Huge Turnout In Historic Scottish Referendum

Politicians have hailed the "incredible" turnout in the Scottish referendum after a campaign that energised voters across the country.

The election looked set to break records after more than 90% of the electorate cast their votes in some areas.

Turnout reached 91% in East Dunbartonshire, 90.4% in East Renfrewshire and 90.1% in Stirling.

But participation was lower in some of the key areas where the Yes campaign was relying on support in large numbers, including Glasgow (75%) and Dundee (78.8%).

There was brisk turnout at most polling stations throughout the day

Scotland's deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This campaign has been a joy to be part of, it's quite unlike anything I've ever been part of in my life before.

"As have thousands and thousands of others, I have given my heart and soul to this campaign but what has been amazing are the number of people who have never been involved in politics before, who have never campaigned as part of a political movement before, who have got involved."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Anas Sarwar, from the Better Together campaign, said voters had set politicians a challenge to respond to the desire for change.

A piper helped create an upbeat mood for voters in Edinburgh

He said: "What we are all struck by, whether Yes or No campaigners or supporters, is the incredible turnout that we've seen in this referendum campaign.

"The challenge for all of us is to tap into that real desire for change and to take on the task of unifying our country whatever the result, and bringing people together to create a better future for ourselves and for future generations."

Alex Salmond posed for photos after casting his vote on Thursday

Speaking from the Edinburgh count, Scottish Socialist Party spokesman Colin Fox, a key figure in Yes Scotland, said: "The big story tonight is the astonishing levels of turnout in a political contest in Scotland, which is on a par with North Korea, China, Cuba and those places.

"I think it's remarkable and I certainly want to pay tribute to the Yes campaigners who over the last two years have energised this country.

"Clearly both sides of the campaign deserve credit for those levels of turnout."

Alistair Darling was accompanied by wife Maggie as he voted

Commenting on the relatively lower turnout in Glasgow in comparison with other areas, Mr Fox said: "Glasgow's turnout in the Scottish Parliament elections is usually 40% and it is now 75%, so that's not to be sniffed at.

"Let's hope we can keep it at that level, I think it's astonishing. Nearly doubling the turnout in Glasgow is a significant achievement for Scotland's biggest city, with the greatest deprivation and the biggest social problems."

The highest turnout for a Scottish election was 81.2% in the 1951 general election, when Winston Churchill's Conservatives defeated Labour - ousting Clement Atlee as Prime Minister.

The record for a UK-wide election was 83.9% in the 1950 general election.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage now on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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