David Cameron addressed the nation this morning vowing to introduce 'English votes for English laws'

Yes wins in Dundee, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire, but fell short by 384,935 votes


Alex Salmond this afternoon dramatically resigned just hours after voters rejected independence in yesterday's historic referendum.

The SNP chief said he would stand down as both party leader and First Minister in November to let the next generation take over the fight to lead Scotland out of the Union.

Mr Salmond announced his departure at a press conference this afternoon. He said 'party, Parliament and country' would benefit from 'new leadership'.

But he fired a warning shot at David Cameron not to go back on his promise to transfer sweeping new powers to Holyrood within six months.

This afternoon's announcement, which paves the way for his deputy Nicola Sturgeon to take over, came after he was forced to accept that a majority of Scots had decided 'at this stage' not to become an independent country. The 'No' campaign secured 55 per cent of the vote to the nationalists' 45 per cent.

The Queen tonight urged all sides of the independence debate to put aside their differences and remember their ‘enduring love of Scotland’.

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Alex Salmond this afternoon announced that he would step down as First Minister in November following the confirmation that his 'Yes' campaign had lost by 10 per cent

The SNP leader leaves in a car with his wife Moira after giving a press conference to announce his decision to step down as leader of the country

David Cameron tonight hailed Mr Salmond's achievements as First Minister and as a politician. He said: 'Alex is a politician of huge talent and passion. He has been an effective First Minister and always fights his corner.

‘While we disagree profoundly about his goal of a separated Scotland, and many other things, I respect and admire his huge contribution to politics and public life.'

But a despondent Mr Salmond suggested that Westminster was now preparing to renege on its pledge to give Scotland new powers by March next year.

He said: ‘We now have the opportunity to hold Westminster’s feet to the fire on the vow that they’ve made to devolve further meaningful to Scotland. This places Scotland in a very strong position.

‘I spoke to the Prime Minister today and although he reiterated his intention to proceed as he has now outlined he would not commit to a second reading vote by the 27th of March on a new Scotland Bill. That was a clear promise laid out by Gordon Brown during the campaign.

‘The Prime Minister says such a vote would be meaningless. I suspect he can’t guarantee the support of his party and we’ve already seen the common front between Labour and Tory, Tory and Labour, is starting to break.’

He added: ‘There is a decision as to who is best placed to lead this process forward. I believe this is a new exciting situation that is redolent with possibility.

'In that situation I think party, Parliament and country would benefit from new leadership – therefore I’ve told the national secretary of the Scottish National Party that I shall not accept the nomination for leader at the annual conference in Perth on the 13th to 15th of November.

‘After the membership ballot I will stand down as First Minister to allow the new leader to be elected by due Parliamentary process. Until then I will continue to serve as First Minister. It’s been the privilege of my life to serve 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.’

Mr Salmond said that at the age of 59, after 20 years as SNP leader and seven years as First Minister, it was time to hand over the reins. He said it was ‘time to give someone else a chance to move that forward’.

The SNP leader revealed that he made the decision this morning. He added. ‘I believed there was great possibilities in the campaign and obviously I wouldn't have made the decision if there had been a Yes vote.

‘I believe in the circumstances the vote we have, galvanising, wonderful, empowering and massive though it is, it's my judgement that someone else in the leadership would be best-placed to take that forward to the summit.’

Salmond accompanied by his wife and close aides left Edinburgh via the official 'Yes Scotland' campaign helicopter earlier today

He made his escape after announcing that he will be standing down as Scotland's First Minister and as the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP)

THE GOLFING GAMBLER WHO BET IT ALL ON INDEPENDENCE... AND LOST: HOW MR SCOTLAND WAS FORCED TO FACE THE REJECTION OF THE PEOPLE HE CLAIMED TO REPRESENT Alex Salmond is, in his own head at least, Mr Scotland. He was so destined for the role he made sure he was born on Hogmanay, December 31, that great night of Scottish celebration. He could only have been more pleased if he had shared a birthday with Robert Burns. But then Salmond is a man who is often pleased with himself. Clubbable to his fans, smug to his critics, there are many who will have delighted at his demise today. Yet his abilities to charm his supporters and outfox his opponents transformed Scottish politics. It is a mark of the man that at the press conference to announce his resignation, journalists from unfriendly newspapers were locked out of the room in Bute House. The referendum campaign was dominated by claims he sought to bully or intimidate those who did not share his enthusiasm for breaking up the Union. You were either on his side or against him, as the BBC’s Nick Robinson discovered when he dared to question the details of his plans for independence last week. Critics were dismissed as scaremongers. Facts dismissed as lies, experts flatly ignored. That was how he ran things, spending 20 of the last 24 years as SNP leader. When he took charge in 1990, the Scottish Nationalists had just three MPs in Westminster. There was no such thing as a Scottish Parliament. Today he stands down with six MPs in Westminster, an unprecedented overall majority in Holyrood, and having secured an historic referendum on independence. He said he wanted to put the future of Scotland in the hands of the Scottish people. They took his dream of separation and tore it to shreds. During a long results night, council after council voted No. In the end only Dundee, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire backed Yes. Even voters in his own backyard of Aberdeenshire gave independence the thumbs down. In the end he could not face his own constituents, and abandoned plans to attend the local count. Instead he was driven through the dark countryside to a private jet to fly to Edinburgh and prepare to bring the curtain down on his career on the political frontline. Born in Linlithgow in 1954, Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond was educated at Linlithgow Academy and St Andrew's University, where he first joined the SNP. Graduating with a degree in economics and history, he worked as an economist for both the Government Economic Service and the Royal Bank of Scotland before being elected as an MP for the Banff and Buchan constituency in 1987. In 1981 he married Moira, 17 years his senior They have no children, and she is rarely seen in public, though she was on hand to smuggle a Saltire past Wimbledon security in her handbag for Salmond to wave when Andy Murray was crowned champion in 2013. His election at Westminster followed a turbulent period for the SNP, which saw its number of seats fall from 11 to two in the 1979 general election. As a young and brash newcomer, Salmond played a role in the breakaway faction of the party known as the ‘79 Group’ which sought to take a more left-wing stance. His brief expulsion as a result did not hinder his advancement within the party in the long-term, with his election to leader coming in 1990. With the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, Salmond went on to serve as leader of the opposition at Holyrood, while retaining his seat at Westminster. He stood down as SNP leader in 2000 and left the Scottish Parliament in 2001. Returning as leader in 2004, he guided the SNP to a narrow Scottish election win in 2007 and then led a minority government as he became Scotland's first SNP First Minister. With the Tories all-but wiped out in Scotland, and Labour’s big beasts serving in Tony Blair’s Cabinet in Westminster, few could match Salmond’s abilities. While New Labour viewed Holyrood as a small pond compared to the shark-infested waters of Westminster, Salmond was the biggest fish north of the border. He rebranded the Scottish Executive as the Scottish Government, greeting David Cameron in Edinburgh like a visiting dignitary, not the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. After the 2011 elections, he bounced Westminster into accepting his claim to have a democratic mandate for a referendum. A year later he bounced David Cameron into accepting the timing of the referendum, and giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote. For months Westminster politicians were convinced that the Union was safe. Time and again they underestimated both Salmond’s skills, and their own unpopularity north of the border. By the time a YouGov poll put the Yes campaign ahead, it was panic stations. Cameron cancelled Prime Minister’s Questions to fly to Scotland, where he urged voters not to use the referendum to give ‘the effing Tories a kicking’. Labour’s Ed Miliband and Lib Dem Nick Clegg also took to the campaign trail. Once again it played perfectly into Salmond’s hands, able to joke about paying the bus fare of the Westminster three stooges coming to lecture the Scottish people. But his failure to address key questions on the currency, pensions, prices and public spending of an independent Scotland refused to go away. A Star Trek fan, a keen golfer, an enthusiastic gambler, Salmond has a competitive streak to almost everything, even dieting. When trying to slim on the 5:2 diet, he boasted how he had shed the pounds faster than Chancellor George Osborne. Last weekend he was asked what he would do if Scots voted for independence; would he enjoy a malt whiskey and round of golf? He declined the offer of a drink, but revealed that even if he had torn the Union apart, he would go to the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles next week. So confident was of victory in the referendum, he was said to have had his eye on a new official residence – in the form of his own castle. In the end he did not even have chance to start measuring for curtains. He will turn 60 on Hogmanay this year, and his frequent jokes about his age on the campaign trail might hint at a private unease at this looming milestone. Yet insists he will not retire from politics. ‘I am not going to withdraw entirely from public life,’ he said, in what to his critics might have seemed like a half-threat. Advertisement

