Western Isles votes NO
Voters have rejected independence in the Western Isles, one of the key Yes targets.
Yes 9,195 (46.58%) No 10,544 (53.42%) No maj 1,349 (6.83%) Electorate 22,908; Turnout 19,739 (86.17%)
Voters have rejected independence in the Western Isles, one of the key Yes targets.
The Yes campaign polled 9,195 votes (46.58%) to 10,544 for No (53.42%), a No majority of 1,349 (6.83%). The turnout was 19,739 (86.17%).
A jubilant Alasdair Morrison, former Labour MSP for the Western Isles, who led the No campaign, said after the result was announced: It was a resounding victory. It was a remarkable victory.
We have rejected the politics of grudge and grievance. We have heard in the last few weeks about the silent majority. That silent majority have spoken with an absolute resounding clarity in a seat which has a Nationalist MP and a Nationalist MSP.''
A crestfallen Alasdair Allan, the SNP MSP, said: I am disappointed at the result.''
But he added: I believe that whatever happens it is clear that there is a demand for more power in Scotland that cannot be put back in the bottle. A substantial number of people have spoken out for more power over their own affairs.''