this evening. But one lady told me she was realistic before coming here this evening, saying 45% of the vote was still a vote for change.

    One senior figure from the Conservatives told me he'd been at many counts in Ingliston, but rarely on the winning side - he said it was definitely "less tiring".

  377. A nation speaks

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    And so, Scotland was asked, and, it seems, a nation has answered.

    Even though the predicted "No" result in the Scottish independence referendum will see it remain in the United Kingdom, the nation has changed forever.

    While voters in Scotland expressed a desire to keep the nation in the UK, it's also become clear the current devolution settlement is not enough.

    And while many will wonder what First Minister Alex Salmond's next move is, focus will also turn to the pro-Union political parties - Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, to make good on their promise on delivering new powers to the devolved Edinburgh parliament.

    This strategy was dismissed by the independence campaign as an election bribe, but given the Conservative and Labour leaders David Cameron and Ed Miliband have put their names to it - and one of these two men will probably be the next prime minister - they'll now have to come good.

  378. No party loyalties

    Prof Charlie Jeffrey said party loyalties do not seem to have mattered in the vote.

    He said: "We have seen results in Labour strongholds like Glasgow and North Lanarkshire where there has been a "Yes" vote, and in SNP strongholds like Angus and Perthshire there has been a "No" vote.

    "What we have found is a very strong correlation between the Yes vote and a higher level of unemployment.

    "But also a slightly less strong relationship between the more British you feel the less likely you are to vote "Yes".

    "These seem to be more significant influences than political party in the outcome."

  379. Pound strengthens

    This chart shows how the pound has faired against the dollar since the polls closed on Thursday evening. As you can see it's strengthened from a low of $1.63 to above $1.65. In currency market terms that's a huge move in a short space of time.

    Pound versus dollar
  380. Impact on the SNP

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    If there is a "No" vote - as seems likely - what might be the impact upon the SNP? Clearly, there would be a period of introspection. But would the party fragment? I think not.

    Firstly, even if the vote is lost, this would be a good performance for the wider independence cause.

    Secondly, the SNP is not the same party as the one which faced a rethink in the aftermath of the very different referendum in 1979.

    The Nationalists are now a party of government, a decidedly outward-looking and professional outfit.

    Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, there would be a clear role for the SNP in acting as a form of chief whip, driving the demands for further change: both constitutional and in the lives of people.

  381. Cameron tweet

    David Cameron tweets: I've spoken to Alistair Darling - and congratulated him on an well-fought campaign. #indyref

  382. Salmond tweet

    Alex Salmond tweets: Well done to Glasgow, our commonwealth city, and to the people of Scotland for such a incredible support

  383. Yes progress

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Although the "Yes" side has clearly lost and it has not done as well as it did in the final opinion polls, it has clearly done better than the polls were anticipating at the beginning of August.

    The "Yes" campaign did make progress in the final weeks of the campaign.

  384. Analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Those areas with more middle-class folk were more likely to vote "No" than those areas with more working class people.

    Those areas where there were more people who have come to Scotland after being born in the rest of the UK have a relatively high "No" vote.

    Thirdly, those places with a relatively older population are again the places where "No" did well.

    Although it is true that the overall "Yes" vote seems to be below what the opinion polls were predicting - it looks as if it might be short by three points or so - that is not uncommon in these referendums where people are being asked to make a big change. They often draw back at the last minute.

  385. Time to re-cap

    No supporter
    Image caption: A supporter from the "No" Campaign watches as votes are announced, at the Better Together Campaign headquarters in Glasgow

    With just a handful of declarations to go, it's probably best to summarise where we are at....

  386. 'Scotland has changed'

    The status quo is officially not popular tonight. "Scotland has changed," Lib Dem MP Michael Moore says. "It is inconceivable that we would just sit and tolerate the status quo."

  387. Better Together

    Eleanor Bradford

    BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

    Historian and broadcaster Dan Snow says he "hoped, believed and prayed you would vote for shared bonds of citizenship" so that we can "face very real challenges we all face together, and not separately."

  388. Salmond statement

    Sarah Smith, BBC Scotland News presenter

    We are expecting to hear a statement from Alex Salmond from his official residence at 10:00.

  389. Yes party

    Ken Macdonald

    BBC Scotland Science Correspondent

    Dwindling numbers here at the "Yes" party. Among those who remain, are those eyes bleary or teary?

  390. Holyrood supporters

    Andrew Kerr

    BBC News

    A large crowd has been outside the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, keeping an all-night vigil. Some are drifting away now. It's fairly noisy and there are Saltires being waved. Bottles are being cleared away.

    Yes supporters
  391. 'No mandate'

    "The status quo has not got any kind of endorsement or mandate tonight," Nicola Sturgeon says.

  392. 'Absolutely believed'

    Nicola Sturgeon says she "absolutely believed in my heart and in my head" that the "Yes" campaign would win the referendum.

  393. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    There were 115,000 tweets about the referendum between 04:00 and 05:00, up 45% on the previous hour.

    Top tweet in the last hour has come from @BBCBreaking: "Scotland's #indyref totals after 7 of 32 declarations: Yes 172,426 (49.1%) No 178,811 (50.9%)" retweeted 2,600 times.

    Join the conversation by using #indyref

  394. 'Work with anyone'

    Nicola Sturgeon says she will work with "anyone in any way" to secure more powers for Scotland.

  395. Get involved

    Tweet using #indyref

    Derek Morison tweets: #indyref I spent 4 hours handing out YES leaflets at 2 Glasgow polling stations... and I find it extremely difficult to believe those figures

  396. 'Changed forever'

    Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tells the BBC the projected result is "a deep personal and political disappointment" but argues that "the country has been changed forever".

  397. Moore welcome

    Former Scottish Secretary Michael Moore welcomes the projected referendum result, adding that "the establishment" in Scotland is the SNP Scottish government.

  398. 'Move forward together'

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says there is no endorsement of the status quo.

    She says there is plainly a huge appetite for change.

    An indication of the ultimate response of the SNP: that they have a significant role in pressing the demands for change.

    "Move forward together," says the Deputy First Minister. And she confirms her party will work with anyone to deliver substantial new powers for the Scottish Parliament.

    nicola sturgeon
  399. 'Status quo'

    Comedian and independence campaigner Hardeep Singh Kohli says he felt that the "Yes" campaign had to deal with "the establishment" including the media, Westminster and big business.

    He asks how the Better Together campaign will manage to deliver its promises. "Scotland has voted for the status quo," he says. "Scotland will get the status quo."

  400. Margin of victory

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    The BBC is predicting on the basis of 26 results declared so far that the "No" side are going to win the referendum with 55% of the vote while "Yes" will secure 45% of the vote.

    This margin of victory is some three points greater than that anticipated by the final opinion polls.

  401. BBC forecast

    The BBC forecast is that Scotland has voted "No" to independence, with 26 out of 32 local authority areas declared.

  402. BreakingBBC FORECAST: SCOTLAND VOTES NO

    Referendum result projected to reject independence.

  403. BreakingEAST AYRSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 44,442 to 39,762.

    That is 53% "No" to 47% "Yes".

    Total votes 84,262. Turnout 84.5%.

  404. Aberdeenshire count

    Steven Duff

    BBC Scotland reporter

    Aberdeenshire declaration estimate now 05:30. Could it be a crucial one?

  405. BreakingSOUTH AYRSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 47,247 to 34,402.

    That's 58% for "No" to 42% for "Yes".

    Total votes 81,716. Turnout 86%.

  406. Tears of joy

    Eleanor Bradford

    BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

    The first tears of joy here at Better Together HQ.

  407. Glasgow vote

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Lord Reid, the former Labour cabinet minister, says the vote for "Yes" is partly a protest against poverty.

    He argues that must be heeded. Adds to my argument that there will be a popular expectation of change.

    Not, it would appear, independence. But change.

    Supporters of the Union said that a No vote did not mean no change. People will expect delivery of that and, I would submit, will expect delivery in particular from the party whose leading figures most prominently drove that offer. Which is Labour.

    And that message re: expectations is, of course, emphasised by the vote in Glasgow. A significant win for "Yes".

  408. Yes family

    SNP MSP Richard Lyle celebrates a "Yes" win in North Lanarkshire with his daughter, Councillor Marina Lyle, son Vincent, and granddaughter Iona.

    North Lanarkshire
  409. Lanarkshire divides

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    The north votes "Yes". The south votes "No". Again, that vote in North Lanarkshire adds to the pressure upon Labour in particular to deliver upon the promises lodged towards the close of the campaign.

    Not just constitutional change but that people's lives would be enhanced.

  410. BreakingWEST LOTHIAN RESULT

    "No" wins by 65,682 to 53,342.

    That's 55% for "No" and 45% for "Yes".

    Total votes 119,024. Turnout 86.1%.

  411. Scottish Borders vote

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    This border area in south of Scotland was not somewhere we expected "Yes" to do well and getting 33% of the vote means our expectation is wholly fulfilled.

  412. BreakingNORTH AYRSHIRE

    "No" wins by 49,016 to 47,072.

    That is 51% for "No" and 49% for "Yes".

    Total votes 96,173. Turnout 84.4%

  413. Yes chant

    "Yes" supporters chant "Glasgow votes Yes".

    Yes supporters
  414. BreakingSCOTTISH BORDERS

    "No" wins by 55,553 to 27,906.

    That's 67% for "No" and 33% for "Yes".

    Total votes 83,459. Turnout 87.4%.

  415. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Tom [Positive Lad] tweets: Glasgow was a LOT closer than anyone thought. Low turn out too. That's not good for SNP / YES. #indyref

    Felicity tweets: Why such a comparatively low turn-out in the city where it could have made such a difference? People terrified of their influence? #indyref

  416. Ingliston chat

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    The chat on the ground at Ingliston is that Alex Salmond isn't putting in an appearance at the national counting centre. However, "Yes" supporters here are feeling more upbeat after the Glasgow win.

  417. Before the heartbreak

    An upbeat Tommy Sheridan was sure on Sunday that the "Yes" campaign would triumph in the Scottish independence referendum.

    Tommy Sheridan
    Image caption: Tommy Sheridan speaking on the BBC's Sunday Politics to presenter Andrew Neil

    He told BBC presenter of the Sunday Politics show, Andrew Neil, how confident he was.

    When Neil put it to him that his side was going to lose, former socialist MSP Mr Sheridan said: "You have got to be kidding, is this the face of someone who is looking to lose - we will win 60%-40%."

  418. BreakingGLASGOW RESULT

    "Yes" wins by 194,779 to 169,347.

    That's 53.5% for "Yes" and 46.5% for "No".

    Total votes 364,664. Turnout 75%.

  419. Scotland 'divided'

    Lib Dem MP and former Scottish Secretary Michael Moore tells the BBC that "Scotland is divided", adding: "We're going to have a job of work to get things healed afterwards".