Mr Salmond’s decision to quit will leave a huge hole in the Scottish National Party. He has been leader for 20 of the last 24 years, taking the party into power in Edinburgh before securing the historic referendum on independence.

He led the party from 1990 to 2000 after public rows with senior SNP figures, when he quit the Scottish Parliament, handing the reigns over to John Swinney.

After four years on the backbenches though, he returned to the fray in 2004.

He came back as leader, taking the SNP into power in Holyrood in 2007, winning an unprecedented overall majority in 2011.

He used the election victory to claim a ‘mandate’ for a referendum on independence.

His political rivals in Edinburgh struggled to match his charisma or cunning, while the Westminster parties left him to his own devices, realising almost too late the threat he posed to the Union.

Today he refused to back a candidate for his successor, but his long-serving deputy Nicola Sturgeon is the certain frontrunner.

The pair have been an almost permanent fixture on Scottish TV screens for the last decade.

William Hill made Miss Sturgeon the 1/3 favourite to take over the SNP leadership.

‘Nicola Sturgeon played a very prominent part in supporting Alex Salmond during the Yes campaign and is an obvious front runner as the race to succeed him gets underway,’ said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Other possible contenders include Angus Robertson, the SNP’s successful election strategist, Alex Neil, the Scottish Health Secretary, and Derek Mackay, a local government minister.

First Minister Alex Salmond was today forced to admit defeat in his battle for Scottish independence, as 55 per cent of people voted to remain part of the United Kingdom

Salmond's successor? Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon a prominent face of the Yes campaign for an independent Scotland, pictured this morning as she refused to admit defeat when the results began to come in

The timetable for extra devolution was thrown into doubt today amid continuing disagreement between Tory and Labour MPs over the impact on England.

The Prime Minister, speaking outside No 10 this morning, promised that the Scottish Parliament would be given sweeping new control over tax, spending and welfare.

But he said, in return, Scottish MPs must not be allowed to vote on English matters in Westminster. Mr Cameron said the new deal for England would be worked through ‘in tandem’ with the transfer of new powers to Scotland.

The Queen tonight pleaded for unity. She said the result was one ‘that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect’.

She added: ‘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.

‘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.’

'IT HAS BEEN THE PRIVILEGE OF MY LIFE TO SERVE AS FIRST MINISTER': ALEX SALMOND'S RESIGNATION IN FULL '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 per cent 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. 'I spoke to the Prime Minister today and, although he reiterated his intention to proceed as he has outlined, he would not commit to a second reading vote by March 27 on a Scotland Bill. That was a clear promise laid out by Gordon Brown during the campaign. The Prime Minister says such a vote would be meaningless. I suspect he cannot guarantee the support of his party. 'But today the point is this. The real guardians of progress are not the politicians at Westminster, or even at Holyrood, but the energised activism of tens of thousands of people who I predict will refuse meekly to go back into the political shadows. 'For me right now , therefore 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 November 13-15. 'After the membership ballot I will stand down as First Minister to allow the new leader to be elected by due Parliamentary process. 'Until then 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.' Advertisement

Prime Minister David Cameron this morning welcomed the referendum result - but said now is the time to listen to the voices of England

NICOLA STURGEON: THE NEXT QUEEN OF SCOTS? Alex Salmond likes a flutter, but he will get terrible odds on his likely successor. Within minutes of the SNP leader announcing his decision to quit, bookies were as good as paying out on his deputy Nicola Sturgeon taking the reins. She issued an almost comically-worded statement declaring that she could think of ‘no greater privilege’ than to take the top job, before adding the decision was ‘not for today’. The 44-year-old former solicitor has been by Salmond’s side as his deputy for the last decade, forming what Labour’s Johann Lamont today admitted was a ‘formidable team’. She is married to the SNP’s chief executive Peter Murrell, and with Salmond and spin doctor Kevin Pringle, they were the four party chieftains who guided the party from multiple election defeats to the brink of breaking up the United Kingdom. Though she does not have children, her frequent appearances at schools and nurseries have helped to soften the blokey image of Salmond’s SNP. William Hill made Miss Sturgeon the 1/3 favourite to take over the SNP leadership. Almost out of politeness, the bookies named other possible contenders including Angus Robertson, the SNP’s successful election strategist, Alex Neil, the Scottish Health Secretary, and Derek Mackay, a local government minister. But in the contest to succeed racing fan Salmond, Sturgeon is the frontrunner in a one-horse race. Advertisement

Commons leader William Hague will lead a review of how the new constitutional settlement will work but said it was ‘inconceivable to continue to allow Scottish members to vote on everything that is happening in England when English members can’t vote on so much of what is happening in Scotland’.

