In pictures: Scottish independence referendum results

Image source, Cathal McNaughton/reuters

Image caption, Voters across Scotland headed to the polls to decide the country's future in the Scottish independence referendum. With more than 97% of the electorate registered to vote, a high turnout had been expected.

Image source, Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Image caption, First Minister Alex Salmond, leader of the "Yes" campaign, posed for photographers before casting his own vote in Strichen in Aberdeenshire.

Image source, Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Image caption, The results were eagerly awaited by all ages.

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Image caption, The referendum is the first time that under-18s anywhere in the UK have been able to vote on a major matter of state.

Image source, PA

Image caption, Former prime minister and Better Together campaigner Gordon Brown cast his vote at the North Queensferry Community Centre in Fife.

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Image caption, It was a long night - these campaigners grabbed a few moments' rest once the polls closed at 22:00.

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, In Glasgow's George Square it was a chance to party. When the results came in later in the morning, turnout in Glasgow was 75% with "Yes" winning by 194,779 to the "No" campaign's 169,347.

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Image caption, There were a few familiar faces in the crowd, including a man dressed as Scottish cult TV character Rab C Nesbitt.

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Image caption, As the ballots began to arrive at the counting stations, early indications were that the "No" campaign was going to win, perhaps by a slightly larger majority than the polls suggested.

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Image caption, With 26 out of the country's 32 council areas having declared, the ��ý predicted that Scotland would vote to stay in the United Kingdom.

Image source, Andy Buchanan/AFP

Image caption, Pro-union supporters celebrated in Glasgow as the result became clearer.

Image source, Lynne Cameron/PA

Image caption, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the ��ý the projected result was "a deep personal and political disappointment" but argued that "the country has been changed forever".

Image source, Russell Cheyne/reuters

Image caption, For some of those who dreamed of an independent Scotland it was time for tears.

Image source, Andy Buchanan/AFP

Image caption, But there was no hiding the joy of those who wanted the UK to remain intact.

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Image caption, Nationally, the margin of victory was 55% "No" to 45% "Yes".

Image source, Russell Cheyne/reuters

Image caption, Alex Salmond has said he accepts his defeat. The leader of the pro-independence campaign said the 1.6m votes cast for the "Yes" campaign represented a substantial vote for Scottish independence at some time in the future.

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Image caption, Alistair Darling, leader of the Better Together campaign, said Scotland had chosen ''unity over division'' in rejecting independence from the United Kingdom.

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Image caption, Back in London, Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted by the "No" result, which he says settles the issue for at least a generation.