  420. Analysis

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Perth and Kinross is the patch of John Swinney, Annabel Ewing and Roseanna Cunningham of the SNP. They will be disappointed with that.

  421. 'High spirits'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    The "No" camp at the Ingliston national counting centre is in very high spirits now.

    They've gathered out on a balcony just inside the front entrance, their cheers growing louder as each local authority is declared for the pro-Union side.

  422. BreakingPERTH AND KINROSS RESULT

    "No" wins by 62,714 to 41,475.

    That's 60% for "No" and 40% for "Yes".

    Total votes 104,285. Turnout 86.9%

  423. BreakingSOUTH LANARKSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 121,800 votes to 100,990.

    That's 55% for "No" and 45% for "Yes".

    Total votes 222,790. Turnout 85.3%.

  424. BreakingNORTH LANARKSHIRE RESULT

    "Yes" wins by 115,783 to 110,922.

    That's 51.1% for "Yes" and 48.9% for "No".

    Total votes counted 226,883. Turnout 84.4%.

  425. South Ayrshire count

    Alasdair Lamont

    BBC Scotland

    Word that the declaration in Ayr is about 10 minutes away.

  426. Flurry of excitement

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    There was a flurry of excitement just then, as news of First Minister Alex Salmond's arrival at the Ingliston national count centre spread like wildfire through the media section.

    But it was not to be. We are expecting him to turn up at some point, though.

  427. 'Broken-hearted'

    Former Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan, who has been campaigning for a "Yes" vote, told BBC Scotland: "It is not looking good to be honest. I am feeling almost broken-hearted.

    "I feel that the British establishment has mobilised the big guns, they have mobilised the bankers, they have mobilised the billionaires, they have mobilised the supermarkets, they have all been corralled into Number 10 and told to get out there and frighten people and I think that people have been frightened."

    tommy sheridan
  428. Vote share so far

    The percentage tally so far, with 17 out of 32 local authority areas declared, is 56% for "No" versus 44% for "Yes".

  429. Scottish Borders count

    Morag Kinniburgh

    BBC News Scotland

    Scottish Borders declaration is due in 10-15 minutes.

  430. BreakingEAST DUNBARTONSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 48,314 votes to 30,324.

    That's 61% for "No" and 39% for "Yes".

    Total votes 78,938. Turnout 90.9%.

  431. Inverclyde analysis

    Sally McNair

    Reporter, BBC Scotland

    Inverclyde was always going to be a close call. Labour MP Iain McKenzie said it could come down to a handful of votes: in the event it came down to 86 votes in favour of a "No" vote.

    The result was declared to a hushed crowd here. This was predicted to be a significant count. In a traditional Labour stronghold, which has seen the Labour vote slipping, could the "Yes" campaign persuade enough Labour voters to give Labour a bloody nose? And would the result here be mirrored across the country?

    Both sides say they fought hard for every last vote. The "Yes" campaign were very confident earlier in the week, even earlier in the evening. They are hugely disappointed but the SNP group leader on Inverclyde Council, Chris McEleny refused to be downcast. He said having come from so far behind at one stage in the long campaign, to finish up with 49.9% of the vote was a remarkable achievement.

  432. BreakingEAST RENFREWSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 41,690 to 24,287.

    That is 67% for "No" and 33% for "Yes".

    Total votes 66,021. Turnout 90.4%.

  433. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland

    Just 12 minutes after the Stirling result was declared, the Albert Halls are cleared of boxes, counters and campaigners. Click here for updates on Stirling.

    Stirling
  434. Recap

    Half of Scotland's local authorities have now declared their results.

    The pro-Union "No" campaign is currently in the lead.

  435. BreakingABERDEEN RESULT

    "No" wins by 84,220 to 59,390.

    That's 59% for "No" and 41% for "Yes"

    Total votes cast 143,664. Turnout 81.7%

  436. BreakingDUMFRIES & GALLOWAY RESULT

    "No" wins by 70,039 votes to 36,614.

    That's 66% for "No" and 34% for "Yes".

    Total votes cast 106,653 - a turnout of 87.4%.

  437. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Nearly 79,000 tweets about the Referendum between 03:00 and 04:00 - up by 2%.

    Top tweet in the last hour came from Comedian Kevin Bridges: "Haven't forced myself to stay up this late since Summerslam '97.. #indyref" retweeted over 800 times.

    The most shared photo is of a glum-looking Alex Salmond in the back of a car bound for Aberdeen Airport.

    The most shared video is of reaction in New York to the close result from Inverclyde, described as "bewildered semi-pandemonium."

    You can join the conversation by using #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News Facebook page.

  438. BBC Trending

    @BBCTrending

    BBC Trending tweets: #ScotlandDecides is a global topic on social media, and has been trending in France whilst Scotland (Шотландии) is trending in Russia

  439. Fife turnout

    Simon Dedman, BBC Scotland News

    Fife's official turnout is 84.1% with 254,163 votes cast.

  440. BreakingANGUS RESULT

    "No" wins by 45,192 to 35,044.

    That's a share of 56% for "No" to 44% for "Yes"

    Total votes cast was 80,302. Turnout 85.7%.

  441. Perth & Kinross

    Suzanne Allan

    BBC Scotland

    Perth and Kinross has been such a well behaved count that the police have a few minutes to sit down.

    Police in Perth
  442. Falkirk vote

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    This is somewhere where the "Yes" side will need to be ahead in order to win the referendum.

    The fact that the "No" side have won here, albeit with no more than 53.5% of the vote, is a further straw in the wind that the "No" side have won.

  443. Salmond's arrival imminent

    There is a big crowd in Edinburgh awaiting First Minister Alex Salmond's arrival. He's expected at Ingliston any minute now.

    Edinburgh
  444. More analysis

    Prof Charlie Jeffrey of the University of Edinburgh said: "Midlothian was always going to be tough territory for the Yes side. It does not have the characteristics that we would expect to benefit "Yes".

    "What has been interesting is the declarations around Glasgow which have not followed a particular pattern.

    "We have seen Inverclyde vote against, we saw Renfrewshire vote quite strongly against but West Dunbartonshire for.

    "We expected these local authority areas to have very similar patterns. They are not being similar. It is very tough to explain exactly why one is voting one and another a different way."

  445. Stirling vote

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    This was not somewhere we expected the "Yes" side to do particularly well but the "No" success of winning by 60% to 40% is further evidence that the "No" side are going to win this referendum.

  446. Falkirk troubles

    "We've had our troubles in Falkirk," Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont tells the BBC. She describes the "No" win as "a really interesting result".

  447. East Lothian analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    This is not somewhere we expected the "Yes" campaign to do particularly well. It is a relatively middle class part of Scotland in which the SNP are not particularly strong. But at 38% the "Yes" share of the vote is towards the lower end of expectations.

  448. Better Together 'proud'

    Eleanor Bradford

    BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

    Blair McDougall tells Better Together campaigners he remains 'hopeful' based on the data crunching being done by their analysts and that they can be "proud for the rest of their lives".

  449. BreakingFALKIRK RESULT

    "No" wins by 58,030 votes to 50,489.

    That is 53% for "No" and 47% for "Yes".

    The total number of votes was 108,626 - a turnout of 88.7%.

  450. Recap

    For those who have just joined us, 11 of Scotland's 32 local authorities have now declared their results.

    Of these, nine have voted "No" and two "Yes".

    The campaign to keep Scotland in the UK is ahead in the vote share.

  451. Falkirk count

    Fiona Walker

    BBC Scotland

    Falkirk declaration imminent.

  452. BreakingEAST LOTHIAN RESULT

    "No" wins by 44,283 to 27,467.

    That is 62% "No" to 38% "Yes".

    Total votes were 71,798 - a turnout of 87.6%.

  453. BreakingSTIRLING RESULT

    "No" wins by 37,153 to 25,010.

    That is 60% for "No" and 40% for "Yes".

    Total votes cast was 62,225. Turnout 90.1%.

  454. East Dunbartonshire count

    "Yes" spirits are better here ahead of the East Dunbartonshire results.

    East Dunbartonshire
  455. BreakingMIDLOTHIAN RESULT

    "No" wins by 33,972 to 26,370.

    That's 56% for "No" and 44% for "Yes".

    Total votes cast was 60,395. Turnout 86.7%.

  456. Midlothian count

    Result at Midlothian count coming now...

    Midlothian
  457. East Lothian count

    Kheredine Idessane

    BBC Scotland

    This is the scene at the Corn Exchange, with the declaration minutes away. We're expecting a big "No" vote, possibly 60 or 61 per cent against independence.

    East Lothian
  458. BreakingWEST DUNBARTONSHIRE RESULT

    "Yes" wins by 33,720 votes to 28,776.

    That is 54% for "Yes" and 46% for "No".

    Total votes cast were 62,532, a 87.9% turnout.

  459. Join the conversation

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Donaldo tweets: We all knew dundee was gonna be 'yes' but 57% is low compared to all the 'polls', when dundee were around 80% #indyref

    AC tweets: Love Dundee, showed true bottle. As for where I'm from Renfrewshire, disgusted but hardly surprised.

  460. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland

    Better Together supporters in Stirling are hugging each other in congratulation as we await an imminent declaration.

  461. Renfrewshire win

    Supporters celebrate a "No" victory in Renfrewshire.

    "No" celebrates
  462. Post update

  463. Alex Salmond in Edinburgh

    David Miller

    BBC Scotland

    First Minister Alex Salmond's plane landed at Edinburgh Airport 20 minutes ago.

  464. Join the conversation

    Joanna Geary from Twitter tweets: In other news, it seems Irn Bru reached peak tweet just after polls closed #indyref http://reverb.guru/view/161577919386267480

    Tweets mentioning #indyref and Irn Bru
  465. Yes campaign

    Ken Macdonald

    BBC Scotland Science Correspondent

    Dundee result restarts this "Yes" party...

    Yes Scotland
  466. Dundee dignity

    Deacon Blue star Ricky Ross, who was campaigning for a "Yes" vote, told BBC Scotland: "That's a fantastic result from Dundee, my home city, amazing things been happening there. That will put a real smile on lots of 'Yes' people's faces."

    ricky ross
  467. 'Unalloyed sovereignty'

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    If there is a "No" victory and if it is as a result of Gordon Brown's timetable for delivering more powers for Scotland, will Westminster accept his analysis that the unalloyed sovereignty of Westminster is at an end?

  468. Better Together campaign

    Eleanor Bradford

    BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

    Here is the Better Together reaction to the Dundee result.

    Better Together
  469. Get involved

    Nearly 75,000 tweets about the referendum sent between 02:00 and 03:00 this morning - down on the previous hour by 15%.

    Star Trek star George Takei has the most popular tweet: "Overheard: "Well, if Scotland votes for independence from the U.K., what's to keep Canada from breaking off from the U.S.?", retweeted over 1400 times.

