Scotland says No to independence: Alex Salmond's dream of independence is overhttp://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/scotland-independence-vote/scotland-says-no-to-independence-alex-salmonds-dream-of-independence-is-over-30597133.htmlScotland’s voters have decisively rejected the chance of separation, as Alex Salmond’s lifelong dream of an independent country lay in ruins today.
Scotland’s voters have decisively rejected the chance of separation, as Alex Salmond’s lifelong dream of an independent country lay in ruins.
One of the most remarkable battles in the UK’s political history today ended with the Scots opting to remain part of the UK.
Salmond conceded defeat before the final results had been declared.
In a 6.15am address in Edinburgh, he said he accepted Scotland had decided “at this stage” not to become an independent country.
However, it is a devastating setback for a man whose political career was built on the promise of delivering an independent Scotland.
The Scottish First Minister saw his crusade for separation crushed 55% to 45% - a bigger margin than the opinion polls predicted.
Today he said: “I accept the verdict of the Scottish people and I call on all of Scotland to follow suit and accept the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland.”
Salmond added: “This has been a triumph for the democratic process and participation in politics.”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson tweeted: “Delighted Scotland has voted to remain in the Union. We are better together.”