On 18 September 2014, Scots went to the polls to answer a single, momentous question: should Scotland be an independent country? After a long and passionate campaign, the country chose to remain part of the United Kingdom – but the Scottish independence referendum energised the nation, drew a record turnout, and reshaped Scottish politics for years to come. This is a balanced look at one of the most significant days in modern Scottish history.
Key facts: the 2014 independence referendum
- Date: 18 September 2014
- The question: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’
- Result: No 55% (around 2 million votes) to Yes 45% (around 1.6 million)
- Turnout: About 85%, one of the highest in modern democratic history
- Voting age: Lowered to 16 for the first time in a major UK vote
- Agreed by: The Edinburgh Agreement of 2012 between the UK and Scottish governments
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How the referendum came about
The reopening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 gave new momentum to debates about Scotland's constitutional future. When the Scottish National Party won a majority at Holyrood in 2011, it had a clear mandate to hold a referendum on independence. The UK and Scottish governments agreed the terms in the Edinburgh Agreement of 2012, setting the stage for a legal, decisive vote.
Two competing visions
The campaign offered Scots a genuine choice between two futures. The Yes side, led by First Minister Alex Salmond and the wider Yes Scotland movement, argued that only independence would let Scotland make all its own decisions, manage its own resources and build the country its people wanted. The No side, campaigning as Better Together and supported by the main UK parties, argued that Scotland was stronger and more secure within the United Kingdom, sharing its economy, currency and institutions. Debate ranged across the economy, oil revenues, currency, defence, pensions and Scotland's place in Europe, and engaged ordinary people to a remarkable degree.
A record turnout
Public interest was extraordinary. Around 85% of eligible voters took part – one of the highest turnouts ever recorded in a democratic vote – and for the first time 16- and 17-year-olds were allowed to vote. When the results came in, Scotland had voted to remain in the United Kingdom by 55% to 45%. The margin was clear, but so was the strength of feeling on both sides.
A lasting impact
Although independence was not carried, the referendum changed Scotland. It brought a surge in political engagement and party membership, led to further powers being devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and kept the constitutional question firmly at the centre of Scottish life in the years that followed. Whatever side they were on, most agreed that 18 September 2014 was a day when Scotland's voice was heard loud and clear.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Scottish independence referendum?
It was held on 18 September 2014.
What was the result?
Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom by 55% to 45%, on a turnout of around 85%.
What was the question on the ballot?
Voters were asked: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ with a simple Yes or No answer.
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