    Comedian Kevin Bridges is among the most influential accounts. He tweeted: "A No vote being announced in Gaelic here.. #indyref" about the vote count in the Orkney Islands. It was retweeted 362 times.

    You can join the conversation via the #indyref hashtag, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News Facebook page

  470. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland

    The Stirling count is expected to declare its result at about 0415. But the town's SNP MSP, Bruce Crawford is downbeat.

    Asked if he thought the result would be similar to that of neighbouring Clackmannanshire, where "No" received 54%, he said: "That would be very optimistic. I don't think we have done as well as that."

  471. South Lanarkshire count

    Catriona Renton

    BBC Scotland

    They've cleared away the tea, coffee and Tunnocks tea cakes...result must be coming soon!

  472. BreakingDUNDEE RESULT

    "Yes" wins by 53,620 to 39,880.

    That is "Yes" 57% "No" 43%

    Total ballot: 93,592. Turnout 78.8%

  473. BreakingRENFREWSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 62,067 votes to 55,466.

    That's 53% for "No" and 47% for "Yes".

    Total votes cast were 117,612 - a turnout of 87.3%.

  474. Alex Salmond arrives at airport

    First Minister Alex Salmond was not at a count earlier. However, he has been seen boarding a private jet at Aberdeen Airport.

    Alex Salmond
  475. East Renfrewshire

    Jane Lewis, BBC Scotland News

    tweets: A "Yes" spokesman in East Renfrewshire tells me it would be no surprise if they won just 35% of the vote here.

  476. 'Cant be ignored'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Scotland Office minister David Mundell, aka Scotland's only Tory MP, has arrived at the Ingliston national count from his south Scotland constituency saying he's optimistic of a "big 'No'" in that part of the country, and replicated across Scotland.

    But he also says the significant number of people who voted "Yes" can't be ignored.

  477. "Yes" glumness

    Ken Macdonald

    BBC Scotland Science Correspondent

    A bit of a glum picture at the "Yes" party in Glasgow.

    "Yes" party in Glasgow
  478. Highland count

    Craig Anderson

    BBC Scotland

    Better Together campaigners at the Highland count in Dingwall are predicting a victory for the "No" side by 53% to 47%.

    One activist admitted: "We seem to be doing much better than we expected at the beginning of the night."

  479. Inverclyde analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    This is a place where we would probably expect the "Yes" side to do rather better than average. Although it does not have a particularly large SNP vote Inverclyde does have plenty of neighbourhoods that are socially deprived.

    The fact that the vote was virtually evenly divided must thus count as further disappointment to the "Yes" campaign. The results are beginning to point towards a "No" victory although it may be a while until we are clear as to how big that victory is.

  480. Inverclyde result

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    It was not one of the top targets for "Yes" but it was one that they would have hoped to win.

    It is a west of Scotland area where they could perhaps pitch that things could get better under independence and perhaps they had a willing audience in that regard.

    "The thing that kept it closer than Clackmannanshire could be that issue of Ferguson's shipyard where the SNP Scottish government were seen as having been instrumental in bringing about the rescue of the yard."

  481. Sterling bounce?

    BBC economics correspondent Robert Peston says a "No" vote would mean "sterling would bounce back" in the international money markets. He speculates this could mean a UK interest rate rise as early as November.

  482. Argyll & Bute count

    And still they keep coming! Ballot boxes waiting to be opened at the Argyll and Bute count at Lochgilphead.

    The declaration is expected to be around 4.30am.

    Argyll & Bute
  483. Get involved

    Tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Ollie Glanvill tweets: Unbelievable even Inverclyde...

    Alycia tweets: Inverclyde's votes were so close it physically pains me.

    Cath tweets: I genuinely thought Inverclyde would be a yes vote.

  484. Big city swing?

    James Shaw tweets: Yes Scotland chair Denis Canavan admits disappointment that No won in Clackmannanshire. Says big city could swing it back to #indyref Yes.

  485. Edinburgh count

    Laura Maxwell

    BBC Scotland

    Several thousand postal votes have still to be opened, scanned and verified in Edinburgh. They have just arrived at Ingliston, and were apparently late issues or replacements.

    Chris Highcock, the city's deputy counting officer, says this has delayed the declaration of turnout in the capital, but won't delay the final declaration, as other votes are being counted.

  486. 'Yes' groans

    Ken MacDonald, BBC Scotland News

    Groans and hands on heads at a "Yes" party in Glasgow as the Inverclyde result was announced.

  487. Perth & Kinross count

    Suzanne Allan

    BBC Scotland

    The counting staff at Perth and Kinross are still smiling - even though it's 3.29am.

    Smiles
  488. BreakingINVERCLYDE RESULT

    "No" wins by 27,329 to 27,243.

    That's 50.1% to 49.9%.

    The total ballot was 54,601 and the turnout 87.4%.

  489. Largest turnout

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Latest turnout expectation has crept up slightly to 85% making it even more clearly the largest turnout in Scotland since the introduction of the mass franchise.

  490. Indicators of vote

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Contributions from BBC reporters at the counts in both Midlothian and Aberdeen - both places where we would expect the result to be not dissimilar to that of Scotland as a whole - suggest the "No" side is quite comfortably ahead.

    If these reports are correct then the expectation of a "No" victory is likely to be fulfilled.

  491. Glasgow count

    Aileen Clarke

    BBC Scotland

    tweets: Yes camp here at Emirates seem a bit more confident they've taken Glasgow but not sure if it will be by a big enough margin to matter. No camp not quite so hopeful.

  492. Tory conversion

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    There have been two quite remarkable and contributions to the BBC's programmes from Conservative spokespeople this evening.

    First of all Ruth Davidson, who once described the 2012 Scotland Act as a "line in the sand that should not be crossed" has indicated that Scotland requires considerable further devolution.

    Meanwhile Lord Forsyth, once one of the principal opponents of the Scottish Parliament, has now declared that he thinks Holyrood should be given even more devolution than it has been promised by any of the Unionist parties so far.

    It looks as though one consequence of this campaign is to have brought the Scottish Conservatives very firmly into the devolution camp.

  493. Analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Former SNP MSP Andrew Wilson has just declared that he thinks the SNP should get involved in talks about more devolution for Scotland, should indeed Scotland vote "No" in the referendum.

    This is the first sign that the SNP may well try to use their vote in this referendum to push the demand for more devolution yet further, rather than stand aside as they did on the occasion of the Scottish constitutional convention.

  494. Fife count

    Simon Dedman, BBC Scotland News

    "Yes" campaign say they agree with "No" figures. A 20% sample shows "No" at 55% of the vote and "Yes" at 45%.

  495. East Lothian

    Kheredine Idessane

    BBC Scotland

    The East Lothian declaration is now around 15 minutes away. They're now onto the adjudication of spoiled ballot papers. All other votes counted.

  496. Inverclyde count

    Keir Murray

    BBC Sport Scotland

    The counting officer and referendum agents are in deep conversation. It looks like it's extremely close between "Yes" and "No".

  497. More powers

    Former SNP MSP Andrew Wilson said the direction of travel seems to be towards "No".

    He said: "There is a clear consensus in Scotland, if not for "Yes" in this vote, then for more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

    "We need to make sure the powers promised in haste at the end of this campaign are driven through to deliver not just paltry new powers, not just reluctant modest new powers, but the very substantial maximum new powers that people want to see.

    "Albeit, it appears from tonight, within the continuing United Kingdom."

  498. South Lanarkshire count

    Catriona Renton

    BBC Scotland

    A trend amongst spoilt papers here is "No" written in the "No" box which is being taken to be a double negative but doesn't count as one for "Yes" either.

  499. East Dunbartonshire

    Counters working methodically and hoping to make the East Dunbartonshire declaration at approximately 04:00.

    East Dunbartonshire
  500. Aberdeen 'No' confident

    Fiona Stalker

    BBC Scotland reporter

    The "No" campaign in Aberdeen are now confident of victory. At the start of the night they thought it was too close to call.

    They are now estimating 58% for "No". Privately the "Yes" campaign are admitting that it does look like "No" is ahead in Aberdeen.

    Both sides are saying the vote is split by wealth. Better-off areas or middle class areas appear to be voting "No" and predominantly the less well-off areas are voting "Yes".

  501. Scottish Borders count

    Morag Kinniburgh

    BBC News Scotland

    Conservative MSP John Lamont says he's "very confident" whilst Paul Wheelhouse SNP MSP is "disappointed" with how he thinks the vote is going in Scottish Borders.

  502. It's all there

    The pace is quickening now on the local results front - after all we have now entered the frenetic two-hour declaration period.

    If you think you might get a little lost as to whether your council has declared yet, go to our local authority pages, where you will see in images, words and video what is going on.

    Scottish Borders Council count
    Image caption: It's busy, busy at the Scottish Borders Council count - picture sent by the BBC's Morag Kinniburgh
  503. More on English devolution

    Lib Dem MP Sir Menzies Campbell tells the BBC: "It's not for the Scots to tell the English what form their devolution should take. That is for the English to decide."

    He argues that the "concentration of resources in the south east is simply not sustainable in the long term".

  504. Fife 'bellwether'

    Dunfermline and West Fife Labour MP Thomas Docherty said he was confident of victory for the "No" campaign in Fife adding that the local authority was an important indicator of the result nationally.

    "It is an absolute bellwether," he said.

    "It has industrial areas around Rosyth dockyards for example and Glenrothes, it has former mining communities across west and central Fife. It also has quite strong middle class areas in west Fife, Kirkcaldy and north east Fife and right across the board we have got pretty good results.

    "We don't have the final figures and we may be three hours away from that, but it does look like a good night for the 'No' campaign here in Fife."

  505. Aberdeenshire count

    Steven Duff

    BBC Scotland reporter

    Big round of applause in the AECC as counting officer Colin McKenzie announces that big Aberdeenshire turnout figure of 87.2%.

    Actual counting now under way. Latest estimate on declaration 05:00.

  506. Pound high

    Following these early results, the pound has hit a two-year high against the euro.

  507. Dundee evacuation update

    Andrew Anderson

    BBC Scotland News

    Dundee fire alarm over. Staff returning - again.

  508. Have your say

    tweet @bbcscotlandnews

    Douglas Symon tweets: That result pretty much signifies it'll be no. #indyref

  509. Aberdeenshire turnout

    Simon Cousins, BBC Scotland News

    Aberdeenshire turnout is 87.2%.

  510. Dundee evacuation

    Andrew Anderson

    BBC Scotland News

    Counting staff evacuated from count for a second time due to another fire alarm...

    Dundee evacuation
  511. 'Subdued'

    Kenneth Macdonald

    BBC Scotland Special Correspondent

    The atmosphere at this #indyref #yes party is now subdued to say the least. They'd expected more from Clacks and W Isles.