But Mr Cameron’s decision to take on ‘English votes for English matters’ threatens to derail Gordon Brown’s ‘rapid’ timetable for devolution.

The former Prime Minister said new powers could be voted on in the Commons by March next year. Mr Salmond this morning said Scotland expected the new deal to be agreed by this date.

However, Conservative and Labour MPs are at odds over how the new settlement will work, throwing the future of Scottish devolution into doubt.

Labour’s shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander today accused the Prime Minister of a ‘fairly knee-jerk reaction which ... may well have been driven more by politics than by a considered judgment of the needs of the constitution’.

Former Conservative minister Owen Paterson said Parliament needed to take ‘a long deep breath’. He said: ‘There is absolutely no rush.’

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said enhanced devolution for Scotland would not come into force until after the next election.

He said the Government would legislate ‘at the very beginning of the new Parliament next summer’. He added: ‘We are not rushing this in the next few weeks.’

With all councils declared, the No campaign secured 55 per cent of the vote, a 10-point lead.

The pound rose sharply and the FTSE 100 Index is expected to follow suit in a relief rally for markets after Scotland's rejection of independence.

The Queen has been 'closely' monitoring the outcome of the vote, and is expected to issue a public statement welcoming the survival of the 307-year Union.

Speaking outside Downing Street this morning Mr Cameron said Scotland had had its say and it was now time to listen to the 'millions of voices of England'.

He said it was 'crucial' to give England the same powers over tax, spending and welfare as Scotland.

He pledged to make this happen at the same time as devolving powers to Scotland, following his last minute pledge for further devolution during the referendum campaign.

Mr Cameron said: '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.'

He said it was now time for the United Kingdom 'to come together and to move forward'.

Mr Cameron said: '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.'

He added: 'It is absolutely right that a new and fair settlement for Scotland should be accompanied by a new and fair settlement that applies to all parts of our United Kingdom.

'We have heard the voice of Scotland - and now the millions of voices of England must also be heard.

'The question of English votes for English laws – the so-called West Lothian question –requires a decisive answer.

'So, just as Scotland will vote separately in the Scottish Parliament on their issues of tax, spending and welfare so too England, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland, should be able to vote on these issues and all this must take place in tandem with, and at the same pace as, the settlement for Scotland.'

Scotland’s Finance Minister John Swinney admitted English devolution complicated the challenge of more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

But he insisted the timetable offered to Scottish voters during the election campaign had to be stuck to.

He said: ‘The timetable that was set out to the people of Scotland was that there would be a second reading of a bill in the UK parliament by the end of March 2015. That has to be stuck to, that was set out by the UK political parties, that was the basis of the proposition that was put to them and that’s what should be honoured.

‘I hope we’re not hearing the sounds of the goalposts being shifted. A timetable was set out for the people of Scotland – in good faith people made a judgement that they preferred that timetable to voting for independence and securing all of the powers. In good faith the UK government and the UK political parties have got to stick to that timetable.

‘Undoubtedly [English devolution] makes the challenge more complicated but we just had a referendum in Scotland in which the UK political parties said if you vote No, you’ll get swifter, faster change, more significant powers in a devolved parliament. The majority endorsed that position and that’s what should be delivered now.

Scottish separatists were roundly defeated in one of the most extraordinary political battles in British history.

No racked up 2,001,924 with Yes on 1,616,989. It marks a remarkable come back for the Better Together campaign, which was rocked by an opinion poll 10 days ago putting the Yes campaign ahead.

Total turnout was 84.5 per cent - topping 90 per cent in pro-Union areas, but in the key working-class areas where Yes needed big wins, turnout dropped to the mid-70s.

In the early hours, Mr Salmond shunned the cameras to board a private jet from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, contemplating the comprehensive failure of his efforts to destroy the 307-year-old Union.

But in a message posted on Twitter he praised the city of Glasgow, one of the few places to vote in favour of independence, and 'the people of Scotland for such a incredible support'.

A large crowd of Yes supporters gathered in George Square in Glasgow as the polls closed, waving Saltires and burning flares.

But as the result pointed to a No vote, the carnival atmosphere subsided, many drifted home, with the police apprehending a few involved in scuffles.

Gordon Brown meets children during his visit to Kelly Primary School following the success of the No campaign, which the former prime minister backed

Making light of Mr Salmond's drubbing at the polls, a fish and chip shop in Morely, West Yorkshire adds Battered Salmon to its menu

Leader of the Better Together campaign, Alistair Darling (left), said Scotland had chosen 'positive change, rather than needless separation'. Gordon Brown (right) was pictured for the first time after the result in Fife this afternoon

A pro-union supporter bursts into tears of relief as fellow No campaigners cheer welcoming the results as Scotland rejects separation

As Mr Salmond's supporters faced the grim prospect of defeat, the Better Together party in Glasgow was in full swing as the results pointed to a convincing victory for the pro-Union movement

A Better Together supporter smiles as the early results are announced at Ingliston, Edinburgh. Right, Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill MSP has a different reaction

A 'No' campaigner enjoys a nap after a long night. Voter turnout topped 88 per cent in pro-Union areas, but in the key working-class areas where Yes needed big wins, turnout dropped to the mid-70s

Cheers! No campaigners at the Better Together rally in Glasgow celebrate the news that Clackmannanshire, a favourite to vote Yes, had instead rejected independence by 54 per cent to 46 per cent

Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander declared the no campaign was on course to secure 55 per cent of the vote, giving Better Together something to celebrate at the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow

Pro-union supporters celebrate as Scottish independence referendum results are announced at a 'Better Together' event in Glasgow

It was a good start for the Better Together campaigners, who saw Clackmannanshire go their way despite previous beliefs it would provide a Yes vote

