In pictures: Scottish independence referendum results

Poll clerk George MacKay sits in the Coulags caravan polling station, in the Scottish HighlandsCathal McNaughton/reuters

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.

First Minister Alex Salmond stops for photographers as he casts his vote in the referendum in Strichen, AberdeenshirePeter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

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

Debbie Ramsay, aged 24 and Gian Smith, aged eight, wait outside the Scottish ParliamentChristopher Furlong/Getty Images

The results were eagerly awaited by all ages.

Schoolgirl's referendum voteGetty Images

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

Gordon Brown votesPA

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

Supporters from the "No" Campaign sleep as they wait for the announcement of results, at the Better Together Campaign headquarters in GlasgowDylan Martinez/reuters

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

"Yes" supporters in George Square Scottish Independence Referendum, George Square, GlasgowRex Features

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.

A man dressed as Scottish cult TV character Rab C Nesbitt entertains the crowd at a "Yes" rally in George Square, GlasgowMark Runnacles/Getty Images

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

Ballots arrive to be counted at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference CentreROBERT PERRY/epa

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.

People wait for the result outside the Scottish Parliament in EdinburghChristopher Furlong/Getty Images

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

Pro-union supporters celebrate in GlasgowAndy Buchanan/AFP

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

"Yes" campaign supporters in George Square, Glasgow Lynne Cameron/PA

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

A supporter from the "Yes" Campaign reacts as she stands outside the Scottish Parliament in EdinburghRussell Cheyne/reuters

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

Pro-union supporters celebrate as Scottish independence referendum results are announcedAndy Buchanan/AFP

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

Pro-Union supporters celebrateAndy Buchanan/AFP

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

Scotland's First Minister, Alex SalmondRussell Cheyne/reuters

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.

Alistair Darling, leader of "No" campaignPeter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

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

Prime Minister David Cameron gives a press conference Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

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.