  512. Confirmed turnout figures

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    A flurry of confirmed turnout figures for you:

    East Renfrewshire: 66,021 votes (turnout 90.4%) East Ayrshire: 84,252 votes (turnout 84.5%) Stirling: 62,225 votes (turnout 90.1%) South Ayrshire: 81,715 votes (turnout 86.1%) East Lothian: 71,798 votes (turnout 87.6%) Falkirk: 108,626 votes (turnout 88.7%) Dumfries and Galloway: 106,755 votes (turnout 87.5%) Aberdeen: 143,664 votes (turnout 81.7%) Glasgow: 364,664 votes (turnout 75%) Perth and Kinross: 104,285 votes (turnout 86.9%).

  513. Suspected fraud

    Following reports that officials are investigating 10 cases of suspected electoral fraud at polling places in Glasgow, Police Scotland have said any crime would be "appropriately investigated".

    A spokesman added: "Police Scotland takes the safety and security of the independence referendum extremely seriously and is working with partner agencies including local authorities to ensure the integrity of the ballot."

  514. North Ayrshire count

    Ian Hamilton

    BBC Scotland

    Listening.....

    Ian Hamilton

    The room is surprisingly quiet considering the importance of this vote.

    It's not that everyone has gone home, I think it's just the air of expectation here in North Ayrshire. All I can hear is the sound of ballot papers which to me sounds like birds flapping their wings.

    The vote appears to be very tight here and neither are claiming victory yet, we should know more at about 04:00.

  515. Aberdeen count

    Fiona Stalker

    BBC Scotland reporter

    The latest from Aberdeen is that a declaration could now be before 05:00. The "No" camp say they're "confident".

  516. Analysis

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale says it was "clear from the doorsteps" that people wanted more information on the offer of more powers. In short, that means the late restatement of the offer was driven by concern that ground was being lost.

  517. Dundee count

    Andrew Anderson

    BBC Scotland News

    Dundee count evacuated for a second time due to fire alarm.

  518. BreakingCOMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR (WESTERN ISLES) RESULT

    "No" wins by 10,544 to 9,195.

    That is 53% for "No" against 47% for "Yes".

    Ballot total: 19,758, a turnout 86.2%.

  519. 'Amazing turnouts'

    Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell tweets: Amazing turnouts across Scotland (including a rumoured 100% on Jura) testify to the energising effect of #indyref on all of the country

  520. 'Early stage'

    Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney is at the count in Perth and Kinross.

    He said: "At this stage it looks as if Better Together is ahead, I would accept that, but we need to wait to see all of the work that is going on on the tables to see exactly how the vote is going to separate between the two counts.

    "I think we have to be really careful about making judgements based on the three declarations that have taken place.

    "The gap between the two positions is about 13,000 votes. These are three relatively small local authority areas. there are much bigger votes to be cast in other parts of the country. It is a very early stage in the night."

  521. Highland count

    Craig Anderson

    BBC Scotland

    Final ballot boxes for Highland expected imminently. Turnout figures due around 04.00. So far Better Together campaigners are happier with the count. Some glum faces among the "Yes" campaign.

  522. Fife count

    Simon Dedman, BBC Scotland News

    Labour MP Thomas Docherty tells the BBC he is confident "No" has won in Fife.

  523. Moray count

    The Moray vote count started after 02:00 - two hours later than expected. Click here for more updates on Moray.

    Moray votes
  524. 'Two year campaign'

    Musician and independence campaigner Ricky Ross agrees it is too early to predict a final result.

    "This has been a two year campaign. Let's not concertina the end!" he jokes.

  525. Murphy 'delighted'

    Labour MP Jim Murphy tells the BBC he is "delighted with the turnout" and the involvement of 16 and 17-year-olds in the vote. He says the "it's too early to say" what the final result will be.

  526. First three results

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    The first three results are a hat-trick for the Better Together side but they are three of the smallest council areas in Scotland.

    In terms of Shetland, they weren't notably keen on devolution in the first place, so it is no great surprise that they are not exactly giving a resounding endorsement to the concept of independence.

    Of the three results, of course, the Clackmannanshire result is far and away the most significant in that it was an area that perhaps should have been doing rather better for the "Yes" side.

  527. Post update

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    One of those attending the Edinburgh count tonight is Benny Wenda, leader of the West Papua independence movement, who's currently living in exile in Oxford.

    He says he's here to send a message to the Indonesian government that it is possible to have a constitutional debate in a peaceful and democratic manner, as Scotland has done, rather than through violence. Benny's getting on TV a fair bit this evening, thanks in part to his extremely fetching headgear.

    Benny Wenda
  528. BreakingSHETLAND RESULT

    "No" wins by 9,951 votes to 5,669.

    That is a vote share of 64% for "No" and 36% for "Yes".

    The turnout was 15,620.

  529. Falkirk count

    Fiona Walker

    BBC Scotland

    "No" now confident of comfortable Falkirk win. "Yes" still think they could be in with a chance. Too close to call they say.

  530. Glasgow turnout

    SNP MSP John Mason tweets: 75% turnout in Glasgow. Twice turnout of 37% when I was elected in 2011. Congratulations to the electorate whatever the result.

  531. Edinburgh forecast

    Laura Maxwell, BBC Radio Scotland

    A senior figure in the Better Together campaign tells me Edinburgh is about 60%-40% for "No".

  532. Fife count

    Lisa Summers

    BBC Scotland

    What they are saying here is that it is too early to say with any certainty.

    On behalf of the "No" campaign, Thomas Docherty, the MP for Dunfermline, says he is fairly confident everything is going in their favour and it looks as if Fife will vote "No" this evening.

    That is based on sample counts from areas like Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes that they thought would go in favour of "Yes" but are showing growing evidence of a "No" vote.

  533. 'Politically aware'

    East Renfrewshire Labour MSP Ken McIntosh said of the area's 90.4% turnout: "East Ren has got a very good record of high results. I think we had the highest turnout at the EU election, the highest turnout at the last UK general election.

    "We have got a very politically aware constituency and I think people are very concerned about their children's future and they have exercised that democratic right at the ballot box."

  534. Western Isles turnout

    Catriona MacLean, BBC Scotland

    Western Isles turnout was 19,758 votes, which was 86.2%.

  535. Social media

    Nearly 83,000 tweets about the referendum were sent between 01:00 and 02:00 - down 16% on the previous hour.

    Many of the top tweets are about the Clackmannanshire "No" vote result. The most shared - retweeted over 2,000 times - came from @BBCBreaking.

    The most influential account in the last hour has been Scottish actress Karen Gillan, who tweeted: "Thanks everyone! I am now watching the results! Good luck Scotland xxx"

    Join the conversation via #indyref, tweet @BBCPolitics or @bbcscotlandnews, or go to the BBC News Facebook page.

  536. West Dunbartonshire count

    A "No" team photo shows the mood in the Playdrome. See here for more updates on West Dunbartonshire.

    No's in West Dunbartonshire
  537. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland

    Johanna Boyd, Labour leader of Stirling Council has predicted a victory for "No" in the area - greater than the 54% recorded in neighbouring Clackmannanshire.

    She said recent reports of a narrowing of the polls had had the effect of persuading undecided voters to turn out.

    Stirling recorded one of the highest proportions of electors casting their ballot: 90.1%.

  538. Edinburgh count

    Laura Bicker

    BBC Referendum Correspondent

    This is quite a hefty count to go through so it could be 05:00 before we get the result. There are a few worried faces within the "Yes" camp.

    I have spoken to a few people here who believe it could be as much as 60% for "No" and 40% for "Yes".

  539. Jim Murphy

    @jimmurphymp

    Labour's Jim Murphy tweets: Looks like a very big win for No in our local authority of East Renfrewshire on over 90% turnout.

  540. Argyll & Bute helicopters

    Ballot boxes for the count at Lochgilphead arrived on two helicopters. The first one arrived from Iona, Tiree, Coll and Mull. The second carried ballots from Jura, Gigha, Islay and Colonsay. See here for more updates on Argyll & Bute.

    Helicopter ballot boxes
  541. Close in Inverclyde

    Sally McNair

    Reporter, BBC Scotland

    The turnout is 87%, which is quite phenomenal for this area. The vote is neck and neck and could come to the last vote here.

    The "Yes" campaign were more confident earlier in the evening but they are perhaps less ebullient now. They have been fighting for every vote and it appears to be very close here.

  542. Perth & Kinross count

    There are a handful of policemen at the Perth and Kinross count in Perth to assist with the smooth running of the referendum count. See here for more updates on Perth & Kinross.

    Police in Perth
  543. North Ayrshire turnout

    Turnout was 84.4% in North Ayrshire.

  544. 100-year-old voter

    Laura Maxwell, BBC Scotland

    Edinburgh's chief counting officer Sue Bruce says one woman who voted in person today was celebrating her 100th birthday. Ms Bruce described it as "a wonderful demonstration of the voter's commitment to democracy".

  545. 'Remarkable' turnout

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    The high voter turnout is becoming one of the stories of the evening so far at the Ingliston central count.

    Lib Dem peer Lord Wallace says the 83% turnout in his former Orkney constituency is "remarkable", given turnout at elections there never really got above about 67%.

  546. Scottish Borders turnout

    Morag Kinniburgh, BBC Scotland News

    Scottish Borders turnout is 87.4%.

  547. Orkney analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    This is probably one of the toughest council areas for the "Yes" side thus we should not be surprised if the council reports a very substantial "No" lead here.

    This is exactly what has transpired with "Yes" winning less than a third of the vote. We should probably avoid reading too much into this given the count of the area.

  548. Falkirk count

    Fiona Walker

    BBC Scotland

    Both sides say it's neck and neck in Falkirk. Both still smiling...

  549. Dumfries turnout

    Turnout in Dumfries and Galloway was 87.5%.

  550. 'Utter cynicism'

    Conservative peer and former Scotland Secretary Lord Forsyth tells the BBC: "The political class really ought to take a lesson from this referendum campaign because the one thing that came over on the doorsteps was utter cynicism about the political class."

  551. BreakingORKNEY RESULT

    "No" wins by 10,004 to 4,883.

    That's 67% for "No" and 33% for "Yes".

    There was a turnout of 83.7%

  552. East Dunbartonshire

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Another middle class area that commonly has a relatively high turnout has again repeated past patterns by emerging with no less than a 91% turnout. This is the highest turnout so far.

  553. Eilean Siar count

    Catriona Maclennan

    BBC Scotland

    Counting of the ballot papers from the Southern Isles now in full swing. Updated estimated time of declaration for the Western Isles is now 02:30. See here for more updates on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

    Southern Isles
  554. Turnout analysis

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    So far the differences between councils in their level of turnout is very similar to that which was evident in the May European elections.