The message No is scrawled in chalk over a Yes plea on a building on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh following Scotland's decision to stay as part of Great Britain

A voter walks over a discarded Yes campaign leaflet on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh after the majority of Scots backed the Better Together camp, voting No to separation

POUND SOARS AND SCOTTISH COMPANIES FLOURISH AS NO VOTE RESTORES FAITH IN UK MARKET The pound has soared in city markets following the result of yesterday's independence referendum. Fifty-five per cent of voters rejected breaking away from the union after leading Scottish businesses and banks warned of the dangers of an independent economy in which the certainty of keeping the pound was shaky. This morning however its value had increased after the Royal Bank of Scotland confirmed it would not be moving its headquarters south of the border in light of the result. Sterling climbed to 1.65 against the dollar, a two-week high, and to 1.28 against the euro, a 24-month high, today while stocks in companies based in Scotland or with strong links to the country also rose, with RBS up 14.7p to 371.9p. Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Bank of Scotland, lifted 1.4p to 77.3p while Scottish based energy firm SSE rose 25.5p to 1546.5p, and Babcock International, which has defence interests in Scotland, was up 26.5p to 1091.5p. A spokesman for RBS said: 'Following the result it is business as usual for all our customers across the UK and RBS.' Advertisement

Officials in the Glasgow have launched an investigation into 10 cases of suspected electoral fraud at polling stations.

With all 32 councils declared, the No campaign secured 55 per cent of the vote.

The No campaign built an insurmountable lead with big wins in places like Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire and Aberdeenshire, in Mr Salmond's own backyard.

The Yes campaign scored notable wins in Dundee, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire but it failed to take sufficient votes across the country.

As the scale of the drubbing became clear in the early hours, Mr Salmond abandoned plans to go to the count in Aberdeen, and instead boarded a private jet to Edinburgh.

Shortly after 6.20am in the capital city, he delivered an emergency statement under a One Scotland banner to insist the cause of independence had been furthered by the campaign.

Mr Salmond said: 'It is important to say that our referendum was an agreed and consented process and Scotland has by a majority decided not, at this stage, to become an independent country.

'I accept that verdict of the people and I call on all of Scotland to follow suit in accepting the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland.'

He said 45 per cent – or around 1.6 million votes - is a 'substantial vote for Scottish independence and the future of this country'.

He challenged Westminster parties to deliver on their rushed promises, made during the campaign when Yes moved ahead in the polls, to devolve more powers to the Holyrood Parliament.

'Scotland will expect these to be honoured in rapid course - as a reminder, we have been promised a second reading of a Scotland Bill by March 27 next year,' he said.

'Today of all days as we bring Scotland together, let us not dwell on the distance we have fallen short, let us dwell on the distance we have travelled and have confidence the movement is abroad in Scotland that will take this nation forward and we shall go forward as one nation.'

He added on Twitter: 'Well done to Glasgow, our commonwealth city, and to the people of Scotland for such a incredible support.'

More than 4.2million people were registered to vote, and record numbers turned out until polling stations closes at 10pm.

As the night wore on and the No votes piled in, it all got a bit too much for this lone Yes campaigner in George Square as she sat exhausted, draped in a Saltire

A pro-Independence supporter sits with her head in her hands, while another glumly folds his arms, pictured in Edinburgh

Disappointed Yes voters in Glasgow appear shocked at the outcome of the historic referendum on Scottish independence

As the results came in throughout the night, the mood of 'Yes' campaigners - so jubilant at the start of the night - began to sour

Distraught supporters of Alex Salmond's One Scotland campaign react to their nation's decision to stay as part of the United Kingdom

As the grim results began to emerge throughout the night, Mr Salmond was nowhere to be seen.

In a bombshell first result, Clackmannanshire - rated by Credit Suisse as the most likely to vote Yes - dramatically rejected independence by 54 per cent to 46 per cent.

The No campaign secured stronger than expected results in places like Edinburgh and Dumfries & Galloway.

At the same time, efforts by the Yes campaign to woo Labour and working class voters in Glasgow and western Scotland failed to secure the thumping majorities needed.

Mr Salmond had been expected at the count for his Aberdeenshire constituency but pulled out amid speculation the No campaign has triumphed in his own backyard.

He left it to his deputy Nicola Sturgeon to face the cameras and publicly acknowledge the SNP's defeat.

She told STV: 'I think there are very, very strong messages for the political class in Scotland and messages we need to heed.

FRAUD CASES PROBED IN GLASGOW Ten cases of suspected electoral fraud are being investigated in Glasgow. The City Council said police had been called earlier today. They said it related to possible cases of impersonation, where people pretend to be someone else, cast the vote, then the real person turned up to vote. Stewart Hosie, SNP Treasury spokesman at Westminster, said it was 'very sad that people feel the need to engage in any kind of impersonation'. He told Sky News: 'I think that's a daft thing to do. 'The ballot papers have been identified, they will be taken away and fingerprinted, the police will do their job and I'm sure whoever has done it will be caught and sentenced.' Advertisement

'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.'

She added: 'If there is not a Yes vote tonight, I am deeply disappointed. 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.

'We must harness that, we must build on that. It's one aspect that leads me to say this country will never be the same.

'I'm disappointed if we don't come out of this evening with a Yes vote, I'm not trying to spin my way out of that... I'll be deeply disappointed personally as well as politically but I can't deny the fact I am also exhilarated by this campaign.'

Mr Cameron revealed on Twitter that he had spoken to Better Together leader Alistair Darling 'and congratulated him on a well-fought campaign'.

In his victory speech at a part in Glasgow, Mr Darling told jubilant supporters: 'The people of Scotland have spoken. We have chosen unity over division and positive change rather than needless separation.

'Today is a momentous result for Scotland and also for the United Kingdom as a whole.

'By confirming our place within the Union, we have reaffirmed all that we have in common and the bonds that tie us together. Let them never be broken.'

He vowed to work with political leaders to deliver on the increased powers promised to Scotland if voters rejected independence.

Mr Cameron used a speech in Downing Street to set out radical plans to hand more control on tax, spending and welfare to Holyrood, with legislation rushed out by January.

But he also vowed to use the opportunity to secure English votes for English laws, raising the prospect of Scottish MPs being excluded from voting on English-only matters – a key demand of many Conservatives.

