Fighting broke out and a Union Jack was set alight in the centre of Glasgow last night as the tense atmosphere between groups of Yes and No supporters spilled over into violence.

A small group of skinhead, pro- Union Scots were booed and chased out of George Square, which had become a focal point for independence supporters. Chants of “Rule Britannia” were drowned out by a roar of “Freedom” and “Brits out” from Yes campaigners as punches were thrown.

Hundreds of Yes supporters goaded the Union supporters, who were surrounded by about 30 police officers for their own protection.

More police arrived as the nationalists turned back to the square, but the mood changed when a boy started playing the pipes and a small crowd