    Thus, although the turnout is typically more than 50 points up on the turnout in May, it looks as though the places with a relatively high turnout in this referendum are going to be the same kinds of places that usually have a relatively high turnout.

    This casts doubt on claims that the "Yes" side has been successful in mobilising voters who do not normally come to the polls.

  555. It's big

    Turnout for this trip to the ballot box has been huge - from Glasgow at 75% to East Dunbartonshire at 91%, and East Renfrewshire and Stirling at more than 90%.

    This most certainly defies the trend of recent years. Study the figures in this picture.

    Datapic on turnout
  556. Perth and Kinross turnout

    Suzanne Allan, BBC Scotland News

    The turnout for Perth and Kinross is 86.9% - 104,285 votes cast.

  557. Falkirk turnout

    Falkirk turnout is 88.7%.

  558. More turnout figures

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    More turnout figures for you. West Lothian: 119,115 votes (86.2% turnout) Midlothian: 60,396 votes (86.8% turnout) Shetland: 15,635 votes (84.4% turnout) and Angus: 80,300 votes (85.7% turnout).

  559. City turnout lower

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Aberdeen has reported a turnout of 82%. This is the third Scottish city to report a lower turnout than much of more rural and suburban Scotland.

  560. East Dunbartonshire turnout

    Sharyn Fleming

    The East Dunbartonshire turnout figure has been confirmed at 91%, with 79,011 votes cast.

  561. Alex Salmond clarification

    BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson: Aides to @AlexSalmond insist that he has not cancelled appearance at his count. They say he was not going in the first place

  562. South Lanarkshire turnout

    Catriona Renton, BBC Scotland News

    South Lanarkshire turnout is 85.3%, with 22,2937 votes cast.

  563. Shetland turnout

    Daniel Lawson, BBC Scotland News

    Shetland turnout is confirmed as 84.4%, with 15,635 votes cast.

  564. Glasgow's lower turnout

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    At 75% the turnout in Glasgow is markedly lower than elsewhere and appears to be fitting in a pattern whereby the turnout in Scotland's cities is lower than the rest of Scotland. Given the "Yes" side's hopes of doing well in the city this will come as a disappointment to them.

  565. Glasgow turnout

    Gillian Sharpe, BBC Scotland News

    The Glasgow turnout is 75%.

  566. West Lothian No?

    Alexandra MacKenzie

    BBC News

    We are hearing early and unofficial talk from the "Yes" camp that they have lost the count in West Lothian. They are telling us it is 45% for Yes.

  567. Get involved

    There have been nearly 94,000 tweets about the referendum sent between midnight and 01:00, down 18% on the previous hour.

    Many of the top tweets were about allegations of electoral fraud in Glasgow and some were about the electoral turnout in places such as Orkney.

    The most shared tweet came from Sky News over the alleged electoral fraud which was retweeted 1,246 times.

    The most influential account in the last hour was that of Scottish entrepreneur Michelle Mone who tweeted asking who was staying up all night.

    You can join the conversation via the #indyref hashtag, tweet @BBCPolitics or go to the BBC News Facebook pageg

  568. South Ayrshire turnout

    Alasdair Lamont, BBC Scotland News

    South Ayrshire turnout is 86.1%, with 81,716 votes cast.

  569. South Lanarkshire count

    Catriona Renton

    BBC Scotland

    TV turned off in foyer after noisy reaction to Clackmannanshire declaration.

  570. Stirling turnout

    Stirling turnout is 90.1%.

  571. Angus turnout

    David Currie

    Reporting Scotland presenter

    Angus turnout is 85.7% and the total number of votes cast is 80,300.

  572. East Renfrewshire turnout

    Jane Lewis, BBC Scotland News

    The turnout at East Renfrewshire is 90.4% - total votes to be counted are 66,021.

  573. Record turnout 'probable'

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Angus has reported a turnout of 86% in what, of course, is one of the SNP's strongest areas.

    On the basis of the results in so far, there is now a very high probability that the turnout will be higher than the record highest turnout in Scotland of 81% in the 1951 election.

  574. West Lothian prediction

    Alison Macdonald

    BBC Scotland

    The SNP council group leader in West Lothian is predicting a "Yes" loss to "No". Peter Johnson says they think "No" will get 53% and "Yes" 47%.

  575. Post update

    Douglas Fraser

    Business and economy editor, Scotland

    So it's a special congratulations to the 7 people in Clackmannanshire who voted both 'yes' and 'no'.

  576. South Ayrshire turnout

    81,716 votes have been cast in South Ayrshire, representing 86.1% of the electorate.

  577. Dundee count back on

    Andrew Anderson

    BBC Scotland News

    Counting staff now re-entering building after the count suspended due to a fire alarm. Building evacuated for 10 minutes.

  578. Clackmannanshire win

    Jamie McIvor

    BBC Scotland correspondent

    Better Together celebrates winning Clackmannanshire.

    BT celebrates
  579. Midlothian turnout

    Carol Purcell, BBC Scotland News

    Midlothian turnout is 86.8%, with 60,396 ballot papers.

  580. Analysis

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Gordon Wilson, the former SNP leader, says it is beginning to look as if No might win the day. Not, he stresses, that he is conceding. Based upon the opening result from Clackmannanshire which, he said, was a disappointing outcome. The result there, of course, 54% to No, 46% for Yes.

  581. More turnout news

    Midlothian has reported yet another very large turnout, with more than 87% of the electorate having cast a ballot.

    The Angus turnout is 85.7% and East Ayrshire is 84.5%.

  582. Ballots found

    Aileen Clarke

    BBC Scotland

    All ten ballot papers at centre of police electoral fraud investigation in Glasgow have been found and will be passed to Police Scotland

  583. Caution from Curtice

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Clackmannanshire is a relatively small part of Scotland and we should not place too much weight on the result.

  584. Wee county news

    Former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell said he felt earlier in the week that Clackmannanshire would be good news for Better Together.

  585. Curran 'pleased'

    Labour MP and shadow Scotland secretary Margaret Curran says she is pleased with the "No" vote in Clackmannanshire.

    It is "perhaps indicative" of a better night than she expected, she adds cautiously.

  586. Clackmannanshire result

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    I would say this a disappointment for the "Yes" side. Not that they would have expected to sweep to victory but they would have expected to do better than that.

  587. 54-46 for 'No'

    The Clackmannanshire result means "No" wins by 54% to 46%.

  588. Dundee evacuation update

    Andrew Anderson

    BBC Scotland News

    Dundee counting staff outside count. Building evacuated due to fire alarm.

    Dundee evacuation
  589. BreakingCLACKMANNANSHIRE RESULT

    "No" wins by 19,036 to 16,350.

    That's 54% for "No" to 46% for "Yes".

    The total number of ballots was 35,410, a turnout of 88.6%.

  590. 'Influence will vanish'

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Gordon Wilson, the former leader of the SNP, says that in the event of a "No" vote Scotland's influence will vanish into the sand.

    Mr Wilson voiced substantial scepticism as to whether the response of the UK establishment in such an eventuality would be radical.

    If it is indeed a "No" vote, the focus - or one focus - would be upon that offer of more powers. I stress, if...

  591. Dundee turnout

    Dundee turnout is 79%, with 93,558 votes cast.

  592. Dumfries & Galloway count

    Willie Johnston

    BBC Scotland

    Better Together confident of "No" vote in Dumfries and Galloway. Some activists saying it could be two to one in their favour.

  593. Dundee evacuation

    The Dundee count is being evacuated because of a fire alarm.

  594. 'Positive vibes'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    The chairman of the official campaign for independence, Dennis Canavan, seems in good spirits at the Ingliston national count centre, saying he's "hopeful" of a good "Yes" result.

    The former Labour MP, who's been trying to convince disenfranchised Labour members to back independence, was in his old Falkirk stomping ground today, where he says he picked up "very positive vibes".

  595. Northern Isles

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    The turn out in Shetland is, like Orkney, somewhat lower than elsewhere and standing at 84%. Shetland is also an area where the "No" side is expected to do relatively well.

  596. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland

    I have to tell you among the "Yes" campaign there are some fairly glum faces awaiting the result that we expect about 03:00.

  597. Dundee turnout disappointment

    Yes campaigner and former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars admits he is disappointed by the relatively low turnout figure in Dundee, which is predicted to be a Yes stronghold. He says it causes a "degree of worry" for the Yes campaign.

  598. High flyers

    Argyll and Bute Council ballot papers were taken by helicopter to to be counted in Lochgilphead.

    ballot papers going into helicopter
  599. Clackmannanshire count

    Jamie McIvor

    BBC Scotland correspondent

    Clackmannanshire result due in five minutes. Magic number for the winning side will be 17,705.

    Better Together campaigners in Alloa looking relaxed.

  600. Post update

    Alan Roden of the Scottish Daily Mail tweets: #indyref intelligence: No slightly behind in W. Dunbartonshire and Inverclyde, neck-and-neck in N. Lanarkshire, well ahead in S. Lanarkshire

  601. Orkney vote

    Dave Grey in Orkney is now saying the result will be declared before 02:00.

    He said: "The Better Together campaigners are looking happier. The seat has been Liberal or Liberal Democrat for as long as I have been alive so for the Yes campaign to take Orkney would be a bit of a coup."

  602. Perth & Kinross count

    Suzanne Allan

    BBC Scotland

    Perth and Kinross Council have had 600 commemorative pin badges made to hand out to staff in thanks for working on the referendum.

    Badges
  603. West Lothian turnout

    Alison MacDonald, BBC Scotland News

    Official turnout for West Lothian is 86.2%.

  604. First to declare

    Clackmannanshire and Orkney are both expected to declare within the next 15 minutes. Who will be first?

  605. Glasgow hotel

    Eleanor Bradford

    BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

    I'm with the Better Together campaign at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow - they are looking increasingly confident.

  606. More turnout figures

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Some more turnout figures for you: Renfrewshire saw 117,612 votes with an 87.3% turnout. Inverclyde: 54,601 votes with an 87.4% turnout, West Dunbartonshire: 62,532 votes, with turnout at 87.9% and Dundee: 93,592 votes with turnout at 78.8%.

  607. West Dunbartonshire turnout

    Update. West Dunbatonshire total votes 62,532 - turnout 87.9%.

  608. Falkirk turnout

    Falkirk turnout is to be announced "very shortly, as we speak" says counting officer Rose Mary Glackin.

  609. Hosie on Dundee turnout

    SNP MP Stewart Hosie in Dundee said: "Given what we have seen in parts of Scotland today, with turnouts of 85% and 90%, a 78% turnout here seems disappointing. In any other election, in any other referendum, a 78% turnout would be an extraordinary feat."

    Asked whether he was still hopeful that "Yes" would win the referendum, Mr Hosie said there was, for now, an "information vacuum".

    "Votes have not yet been counted, not a single result has been declared," he added.