The Prime Minister said: 'We have heard the voice of Scotland - and now the millions of voices of England must also be heard.

'The question of English votes for English laws – the so-called West Lothian question –requires a decisive answer.

'So, just as Scotland will vote separately in the Scottish Parliament on their issues of tax, spending and welfare so too England, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland, should be able to vote on these issues and all this must take place in tandem with, and at the same pace as, the settlement for Scotland.'

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was in Edinburgh this morning where he enjoyed a celebratory breakfast with Scottish Liberal Democrat campaigners

Labour leader Ed Miliband today welcomed Scotland's decision to remain as part of the UK, but said now it is time to 'change our country'

Young 'Yes' supporters take a nap on their Saltires as the long night wears on

Tory chief whip Michael Gove told Sky News that Mr Cameron would fulfil his promise of extra powers for Scotland - but that the rest of Britain would need 'enhanced' rights too.

'I think he will be anxious to ensure that after this referendum campaign, we can bring the United Kingdom together,' he said.

'That means of course recognising that Scotland needs enhanced devolution and there has been an effort to ensure Scotland gets additional powers for its Parliament.'

But, he said, the rest of the UK - the 'majority of the United Kingdom', as he called it - needed its rights enhanced too and 'English voters' had to be protected.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said he was '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 ever could be apart.'

But he said the campaign had also led to demand for constitutional reform in England as well.

'So this referendum marks not only a new chapter for Scotland within the UK but also wider constitutional reform across the Union,' he added.

Labour leader Ed Miliband called for moves to 'change the country' after securing the Union.

He said: 'The last few weeks have been about keeping our country together. The next eight months are about how we change our country together.

'We need a party that can speak for the whole of the United Kingdom, for every part of the United Kingdom, for every set of people in the United Kingdom.

'There is a party that can do that and that's the Labour Party.

'This is our responsibility in the months ahead. Let us be able to tell our children, to tell our grandchildren, that we did not just keep our country together, we changed our country together.'

Contrasting scenes show the agony and ectasy seen across the nation as the results confirmed a victory for the union

Dejected 'Yes' supporters trudge away after listening to Alex Salmond's early morning speech

A beautiful sunrise turns the sky pink above the statue of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn hails a new dawn for Scotland

Scottish Labour MP Douglas Alexander told Sky News: 'I've never been more proud of my nation'.

He added: 'There needs to start today a process of reconciliation. Our challenge is to bring our nation together and bring our nation forward.'

He said Westminster now had to 'listen carefully' not to the victors but to those who had voted Yes, because they had a 'legitimate interest' in Scotland's fortunes.

Sir Malcolm Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon, said: 'The point about this area is that it's Alex Salmond's backyard and his basic proposition has been overwhelmingly rejected here in Aberdeenshire, which I think will have implications.'

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael hit out at the Yes campaign which had been 'quite in your face'. He told Sky News: 'I have had people coming to me on the doorstep and in the streets saying, whispering almost, 'I'm voting No, I'm on your side'.

'What we have got now is a timetable that makes it clear the extra powers we all know the Scottish Parliament needs to finish the process of devolution, which then unlocks the door to constitutional reform across the whole of the United Kingdom, will definitely be delivered.'

But Scottish Socialist Party spokesman Colin Fox, a key figure in Yes Scotland, said tonight's result looks likely to be 'independence deferred'.

Turnout in many parts of Scotland has been very high, with some traditionally Tory areas thought to have hit as much as 97 per cent. Early results showed turnout in Orkney was 83.7 per cent, Renfrewshire was 87.3 per cent and in Clackmannanshire it hit 88.6 per cent.

The Shetland Islands voted No by 9,951 votes to 5,669, as there were rumours Edinburgh had voted No by more than 60 per cent.

Mr Salmond's political career has built to this moment, but the fate of his nationalist dream appears to have been sealed by a late surge in support for the No campaign.

He was all smiles on the campaign trail on Thursday, posing for selfies and even kissing dogs in his Aberdeenshire constituency.

As counting continued, Mr Salmond tweeted: 'This has been a remarkable day. Scotland's future truly is in Scotland's hands.'

But with early indications suggesting the No vote - which has been ahead in almost every opinion poll of the campaign - was on course for victory, SNP aides pulled the plug on the visit.

'No' supporters celebrate their win over the 'Yes' campaign at the Royal Highland centre. But Scottish Socialist Party spokesman Colin Fox, a key figure in Yes Scotland, said tonight's result looks likely to be 'independence deferred'

Pro-union supporters dance the night away as months of hard work yields a victory

A 'Yes' supporter comforts his heartbroken friend after the result became apparent. Salmond called on Westminster to speed through devolved powers

In the first result of the Scottish independence referendum, Clackmannanshire voted No by a margin of 19,036 to 16,350, or 54 per cent to 46 per cent.

It was quickly followed by Orkney, seen as a solid No area, which backed the union by 10.004 to 4,883, or 67 per cent to 33 per cent.

Mr Salmond quickly returned to Edinburgh under the cover of darkness, amid speculation that he will come under pressure to resign.

Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords Jim Wallace said: 'Never write Alex (Salmond) off... it's not for me to say what he should do.

'He'll have some hard thinking to do. I think he will be in a difficult position - he has led his troops to the top of the hill, it's difficult to march them down again.'

Last night Buckingham Palace said the Queen was following the results 'closely', with senior aides expected to meet from 1am to discuss her official response to the verdict of the people of Scotland, likely to involve a written statement this afternoon.

Former Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, the Lib Dem MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, told Sky News: 'We have become a divided nation and we will need quickly to heal those wounds and get on with politicians in Scotland, of all parties, making sure we calm the temperature and I hope channel the energy we have got from people across the country to make Scotland a changed and better place.'

Each council area announced the total number of votes cast for Yes and No, which were then collated at the national count HQ at Royal Highland Centre near Edinburgh Airport.

The referendum campaign has produced one of the most astonishing campaigns in British political history.

Former Labour Chancellor Mr Darling, who led the Better Together campaign, has clashed with Mr Salmond across the country.

But in recent days Mr Darling has been overshadowed by the emergence of Gordon Brown as the prize fighter in the battle for the Union.

The length and breadth of the country, the debate has dominated TV talk shows, radio phone-ins, dinner table chat and seemingly every conversation in pubs, taxis, shops and schools.

