The leaders of Scottish Labour and the Scottish Conservatives have condemned the scenes in Glasgow's George Square.

Speaking to the BBC's Reporting Scotland, Ms Lamont said she hoped order was restored "as soon as possible" while Ms Davidson said: "We don't want to be seeing scenes like that on our streets."

Yes campaigners and Loyalists who supported the Union have gathered in opposing protests in George Square in Glasgow, and it's fair to say the atmosphere is tense.

Glasgow was one of four local authorities in Scotland to vote in favour of independence in yesterday's referendum.

The others were Dundee, North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire.

First Minister Alex Salmond tweets, external: Heading home to Strichen. With love and thanks from Moira and I for all your kind messages of support.

Image source, Alex Salmond

This is the second time First Minister Alex Salmond has decided to stand down as SNP leader.

Image source, Reuters

He first won the leadership of the party in 1990 before stepping down in 2000. Scotland's now Finance Minister John Swinney then took charge before Mr Salmond assumed office again in 2004.

Cameron Buttle
BBC Scotland

The Loyalists have signs saying "Scotland is British". I see a flag that says Springburn/Derry Union up on the railings.

Another flag says "Scotland is British, No surrender". There is lots of shouting of "this is our country".

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney tells the BBC's Reporting Scotland that he respects Alex Salmond's decision to stand down.

He repeats Mr Salmond's view that the referendum is a "once in a generation opportunity" and says the SNP "will work make sure that the commitments made in the referendum" by the UK parties about more powers are kept.

"These have to be delivered and they have to be delivered within the timescale," he adds.

Cameron Buttle
BBC Scotland

There is definitely evidence of riot-trained police officers now coming in.

The trouble started very quickly with the charge from the Loyalist side. We believe it was a coordinated charge. It came from different parts of the square and different angles.

You could see flares going off in different directions. You could see people running in and they had concealed Union flags within their coats and jackets which they pulled out.

Cameron Buttle
BBC Scotland

I have been in George Square all day. It has ebbed and flowed, the crowd occasionally unpleasant, but about 20 minutes ago the atmosphere changed very noticeably.

What I would describe as a Loyalist crowd turned up with lots of Union flags. All day the Saltire has been in evidence.

There was a rush from the Loyalist side. Flares went up, the police came in, it all got very nasty for a while. the police have separated the crowds on either side of the square now.

@Scanwich tweets, external: the only thing that's made me feel guilty for voting no is @AlexSalmond resigning #indyref #whatnow

Protesters have let off flares at the gathering in Glasgow's George Square.

Both campaigns are chanting slogans in George Square in Glasgow. A few firecrackers have been set off by both sides. Police are present and are trying to keep protesters separated.

Here's another picture of the events at George Square.

This is the scene in Glasgow's George Square right now.

Crowds of "No" supporters and "Yes" supporters are being kept apart by police.

Mr Swinney said Alex Salmond had changed the political landscape.

He added: "The challenge for the next SNP leader and first minister will be to put the Westminster parties under pressure to deliver against the commitments that they made during the referendum campaign."

John Swinney said he wanted to make clear his "deep and profound appreciation" for what Alex Salmond did to get the party and the Yes movement to "this point".

Mr Swinney said: "He took us into government in 2007 when all the pundits said we couldn't do it. He won a majority in 2011 when absolutely every commentator said it was an impossibility and then he delivered an independence referendum which commanded 1.6 million votes for independence yesterday.

"Alex has earned the right to decide at what moment he wanted to stand down."

The Sunday Herald's Scottish Political Editor Tom Gordon, external: Pretty brutal farewell statement from @willie_rennie on Salmond: "He has exhausted his political purpose."

Finance Secretary John Swinney told BBC Scotland that Alex Salmond had delivered "astonishing gains" for the SNP and "astonishing improvements" for Scotland.

Mr Swinney, who was leader of the SNP before Mr Salmond, said: "I think that culminated in creating the opportunity for the people of Scotland to have the most engaged democratic decision we could have had about our future in the referendum yesterday, in which 85% of the public that were eligible to vote, participated. That was a great triumph for democracy and it was brought about by Alex Salmond."

Bookmakers have already priced Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as the odds-on favourite to become the next SNP leader.

Image source, Reuters

Ladbrokes have Ms Sturgeon at 1/4, with Humza Yousaf next in line at 8/1. Alex Neil, Derek Mackay and Mike Russell follow at 10/1, with John Swinney priced at 16/1.

William Hill is also offering odds - they price Ms Sturgeon at 1/3 and Mr Yousaf at 6/1.

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: "Alex Salmond has been a dominant figure in Scottish politics for over two decades.

"Whatever you think of his politics you cannot deny his political achievements. The longest serving first minister; the first party leader to secure a Scottish Parliament majority; delivering a referendum on independence and increasing popular support for it.

"His disappointment in not seeing the job through must be immense and, although a surprise to me, it is perhaps the right time for him to step aside as we now look to enhance Scottish devolution."

The Queen's statement from Balmoral concludes:

"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."