  610. Angus count

    David Currie

    Reporting Scotland presenter

    Soundings from both camps suggest it could be quite close in Angus. We expect to discover the turnout figure at 01:30.

  611. Coffee break

    As the count enters the wee small hours, counting agents grab some coffee to keep their energy levels up.

    Coffee break
  612. Glasgow fraud search

    Colin Edgar, head of communication at Glasgow City Council, says the search for ballot papers which are the subject of an investigation of electoral fraud "will not delay the count".

  613. Looking disappointed

    Sarah Smith, BBC Scotland News presenter

    Early reports suggest Glasgow may have voted 54% "Yes" to 46% "No". However, "Yes" campaigners look a bit disappointed as they hoped the result would be more in their favour.

  614. No in East Lothian?

    "No" campaigners in Eat Lothian say they are certain they have secured at least 62% of the vote, based on a sample of 12,000 votes cast.

  615. Canavan optimistic

    Chairman of Yes Scotland Dennis Canavan tells the BBC he is optimistic that the campaign "can still win a famous victory".

  616. Fraud allegation update

    Aileen Clarke

    BBC Scotland

    These allegations, as I understand it, relate to 10 votes.

    The technical term for the allegation is "personation".

    This is where somebody claiming to be Joe Bloggs turns up at a polling station and votes. Then maybe several hours later when the real Joe Bloggs finishes work and turns up to vote there is a problem. 'I'm sorry sir you have already voted'.

    The allegation is that that has happened on 10 separate occasions at polling stations across Glasgow.

    They will now try to trace the number of those ballots when it comes to the count.

    We have noticed one of them being put aside in an envelope. That will form part of the police investigation as we understand it.

    The number of people registered to vote in Glasgow is 486,219.

  617. Western Isles update

    Catriona Maclennan, BBC Scotland

    The plane with the ballot papers from the Southern Isles (Uist and Barra) left Benbecula at 00:22 and is expected to land in Stornoway at approx 01:00.

    There had been uncertainty over how the papers would get here due to low lying fog all over the islands.

    Plan B was to transport the papers by boat from Uist to Harris, and then to Lewis by road, which would have meant a 05:00-06:00 declaration. Looking at a 03:00 declaration, approximately.

  618. Last Shetland boxes

    The islands of Unst and Yell are the last boxes to arrive in Shetland.

    Shetland votes
  619. 'Broken political system'

    Scottish Green party MSP Patrick Harvie, a supporter of the "Yes" campaign, tells the BBC that the UK has "a broken political system that has been propping up a broken economic system". The anger at this has been "channelled into something positive" in Scotland, he claims.

  620. Andy Murray surprise

    Kheredine Idessane

    BBC Scotland

    I was astonished that Andy Murray tweeted his support for independence in the early hours of Thursday.

    Partly because he had kept his own counsel for so long and partly because it came pretty much on polling day.

    I spoke to him about this very issue in New York a few weeks ago and he said he would play for an independent Scotland at the Olympics but he hadn't given it too much thought because he wasn't expecting it to happen.

    So when he said what he said yesterday it was game, set and match for the astonishment factor for me.

  621. Inverclyde count

    Sally McNair

    Reporter, BBC Scotland

    The count at Inverclyde, in the Waterfront ice rink overlooking the Firth of Clyde, is well under way. All 75 boxes from 38 polling stations were brought here within an hour of the polls closing.

    With just under 62,500 registered voters here, this is the fifth smallest council area in Scotland and should be one of the first to declare.

    Polling has been high, with queues at some of the polling stations before they opened at 07:00.

  622. Dundee City turnout

    Andrew Anderson

    BBC Scotland News

    Dundee City reports a turnout of 78.8%.

  623. Analysis

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    Intriguing comments from polling organisation leaders on the potential outcome. They suggest that 'Yes' made significant ground, only for there to be a move back in a 'No' direction right at the very close.

    All note the difficulty in assessing a referendum by contrast with elections - where there is a history of comparable voting behaviour. All agree the need to reassess polling methods.

    As I say, intriguing - but of decidedly minor moment by comparison with the decision being taken by Scotland tonight.

    Two years of campaigning. Two seconds to mark a cross on a small piece of paper.

  624. Hidden 'thumbs up'

    Eleanor Bradford

    BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

    Campaigners gathered at the Better Together campaign at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow say voters were reluctant to say openly if they voted "No" but instead gave "No" volunteers a surreptitious wink!

    They replied with a "thumbs up" under their jackets.

  625. 'Victory for the people'

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Lord Wallace, Advocate General for Scotland in the UK government, and Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill are playing their cards close to the chest at the Ingliston central count.

    Mr MacAskill says he's "contemplating a 'Yes' vote", while Lord Wallace says it would be "rash" to predict an outcome at this stage in the game. Both men, though, agree this referendum has been a victory for the people, whatever the result, given the remarkably high turnouts we've seen so far.

  626. High turnout

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Inverclyde has also recorded a very high turnout with 87% of voters having cast a ballot.

    We have now had turnouts from three areas which are thought to be relatively fertile territory for the "Yes" side.

    In all three cases the turnout has been 87% to 89%.

    In contrast in the one place where "No" are expected to do well, and we have information on the number of papers that have been found in the ballot boxes, the turnout is somewhat lower at 84%.

  627. East Renfrewshire count

    Jane Lewis

    BBC Scotland

    Still verifying here in East Renfrewshire but "No" supporter Jim Murphy says "we've won it by miles."

    The "Yes" camp tell me "it's a mixed bag".

  628. 'Shift to No'

    Peter Kellner from pollsters YouGov told BBC Scotland: "We are saying 54% No, 46% Yes.

    "We reckon there has been a two-point shift to No just today from either people shifting or from the 'No' people being especially determined to turn out to vote.

    "The word out is that Glasgow is very close. Yes needs to win Glasgow comfortably if they are to win overall. If it is tight in Glasgow, 'No' has won Scotland."

  629. BT analysis

    BBC Scotland's political editor Brian Taylor is providing analysis through the night.

    Brian Taylor
  630. No Alex Salmond

    BBC Politics: First Minister Alex Salmond cancels appearance at own #indyref count, @bbcnickrobinson says

  631. 'Different country'

    Historian Peter Hennessy tells the BBC in Westminster that the UK "will be a different country" whatever the result of the referendum. "The English question has been rumbling but will soon become a roar," he predicts.

  632. Electoral fraud allegations update

    Aileen Clarke

    BBC Scotland

    Police investigating allegations of electoral fraud in Glasgow. It relates to 10 votes cast in various polling stations around the city.

  633. Electoral fraud allegations

    Editor of The Herald, Magnus Llewellin: BREAKING: Allegations of electoral fraud in Glasgow. Allegations of double vote impersonation in Glasgow #indyref

  634. Orkney count

    Former Big Brother winner, and Better Together campaigner, Cameron Stout looks on as the Orkney count takes place.

    Cameron Stout
  635. Queen to make statement

    The Queen is to make a written statement on Friday afternoon, regardless of the referendum result.

  636. Get involved

    Email: yourpics@bbc.co.uk

    Andrew McCallum sent these pictures from Jura of ballot boxes being collected: "The helicopter had arrived from Gigha to collect our votes and was then heading to Islay airport and Colonsay, before flying to Lochgilphead where the votes will be counted."

    The vote being collected from Jura by helicopter
  637. Renfrewshire turnout

    Megan Paterson, BBC Scotland

    Renfrewshire reports 117,612 votes cast, a turnout of 87.3%.

  638. 'No' in Falkirk?

    Sarah Smith, BBC Scotland news presenter

    Better Together say they think "No" will win "comfortably" in Falkirk, the former Westminster seat of Yes Scotland chairman Dennis Canavan, who used to be a Labour MP.

  639. Renfrewshire turnout

    Renfrewshire turnout figure 87.3%. That is 117,612 votes cast.

  640. Young voters

    Prof Charlie Jeffrey told BBC Scotland the introduction of 16 and 17-year-olds to the electorate had been a great success.

    He said: "I think the commitment of new voters has been very high but also the level of seriousness of the debate.

    "Some special polling has been done on 16 to 17-year-olds by my colleagues at the University of Edinburgh and they found they were not more likely to vote 'Yes' but actually more likely than any other age group, except for pensioners to vote 'No'."

    charlie jeffrey
  641. Shetland selfie

    Shetland MSP Tavish Scott takes a selfie with first-time voters from the island's two high schools.

    Tavish Scott selfie
  642. Wales settlement

    Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood says a "Yes" vote would be a "fantastic opportunity for Wales to get the settlement that we deserve here".

    If there is a "No" vote, she argues, extra funding for Scotland under the Barnett formula might "cause a problem" for Wales, which gets a lower amount per head under the UK finding arrangement.

  643. Northern Ireland debate

    Mark Devenport

    BBC News NI Political Editor

    A "Yes" victory could put Northern Ireland's constitutional status in question.

    If there is a "No", there will be a debate over what extra powers, if any, should be given to Stormont. That could include devolution of corporation tax to help NI compete with the lower rate of corporation tax in the Republic of Ireland.

  644. Clackmannanshire count

    Jamie McIvor

    BBC Scotland correspondent

    One prominent local "Yes" activist says the picture here is "not as good as he'd hoped".

  645. Accident update

    Craig Anderson

    BBC Scotland

    Caithness ballot boxes held up by 1.5 hours because of an accident on the A9 at Berriedale Braes blackspot.

    The ballot boxes are now expected at the count in Dingwall at about 03:00.

  646. Postal high

    East Dunbartonshire is declaring that 97% of postal votes have been returned.

    Postal ballots

    There has been a 95% turnout for postal votes in Clackmannanshire.

  647. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland

    Sandy Buchanan, 53, said he was glad to witness the count. "It seems like the logical conclusion to what's been a remarkable campaign," he said.

    His sister, Elizabeth Buchanan, 49, added: "Normally you just put your cross on the paper and that's it. Watching it makes you really feel part of it."

    Counters in Stirling
  648. East Renfrewshire count

    Jane Lewis

    BBC Scotland

    East Renfrewshire now expecting to finish verifying the votes here at 00:30 now rather than midnight. That's when we'll get turnout figures.

  649. 'Looking like a No'

    Martyn Mclaughlin of the Scotsman tweets: Some 90% of postal votes returned in Edinburgh. Word from hacks in Ingleston is it's looking like a No #indyref

  650. Clackmannanshire count

    Jamie McIvor

    BBC Scotland correspondent

    Some Better Together campaigners say the result in Clackmannanshire may be better for them than they'd hoped. A "Yes" vote had been widely expected here.

  651. Highland delay

    The Highland Council: Highland Counting Officer expects some delay in receiving ballot boxes from north following A9 road closure by RTC.