Mr Salmond's political career has built to this moment, but the fate of his nationalist dream appears to have been sealed by a late surge in support for the No campaign

In the first result of the Scottish independence referendum, Clackmannanshire voted No by a margin of 19,036 to 16,350, or 54 per cent to 46 per cent

Macey Hadingham had her face painted in honour of yesterday's historic independence referendum

For the first time, 16 and 17-year-olds were given the vote, leading to the bizarre spectacle of youngsters in their school uniforms arriving at polling stations to give their answer to the question: 'Should Scotland be an independent country?'

However, the campaign has caused deep divisions, with whole communities, families and even married couples disagreeing about what is right for them and for the country.

And there were threats aimed at political opponents, with the Yes campaign accused of trying to intimidate people opposed to independence into changing their vote or keeping quiet.

Graffiti was scrawled outside some polling stations, warning: 'Vote yes… or else.'

Marie Rimmer, who had been on St Helens council in Merseyside for more than three decades, was arrested and charged with assault as she campaigned against Scottish independence at a polling station in Glasgow.

Rimmer, 67, a former leader of St Helens council in Merseyside, was arrested this afternoon after a woman was allegedly assaulted near Shettleston Community Centre in Glasgow.

The centre, in the city's Amulree Street, was being used as a polling station for people to cast their votes in the Scottish independence referendum.

Rimmer is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

A police spokeswoman said: 'Police Scotland can confirm that a 67-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged assault on a female following an incident at Shettleston Community Centre in Amulree Street, Glasgow, around 1pm today. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.'

After leading in the polls for month, the No camp saw their lead dramatically eroded over a couple of weeks in August, as Labour voters in particular swung behind separation.

Former PM Gordon Brown became one of the standout fighters for the Union.

After belatedly joining the battle, and suspending hostilities with Mr Darling after their friendship was destroyed by their time in government, Mr Brown attended dozens of meetings and rallies.

In Glasgow on Wednesday morning, he roared into life to give the speech of the campaign urging voters to have the 'confidence' to say No to independence.

He invoked the two World Wars in a dramatic appeal to the 'silent majority', adding: 'What we created together, let no nationalist split asunder.'

Cheers! No supporters clink glasses as the victory of the Better Together campaign became apparent. More than 4.2million people were able to vote in the referendum, including 16 and 17-year-olds for the first time

The disappointment of the night was etched on the face of Yes supporters at the Edinburgh count in Ingliston (left) while in Glasgow it was all smiles for No campaigners

There were glum faces among Yes campaigns at the referendum count in Dingwall as news of the early results emerged, putting the No campaign ahead

Dour-looking 'Yes' supporters watch as the Scottish Independence Referendum results roll in in Edinburgh. Salmond's dream looks like it's over

As the hours trickled on a large crowd remained outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, with painted faces, Saltires and large Yes placards

Yes supporters jumped in the fountains outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, despite the initial results going against them

With counting underway in the historic independence referendum, Yes supporters gathered in George Square in Scotland burning flares and chanting songs

A No supporter was held back by police as he joined the party atmosphere at George Square, where prospects for the Yes campaign looked bleak

There was a smattering of arrests in central Glasgow - the hub of the Yes campaigners, but with a slightly lower turnout at 75 per cent

As the first results began to pour in, Yes campaigners staked out George Square and climbed onto the historic monuments to savour the moment

Too early for fireworks? Yes supporters celebrated the closing of the polls in George Square but there were early indications that the No campaign may have won the day

Pro-independence campaigners rally in Glasgow's George Square to hear the outcome of the referendum vote. The crowds were waving Saltires and burning flares - but some were arrested amid ugly scenes

Dundee was the first area to vote Yes, by 57% to 43%, but No is still ahead on the total number of votes cast. Voters rally in Glasgow's George Square to hear the outcome of the referendum vote

Business leaders have warned of higher costs in an independent Scotland, shops predicted prices would rise, banks vowed to move their headquarters south and economists forecast economic collapse.

But Mr Salmond repeatedly argued Scotland's future should be in 'Scotland's hands', and saw support rise after declaring independence would put an end to Tory rule from Westminster forever.

Mr Cameron urged voters not to use the referendum to 'give the effing Tories a kick', but came under fire for not being seen more in Scotland.

During the last weekend of campaigning, the Prime Minister was pictured at a society wedding in Hampshire.

But on Monday night, in a speech in Aberdeen, Mr Cameron appeared close to tears as he pleased with voters: 'Please don't break this family apart.'

Throughout the campaign, men had been more likely to support independence, while women were more cautious and wanted to preserve the Union.

Among Scots living in Scotland, the split has been 50:50, while a majority of people born elsewhere but living in Scotland wanted to stay in the UK.

Bookies say millions of pounds have been bet on the result. William Hill said one customer who put £900,000 on a No vote now stands to collect £1,093,333.33.

As the polls narrowed 10 days ago, Westminster leaders rushed to promise ever greater powers to Scotland in a bid to persuade them to reject independence.

But it sparked calls for greater devolution to England to redress unfairness in tax and spending across the border. Transport minister Claire Perry became the first minister to break ranks to attack the 'goodies' offered to Holyrood to see off a 'Yes' vote.

It comes after the Mr Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg signed a joint declaration promising to protect Scotland's spending deal and give its Government extra powers to spend and raise taxes.

The huge crowds began to form as the final opinion poll of the campaign suggested the No campaign is on course to win by 54 per cent, with Yes on 46 per cent

People as young as 16 have been allowed to vote in the reaction, and the party atmosphere in George Square was a testament to the youth turnout

As the crowds waved flags in Glasgow, it emerged David Cameron will use a TV broadcast on Friday morning to address the nation on the state of the Union

Not all the celebrations in Glasgow's George Square were peaceful as one man was led away by the police after trouble flared at the lively demonstration

Ms Perry said she expected MPs to be recalled to Parliament next week whatever the outcome of today's referendum to discuss the implications for the rest of the country.

She is the highest-profile Tory yet to attack the last-ditch 'Devo Max' pledge. Writing in her local newspaper, Ms Perry said: 'Cool, calm analysis, not promises of financial party bags to appease Mr Salmond, are what is needed from tomorrow and onwards.

'I am expecting Parliament to be recalled next week to understand the result of any proposed settlement.'

She said a No vote could result in 'a whole raft of goodies on offer for Scotland that will be paid for by us south of the border to try to appease the Yes voters'.