  652. Better Together 'confident' in Fife

    Simon Dedman

    BBC News

    Labour MP Thomas Doherty, spokesman for the No Campaign in Fife, has said he is confident that Fife will be a "No", based on the latest YouGov poll.

    He said Kirkcaldy would be the key part of the region to watch as "Yes" could do well there, but they would have to be ahead of "No" by some margin to dent Dunfermline, North East and West Fife where he said the "No" vote was solid.

    "Yes" could do well in Glenrothes due to the town being representated by SNP MSP Patricia Marwick, he added.

    It has been suggested that the count result here could be later than 04:00 and closer to 06:00.

  653. Dumfries awaits

    Scotland's only Conservative MP, David Mundell, is at the count in Dumfries and says the boxes from Stranraer were not expected until 01:00.

    He told BBC Scotland: "Everybody recognises that if there is a Yes vote in Dumfries and Galloway then Scotland will be independent so I'm expecting a No vote. The initial signs here are encouraging but we have such a high turnout, so many people who don't normally vote, it is very difficult to make predictions.

    "It is a huge turnout. Particularly in some of the rural areas. In one of the boxes 100% of the people who have been available to vote have done so."

  654. Clackmannanshire turnout

    Official figures from Clackmannanshire put the turnout at 89%.

  655. 'Remarkable day'

    First Minister Alex Salmond: This has been a remarkable day. Scotland's future truly is in Scotland's hands. #IndyRef

  656. Orkney turnout

    The first official statement of the number of ballot papers found in the ballot boxes has come from Orkney. This shows 84% of voters have cast a ballot.

  657. Question time

    Brian Taylor

    Political editor, Scotland

    The evidence from throughout Scotland is of a large, indeed a phenomenal, turnout. A series of questions arise from that.

    1. Will this benefit one side or the other?

    That depends upon differential turnout. Is one side or the other feeling more motivated, more inclined to participate? It had been thought that the more motivated side would be Yes. It had been thought this could be worth 1% or 2% in the final tally.

    However, at these huge levels of interest, that may be open to challenge. It seems that the entirety of Scotland is engaged. We shall see.

    Read more questions and answers here.

  658. 'Fear and scare'

    Former Scottish first minister Henry McLeish said he had been a "reluctant" No voter.

    The former Labour MP and MSP said he had been "intensely annoyed" by the No campaign's approach of "fear and scare".

    He said: "There is an old Scottish word - thrawn - which essentially means the more you tell people they can't do something, the more they are likely to say 'I might want to do it'."

  659. Island powers

    Alistair Carmichael, who is Lib Dem MP for Orkney and Shetland, calls for more powers for Scotland's islands and alleges "Alex Salmond runs the most centralised government in western Europe right now."

  660. New powers doubt

    SNP MSP Humza Yousaf tells the BBC he does not foresee new powers from Westminster "coming at all".

  661. Packed halls

    Counting is well under way at Alloa Town Hall. Election officials say they have packed in as many staff as the hall will take.

    Clackmannanshire packed hall
  662. 'Phenomenal' support

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Speaking at the Ingliston count, Cat Boyd, of the Radical Independence grassroots campaign, says they had organised buses to get people to polling stations, but found that when she was in Glasgow's Drumchapel area earlier, many people said they'd been out to vote already.

    She says there's been "phenomenal" support for independence in communities that the polling companies don't reach.

  663. 'Uncharted waters'

    Lib Dem MSP for Shetland, Tavish Scott, told the BBC: "The sheer weight of the vote is at a scale that none of us who have stood at elections over a number of years have ever seen before.

    "That's a good sign but we are therefore in uncharted waters."

  664. "Everyone was buzzing"

    Keir Murray

    BBC Sport Scotland

    Laurens Zhang from Kilmacolm has been fascinated by the whole voting and counting process.

    The 16-year-old pupil at St Columba's voted "No" today.

    He said: "The atmosphere in the sixth-year common room was amazing. Everyone was buzzing. It's good to see so many young people taking an interest in politics."

  665. Twitter reaction

    @DMiliband

    Former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband tweets: Wonderful to hear of 80/90 per cent turnouts in #indyref. Scots have taught us all a lesson in democracy.

  666. Devolution debate

    Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael tells the BBC: "It is now for the English to have the debate that we've had in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."

    This could mean an English Parliament, city regions or regional assemblies, but it is "not for me to tell them", he adds.

  667. Poll caution

    Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson sounds a note of caution about polls, arguing that opinion pollsters might be the "losers" in the referendum campaign.

    "They haven't had a touch or a feel for Scotland," she tells the BBC. "They've tried to weight it to party politics and it just doesn't work."

    Ruth Davidson
  668. 'Taking part in history'

    Willie Johnston

    BBC Scotland

    Counting officer Alex Haswell tells 175 counters in Dumfries they're "taking part in history" #indyref

    Dumfries and Galloway count
  669. Brussels reaction

    Gavin Hewitt

    Europe editor

    Flemish nationalists have been on the streets of Brussels putting candles down on the Scottish flag. There is less enthusiasm for independence among EU politicians, however.

  670. 'Quite staggering'

    SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop told the BBC the people of Scotland had been on a journey.

    She said: "There are people who have voted for the first time, people in their fifties and sixties. The turnout will be something quite staggering.

    "In terms of what that means, politics has changed as a result of the referendum."

  671. Tension in Midlothian

    To quote BBC Reporter Sam Poling at Midlothian: "It's a plateau of tension."

    Sam Polling
  672. 'Pride and humility'

    Labour MP Douglas Alexander said the story of the early part of the evening was the "enormous turnout".

    "We should all feel both extraordinary pride and a certain humility when it comes to a turnout of this scale because it is literally unprecedented," he said.

    "Predictions at this stage need to be taken with a barrel of salt not just a punch of salt."

  673. Angus count

    David Currie

    Reporting Scotland presenter

    Contrary to what Ruth Davidson said the turnout for Friocheim is not 100 per cent and there were only two ballot boxes #scotlanddecides

  674. Glasgow count

    Glasgow City Council: All 483 ballot boxes from Glasgow polling stations have arrived at The Emirates arena for #indyref

    The count at the Emirates Arena
  675. Lifeboat of ballot boxes

    BBC Newsgathering Producer Suzanne Lord: 2 Barra ballot boxes started their journey to Lewis to be counted. Local lifeboat collected them. Officials say turnout 95% approx #indyref

  676. Labour 'relieved'

    Labour MP Diane Abbott, speaking to the BBC in Westminster, says that "Labour MPs will be relieved that it looks like we're going to squeak through" with a narrow "No" victory.

  677. Midlothian queue

    Long queue of cars full of ballot boxes waiting outside the Lasswade Centre at the Midlothian count.

    Queue of boxes
  678. High postal votes

    The BBC's Laura Bicker reports that 90% of the postal votes have been returned in Edinburgh.

    Full official turnout figures for the city will not be known for at least two more hours.

  679. England powers

    Conservative MP John Redwood tells the BBC's Andrew Neil at Westminster that, if there is a "No" victory, "every power that goes to Scotland must be matched by the same power coming to England".

  680. Late undecided

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Veteran Lib Dem politician Lord Steel, who's at the Ingliston count looking dapper as usual, tells me a young voter came up to him in the street in Selkirk this morning.

    He was on the way the polling station but still had no idea how he was going to vote.

    "It was an experience I've never had in my long years in politics," Lord Steel says, adding: "I made a last-minute conversion."

  681. Highest-ever turnout?

    Prof Charlie Jeffery from the University of Edinburgh said if the reports of 90% turnout were correct they would be "record-breaking".

    "The highest ever turnout in Scotland was in Dundee East in 1950 - 88.6%," he said. "The highest Scotland-wide turnout was just over 80% at the UK election in 1951.

    "I think we are going to be above that Scottish record and we may even see some places which exceed that Dundee East record."

  682. Inverclyde count

    All ballot boxes have now arrived for Inverclyde count, more than one hour after the polls closed.

    Ballot boxes
  683. Too feart

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    YouGov president Peter Kellner, who's at the Ingliston national count, tells me his organisation's latest polling data indicates a "small but consistent" shift from "Yes" to "No" and a "slightly higher determination to vote" among "No" people.

    He reckons "No" voters are more frightened of independence than "Yes" voters are of the status quo.

    Mr Kellner says his instinct is that, if the latest YouGov survey is wrong, the gap may actually be wider in favour of "No".

    Some people here at the count are talking about the experience of the 1995 Quebec referendum, which saw an "emotional swing" to "Yes" when the campaign was going full tilt, but swung back when it was time to fill in the ballot paper, resulting in a (very slim) "No" outcome.

  684. Ballot boxes in the Western Isles

    The plane has landed in Benbecula. If the skies stay clear, the boxes should be collected from Uist and Barra and loaded aboard by midnight - ballots should arrive in Stornoway by 00.30.

    If the fog closes in again, Plan B is to take them across the Sound of Harris by fishing boat.

    If the plane can fly, the count will be done by 02:30. If not, the count would be done by 05:00 or 06:00.

  685. Votes at 16

    Jim Murphy also said the referendum had shown that votes for 16 and 17-year-olds had taught an important lesson about how engaged young people were. He said he backed votes at 16 across the UK in time for the next general election in May 2015.

  686. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland

    There are about 30 members of the public in the balcony of the Albert Halls where the Stirling count is taking place. I first covered an election nearly 40 years ago - October, 1974 - and I've never seen spectators at a count before.

    A total of 122 ballot boxes from as far away as Killin and Tyndrum have now all arrived to be counted.

  687. Murphy: 'Very big No'

    Labour MP Jim Murphy calls the events of today "remarkable" and predicts a "very, very big" No vote in his constituency of East Renfrewshire.

    Jim Murphy MP
  688. Perth and Kinross count

    Suzanne Allan, BBC Scotland

    One Yes Campaigner said in one part of Perth he counted turnout at 82% - it's usually 35%. He had tears in his eyes.

  689. Postal turnout

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Some early postal turnouts confirm the expectation that overall turnout in this referendum would be extraordinarily high.

    As of this morning, 95% of the postal votes in East Lothian had been returned and 93% in South Ayrshire.

  690. YouGov poll

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    YouGov's on the day prediction poll is based on the responses from 1,828 people who voted today, together with 800 who had already voted by post and were interviewed previously.

    The ones who were contacted today consist of respondents to one of YouGov's polls conducted earlier this week, and the company claims there has been a small shift from "Yes" to "No" among this group.

    Election aficionados caution that postal voters comprise a rather high 30% of this sample.

  691. Orkney count

    The first ballot box arrives at the Orkney count.

    Orkney count
  692. Falkirk count

    Fiona Walker, BBC Scotland

    That's all the ballot boxes arrived at Grangemouth. 168 of them.

  693. 'Politics of people'

    SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop tells the BBC: "The debate that some didn't want to have has energised a nation."

    The referendum is not about "the politics of party, it's the politics of people", she claims.

  694. First timers

    Richard Smith

    First time voters, 17-year-olds Rachel Falconer and Sean Davidson, are watching the Perth and Kinross count at Bell's Sports Centre in Perth.

    Rachel Falconer and Sean Davidson

    The pair are the deputy head girl and deputy head boy at Perth High School. They said the referendum had stimulated much debate among their fellow pupils.

  695. Great speed

    An hour after polling closed, all 75 boxes from 38 polling places had arrived at the Inverclyde count. All ballot boxes were received at the East Lothian count by 11pm.

  696. Counting on Mary

    Chief counting officer Mary Pitcaithly said counting was taking place at 32 centres around Scotland, including Ingliston where she is based.

    She said: "The counting officers in all those 32 areas then give me information about the number of votes they are counting. They are authorised to release that and that's how you work out what the turnout is.

    "After that they split the votes into 'Yes', 'No' and 'doubtful's. At the end of that, if it all adds up, we have a result from that area."

  697. 'Historic judgement'

    Labour MP Douglas Alexander tells the BBC: "We can only welcome the fact that we have come out in our millions to cast our vote".

    He adds that the referendum will be a "historic judgement".

  698. Malcolm Bruce in Aberdeenshire

    Steven Duff

    BBC Scotland reporter

    Deputy Lib Dem Leader and Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce tells me he's hopeful Aberdeenshire has voted "No", but admits it is still too close call.

    The turnout in Aberdeenshire is thought to be more 80%.

  699. Sweet tooth

    Aileen Clarke

    BBC Scotland

    Are they expecting a long night? Someone is going round offering chocolate to the counters in Glasgow.

    Chocolates for the counters
  700. Be patient...

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    A high turnout in this referendum means, of course, that the votes will take a long time to count. It could be at least 01:00 before the first results are in.

  701. The woman in charge...

    The chief counting officer at the National Counting Centre at Ingliston, near Edinburgh, is Mary Pitcaithly.

    "There is a big job to be done today but we are ready for it," she told the BBC's Laura Bicker.

    "It seems to have gone very smoothly. It has been very busy. I know that polling has been brisk everywhere but I am not aware of significant queues. I am not aware of any major issues."

    mary pitcaithly
  702. North Lanarkshire count

    Stuart Dale

    BBC Scotland

    The first ballot box from Motherwell arrives.

    North Lanarkshire ballot boxes
  703. In the studio

    Jackie Bird is presenting BBC Scotland's results programme, along with Glenn Campbell.

    Jackie Bird
  704. 'On schedule'

    Sandy Murray

    BBC Scotland news

    All voting papers have now arrived at Alloa Town Hall. On schedule for an early declaration here.

  705. 'Huge Highland turnout'

    Craig Anderson

    BBC Scotland

    "Yes" campaigners in the Highlands say postal votes here so far showing a majority for Better Together.

    But they say that's what they expected and believe the majority of the local authority's 190,782 registered voters will vote "Yes".

    Unofficial estimates of the turnout in the north are "huge" with some polling stations seeing queues of voters before they opened.

  706. Survey reaction

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    At the Ingliston national count, The YouGov survey seems to have intrigued the "No" side. They're, of course, being VERY cautious, but one senior figure in the camp tells me it could be an indication that undecided voters might have gone for "No" - early days yet though.

  707. 'Astonishing' turnout

    Andrew Marr

    BBC News

    Indications from the central count at Ingliston are that the turnout has been "astonishingly high".

  708. Stirling count

    Reevel Alderson

    BBC Scotland's social affairs correspondent

    Counting has begun in the Albert Halls in Stirling which, until 22:00, was also a polling place.

    The counting officer says 62,400 people were registered to vote.

    A total of 10,845 postal ballots were sent out and by 16:00 95% had been returned.

  709. Watch live

    Don't forget you can watch or listen to the BBC's live television coverage of the results at the top of this page.

  710. Social media stats

    Today on Facebook, an 'I'm Voting' button was displayed to everyone of voting age in Scotland. As of 6pm tonight, the 'I'm Voting' button had appeared in people's newsfeeds more than 2.5 million times since 7am.

    On Twitter, the most re-tweeted tweet on referendum day came from Scottish tennis player Andy Murray, who shared his stance with his 2.7 million followers. That tweet was re-tweeted more than 18,000 times.

  711. YouGov poll

    YouGov president Peter Kellner has been telling Sky News about their final poll of 3,000 people: it shows a 54-46 lead for the No campaign. He said he was now "99% certain" of a "No" vote.

  712. Counters in Lerwick

    John Johnston

    BBC News, Shetland

    Shetland counters get ready for the most northern ballot boxes to arrive in Lerwick.

    Counters in Lerwick
  713. Political panel

    SNP MSP Humza Yousaf told the BBC Scotland Decides programme he was "confident" of a victory for the "Yes" campaign.

    Lib Dem MP Danny Alexander said a high turnout could marginally help the "No" campaign.

    Scotland Decides studio
  714. Vote count

    An election official counts votes at the counting centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh.

    Counting votes
  715. Western Isles concern

    The BBC's Angus MacDonald says the plane that will carry the ballot boxes to Stornoway for the Western Isles count has arrived in Benbecula. However, there is a still a fog around the isles and they do not know if the plane will make it to Stornoway. They have a plan to use a ferry if the plane cannot fly.

  716. Fife rumour

    There is talk on Twitter that a number of voters were turned away in Fife.

    In a series of tweets, Fife Council has clarified: Postal voters without their postal packs couldn't vote at polling stations, need to ensure people haven't voted twice. If people hadn't received/had lost their postal vote, they were told they could get another one from Glenrothes today. We've been putting info out online/in press asking anyone who hadn't received their postal votes to contact elections team

  717. On-the-day poll

    A YouGov survey of voters previously polled has just been released. It shows support for "No" at 54%. "Yes" at 46%.

  718. Islands flight

    There were concerns that the count in Stornoway on Lewis could be delayed by fog affecting the plane that was carrying ballot boxes from the other Western Isles.

    It seems the plane is flying so there is no delay expected - but that could change.

  719. On Twitter

    Labour MP Jim Murphy: This is more of a feeling than an #indyref prediction. Today I just sensed a wee bit of movement in our direction. But far too early to call

  720. East Lothian votes

    In East Lothian, they are reporting that at least 94% of postal votes have been returned. Its previous record was 65%.

    The 80% turnout figure for East Lothian does not include postal votes, apparently. The actual figure will be available later.

  721. The Morning After

    This short film was broadcast at the end of the BBC's televised debate at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow where 7,500 16 and 17-year-olds watched a panel of politicians make the Yes/No arguments.

    Hydro poem

    It is a call to come together, whichever way the Scottish independence referendum vote goes.

    Schoolchildren from across Scotland each recite a line from Christine De Luca's poem "The Morning After".

  722. Global interest

    Thousands of people across the globe have tweeted messages of support and encouragement as Scotland awaits the decision.

    interactive map
  723. Highland breakdown

    BBC staff at the Highland count are breathing a sigh of relief after a satellite van, which broke down, finally made it to Dingwall.

    BBC satellite van
  724. Reaction on Twitter

    Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg: The people of Scotland have cast their votes. I sincerely hope that they remain a part of our family of nations. #indyref

    SNP Deputy Leader Nicola Sturgeon: So that's that. Polls have closed. What an amazing, emotional, inspirational day of democracy this has been. Now we wait. #indyref

    NPR International Correspondent Ari Shapiro: My fav fun fact about #Scotland #Indyref: The final result that the counting officer reads is legally binding, EVEN IF SHE GETS IT WRONG.

  725. Turning out in numbers

    The word from the returning officer at the East Lothian count is that 65,339 votes have been cast from a registered 81,947, giving a turnout figure of 79.7% for the local authority.

  726. First boxes

    South Lanarkshire - the first boxes have started to arrive from polling stations.

    This is traditionally the area that is quickest to declare when it comes to parliamentary elections. But there will be a lot of counting to do tonight.

  727. Huge turnout

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    Sky are reporting an estimated 90% turnout in Dundee.

  728. Get involved

    Facebook/bbcscotlandnews

    Kenny Lowe in East Renfrewshire on Facebook: Just about to step out the door and head for the Scottish Referendum 2014 count. What a feeling of history in the making. Best wishes to all on both sides of the campaign.

  729. Going postal

    At 32 locations across Scotland counting has begun. While they wait for the ballot boxes to arrive from the polling stations, they are counting postal votes. And there are a lot by all accounts.

    Counting begins
  730. What's the time?

    When will we know the result? It is very difficult to predict. The bulk of the local results are expected to come in between 03:00 and 06:00.

  731. Postal votes

    In East Lothian, they are reporting that at least 94% of postal votes have been returned - the authority's previous record was 65%.

    Elsewhere, the Dumfries count reports a 95.5% return rate on postal votes. And there may be some handed into polling stations.

  732. Count under way

    Andrew Black

    Political reporter, BBC Scotland

    Counting is getting under way for Edinburgh at the national count centre in Ingliston.

    Postal votes are first, with the first ballot boxes expected to start arriving at about 22:45, we're told.

  733. On-the-day poll

    John Curtice

    Professor of politics at Strathclyde University

    YouGov have announced they will release the results of their on-the-day poll at 22:30.

  734. Vote registrations

    There were 4,285,323 people registered to vote - that is about 97% of the possible electorate.

    There were 789,024 postal vote applications, which was the largest volume of registration for postal votes ever in Scotland.

  735. Polls closed

    The polls have now closed at polling places across Scotland. The referendum on Scottish independence is all over bar the counting.

    "Should Scotland be an independent country?" was the questioned answered by voters.

    We should know the verdict of the people of Scotland by breakfast time.

  736. Scotland decides

    John Mullin

    BBC referendum editor

    On television, on radio and online, the BBC is mounting its most comprehensive coverage ever of a major political event as Scotland decides. Our correspondents are at every count - all 32 of them - and beyond, to tell the full story of this momentous referendum. And, sometime tomorrow morning, they will deliver the answer that Scottish voters have given to the six-word ballot paper question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

    Before voting began at 7am today the polls told us it was too close to call - at this moment in time it could hardly be more exciting.

    The referendum - which sees 16 and 17 year olds given the vote for the first time - is the culmination of a campaign signalled more than three years ago when the SNP's Alex Salmond was returned again as first minister with an overall majority and on a manifesto pledge to deliver a referendum.

    Prime Minister David Cameron agreed, via the Edinburgh Agreement, but the third option - to vote neither for independence or the status quo but for further devolution - was ruled off the ballot paper.

    Throughout the night, the BBC news website will - on this page - bring you all the key developments, as soon as they happen. And you'll have plenty of reasons to stay with us because we'll have detailed stories, the key moments in pictures and video, analysis and reaction.