Cllr David Sparks, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: 'The Scottish referendum campaign has shown that public trust in the old ways of central control has been shattered beyond repair.

'The devolution genie is out of the bottle. The new powers that Scotland will now receive must be given to local areas in England and Wales. The appetite for devolution does not stop at the border and the rest of the UK will not be content to settle for the status quo.'

One volunteer counting ballot papers last night, shows signs of fatigue as she separates the Yes and No votes at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh

Referendum results are posted for the media at the Scottish Independence Referendum Count Collation Event, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston in Edinburgh

A volunteer counts ballot papers. There were allegations of 10 electoral fraud cases in Glasgow as voters 'turn up to polling station to find they had already voted'

What's all this about then? One very young fan of democracy got to witness the count in Glasgow's Emirates Arena, the largest of the 32 counting centres in the country

That's a lot of votes! Turnout in the first areas to report hit almost 90 per cent as thousands of Scots who have never voted pushed to make their voice heard

Something to keep them going: Counting staff were well-stocked with sweets as they made sure they had caught every paper to be counted in Aberdeen

Staff being sorting postal votes in the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh (pictured) where all the results from across Scotland are being collated throughout the night

Vast: The first ballot boxes begin to arrive last night at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, the largest of the 32 counting centres where 4million votes were to be processed

The question for 4.2million voters at Scotland's more than 5,000 polling stations was: 'Should Scotland be an independent country?'

ANDY MURRAY WILL STILL REPRESENT TEAM GB DESPITE SUPPORTING SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE After keeping a dignified silence for years, Andy Murray shocked fans by announcing his support of the Yes campaign for Scottish Independence hours before polling stations opened yesterday morning. Addressing his 2.71million Twitter followers, the athlete from Dunblane near Stirling said he had been 'swayed' by the 'negativity' of the Better Together campaign. He wrote: 'Huge day for Scotland today! no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. excited to see the outcome. lets do this!' The tennis ace, pictured with his Gold and Silver Medals at the London 2012 Olympics in which he represented Great Britain said he will continue playing for the UK despite announcing his support of independence Murray's surprise public support for 'Yes' sparked a furious reaction – with many seeing it as a betrayal after years of support from British fans at Wimbledon, the Olympics and the Davis Cup. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline as the results of the referendum trickled in last night, the 27-year-old said his opinion 'did not matter' because he is no longer a resident of Scotland. 'I've followed pretty much everything about it over the last two weeks, and especially in the last few days and that's how I felt at the time. 'It's not my decision, I can't vote, it's for the Scottish people to decide and I trust them to make the right decision. 'I will support whatever the outcome is. Regardless of how it goes I think it's very important for everyone to come together and stick together afterwards.' He added he would continue to represent Great Britain at international sporting events. 'I will be playing for Great Britain in the Davis Cup next year, that is for sure, I will be there in March. As far as I'm concerned the vote doesn't change anything in that regard.' In 2006 the tennis ace sparked outrage after telling an interviewer he would support 'anyone but England' when watching football. The comment led to a tirade of online abuse, with some critics going as far as to say they wish Murray had been killed in the 1998 Dunblane Massacre which claimed the lives of 16 children and their teacher. Police investigated the sustained abuse which was also directed towards the athlete's mother, Judy Murray. Advertisement

'Millions of English voices' must now be heard: PM's speech in full

Prime Minister David Cameron said 'millions of English voices' must now be heard as he addressed the nation in the wake of the Scottish referendum result

'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.

'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.

'Let us remember first why we had this debate and why it was right to do so. The Scottish National Party was elected in Scotland in 2011 and promised a referendum on independence.

'We could have tried to block that, we could have tried to put it off but just as with other big issues it is right to take and not to duck the big decision.

'I am a passionate believer in our United Kingdom and I wanted more than anything for our United Kingdom to stay together.

'But I am also a democrat and it was right that we respected the SNP's majority in Holyrood and gave the Scottish people the right to have their say.

'Let us also remember why it was right to ask the definitive question 'Yes or No'.

'Because now the debate has been settled for a generation, or as Alex Salmond has said: 'Perhaps for a lifetime'.

'So there 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'.

'We now have a chance, a great opportunity to change the way the British people are governed and change it for the better.

'Political leaders on all sides of the debate now bear a heavy responsibility to come together and work constructively, to advance the interests of people in Scotland as well as those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for each and every citizen of our United Kingdom.

'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.

'And I can announce today that Lord Smith of Kelvin, who so successfully led Glasgow's Commonwealth Games, has agreed to oversee the process to take forward these devolution commitments, the powers over tax spending and welfare, all agreed by November, and draft legislation published by January.

'Just as the people of Scotland will have more powers of their affairs, so it follows that the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have a bigger say over theirs.

'The rights of these voters need to be respected, preserved and enhanced. It is absolutely right that the new and fair settlement for Scotland should be accompanied by a new and fair settlement that applies to all parts of our United Kingdom.

'In Wales there are proposals to give the Welsh Government and Assembly more powers and I want Wales to be at the heart of the debate on how to make the United Kingdom work for all our nations.

'In Northern Ireland we must work to ensure that the devolved institutions function effectively. But I have long believed that a crucial part missing from this national discussion is England.

'We have heard the voice of Scotland and now the millions of voices of England must also be heard. The question of English votes for English laws, the so-called West Lothian question, requires a decisive answer so just as Scotland will vote separately in the Scottish Parliament on their issues on tax, spending and welfare, so too England as well as Wales and Northern Ireland should be able to vote on these issues.

'And all this must take place in tandem with and at the same pace as the settlement for Scotland.

'I hope this is going to take place on a cross-party basis, I've asked William Hague to draw up these plans. We will set up a Cabinet committee right away and proposals will also be ready for the same timetable. I hope the Labour Party and other parties will contribute.

'It is also important that we have wider civic engagement about how to improve governance throughout our United Kingdom, including how to empower our great cities, and we will say more about this in the coming days.

'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. Record numbers registered to vote and record numbers cast their vote. We should all be proud of that.

'It has reminded us how fortunate we are that we are able to settle these vital issues at the ballot box peacefully and calmly.

'Now we must look forward and turn this into the moment when everyone, whichever way they voted, comes together to build that better, brighter future for our entire United Kingdom.'

Glum Alex Salmond flees Aberdeenshire as the fate of Scottish independence is sealed - with a defeat on his home turf

First Minister Alex Salmond was pictured looking despondent early this morning as the fate of Scottish independence was sealed.

Mr Salmond was seen arriving at Aberdeen International airport in the back of the Skoda saloon car at around 2.30am looking glum as the first two results - Orkney and Clackmannashire - came out with No votes.

The final results showed the First Minister was convincingly defeated in his own constituency, with 108,606 votes backing the No campaign in Aberdeenshire, compared to 71,337 Yes votes.

In nearby Aberdeen the picture was no better for the nationalist leader, 84,094 votes for No, 59,390 for Yes.

Ashen-faced First Minister Alex Salmond looked miserable as he was driven through a side gate at Aberdeen airport tonight, before boarding a private jet

Mr Salmond had spent the day campaigning in his Aberdeenshire stronghold, but as it emerged even in his backyard voters have rejected independence, he went to ground amid speculation he could be forced to resign after failing to deliver on his dream of separation

Mr Salmond's home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire was cloaked in darkness as he contemplated his own future in the wake of the referendum result

The First Minister was whisked through a side gate onto the airfield to a waiting private jet.

It had been expected for Mr Salmond to appear up at the Aberdeenshire count - his home turf as MSP for Aberdeenshire East - once the polls had closed at 10pm.

However, he failed to appear at Aberdeen Exhibiton and Conference Centre amid speculation that he had cancelled his appearance as rumours of a defeat of the Yes campaign spread.

SNP aides later denied that Mr Salmond had been scheduled to appear at the Aberdeenshire count.

The night even Salmond's own people turned against him: How voters in the SNP leader's constituency rejected independence as he fled the region in a private jet - and now locals say he could lose his seat in Parliament

By HUGO GYE in Aberdeen

Welcome home: A jubilant No supporter at the Aberdeenshire vote count, in the constituency Alex Salmond represents in the Scottish Parliament

Last night was supposed to be Alex Salmond's greatest triumph - but in the end, he was roundly defeated even in his own backyard, as a planned 'victory rally' turned into a unionist fiesta.

The First Minister was expected to grace the Aberdeenshire vote count with his presence on his way to Edinburgh, in what would have been an early celebration of Scottish independence in the event of Yes verdict.

But when it became clear that voters had rejected the break-up of the Union, Mr Salmond sloped off in secret to Aberdeen Airport to catch a private jet - while Yes supporters slumped disconsolate at the sidelines of the event which he had belatedly snubbed.

Even though his term as First Minister has nearly two years to run his political future in the area now looks in some doubt after more than three-fifths of his own Aberdeenshire constituents turned against him.

A local grandee suggested this morning that Mr Salmond might fail to defend his seat at the 2016 Holyrood election, which if true could bring his political career to a humiliating end.

Members of the First Minister's Scottish National Party started trying to spin the result even before it was officially announced, with one claiming that Aberdeenshire would always be a 'big challenge' - despite Mr Salmond's record of success in the area.

And when it was revealed shortly before 6am today that No had taken 60.3 per cent of the referendum vote in Aberdeenshire, it was the unionist side that erupted into screams of joy, while nationalists stood in stony silence.

The SNP leader won his Aberdeenshire East seat in the Scottish Parliament by a margin of more than 15 per cent just three years ago, and the region was considered crucial to Mr Salmond's efforts to craft a national majority for Yes.

His party is strong in the area, with one MP, three MSPs and 27 councillors - and their main local rivals are the Liberal Democrats, discredited in the eyes of many due to their Coalition with the Conservatives in Westminster.

Mr Salmond voted in the morning in his home village of Strichen, an hour north of Aberdeen, then visited a number of towns in the area in a last-ditch effort to win over the region.

His aides had promised that he would appear at the local count, at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, before flying on to Edinburgh for the Yes Scotland victory rally.

So it was a significant hint that Mr Salmond was fearing the worse when, just an hour and a half after the polls closed, a spokesman for the First Minister revealed that he would not be turning up after all - and tried to suggest that he had never been planning to attend at all.

News of his non-attendance spread quickly through the room, and was seen by observers as a sign that Mr Salmond had privately given up hope of achieving his dream of independence following the publication of an exit poll giving No an eight-point lead.

Instead, SNP sources claimed, he was enjoying a meal out in Strichen and an evening at home - even though there was no sign of him in the village all night, and he was eventually spotted boarding a private plane from Aberdeen Airport to Edinburgh at 3am.

Contrast: Supporters of the Better Together campaign were celebrating throughout the night at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre

At the start of the evening, the AECC hall was full of both Yes and No supporters helping to supervise the count, but many of Mr Salmond's followers beat a hasty retreat by the time that the main count was finished, while No voters stayed to enjoy the atmosphere.

Before long, the few Yes campaigners left were huddled in a small group, some slumped in their chairs, as their opponents cheered as council after council declared for No.

Sir Malcolm Bruce, a Lib Dem MP who has represented Gordon for 31 years, suggested that Mr Salmond's political career in the area could be finished after his dismal showing there.

'Will Alex Salmond defend his seat here? The hostility and resentment on the doorstep is extremely strong,' he told MailOnline shortly before the official result was announced.

'He has run away. He's utterly failed to persuade people in his own back yard of the case for independence. He's failed to connect with his own constituents, or inspire them.'

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson tried to put a brave face on the defeat, bizarrely insisting that he had always expected to lose in the area - despite Mr Salmond's plans to appear at the count - because Aberdeenshire was too rich to vote for independence.

Poll: Volunteers in the First Minister's constituency counted the vote for hours before the result was announced

'It's clear that across Scotland there's a very tight correlation between the votes for No and the economic income and in areas that are not doing so well, they've been voting for Yes,' Mr Stevenson said.

'We always knew that Aberdeenshire would be a big challenge, but the challenge now is for the No campaign to deliver on the big promises that the three UK party leaders made.'

Eilidh Whiteford, a local SNP MP, added: 'Expectations in Aberdeenshire were never going to be that stellar. We always realised that if you win Aberdeenshire, you're going to win everywhere.'

Speaking in Edinburgh today, Mr Salmond was typically defiant as he called on Westminster politicians to honour their promises of more devolved powers for Scotland.

But 120 miles away in Aberdeen, at the count he abandoned, the mood was totally against him as revellers waved the Union flag and hugged each other.