All The Highlights And Lows Of 2014

From the outset, 2014 was always going to be a year like no other for Scotland. Dominated by the independence referendum, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, it was, however, the fate of a missing three-year-old Edinburgh boy that captured the nation in January, with the smiling face of Mikaeel Kular one of the most enduring images of the year. His disappearance and death at the hands of his mother Rosdeep Kular sounded a note of tragedy that was to echo through the year. In February, MSPs voted in favour of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill, paving the way for same-sex weddings to take place. Scottish Government plans for a currency union between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK were dealt a major blow as all three of the main UK parties insisted they would not sign up to such a deal. On a visit to Edinburgh, Chancellor George Osborne declared: ''If Scotland walks away from the UK, it walks away from the UK pound.David Bowie waded into the debate at the Brit awards, issuing the plea:Scotland, stay with us.'' March brought the death at a high-security psychiatric hospital of Theresa Riggi, a mother who killed her three children at their Edinburgh home. In April the nation mourned the passing of veteran politician Margo McDonald, with tributes flowing in for the charismatic and respected MSP. First Minister Alex Salmond opened the last SNP conference before the referendum, telling activists in Aberdeen that his party could achieve ''freedom'' for Scotland. In May Edinburgh's long-awaited tram system rolled into action while disaster struck Glasgow School of Art as fire swept through the Charles Rennie Mackintosh building, destroying the iconic library. Three people were killed in an accident at the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders, prompting a review of motorsport safety. June saw a surprise intervention in the referendum debate from US president Barack Obama, who called for a strong, robust and united'' UK. All eyes were on Glasgow in July as the Commonwealth Games opened in a swirl of dancing Tunnock's teacakes and Scottie dogs. Sports fans from around the world soaked up the atmosphere - and the sun - at thebest-ever'' Games, with the home team notching up 53 medals. World's fastest man Usain Bolt broke with apparent consensus to reportedly declare the Glasgow Games a bit s**t'' - a comment he later denied. August began on a sombre note as commemorative events were held across Scotland to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. After the hiatus of the Games, the looming independence vote returned to dominate the news. A live television debate between Better Together chairman Alistair Darling and First Minister Alex Salmond saw the former triumph as he ratcheted up the pressure over the economy. There was light relief as both men accepted a challenge from actor James McAvoy to take the ice bucket challenge sweeping social media. The tables were turned at the end of the month when Mr Salmond scored a decisive victory over his rival in the second televised debate. A shock YouGov poll in the first week of September putting the independence campaign narrowly ahead pitched both campaigns into overdrive. Former prime minister Gordon Brown thundered onto the stage, announcing a fast-track timetable for further devolution in the event of a No vote. David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg abandoned Westminster to travel to Scotland and campaign for the union. Days before the vote, they pledged in a vow in the Daily Record that further powers would be delivered if Scots rejected independence. On September 18, more than 3.6 million people went to the polls, with the 85% turnout setting a new record for any election held in the UK. After two years of debate, Scotland voted against becoming an independent country by 55% to 45%. Within hours of defeat, Alex Salmond announced his intention to step down while David Cameron pledged to deliver on the vow, sparking immediate controversy by linking it to English votes for English laws. Attention turned again to sport and the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, where Europe triumphed over the US. September was also marked by loss when Scottish aid worker David Haines was beheaded in the Syrian desert by IS militants. Politics continued to dominate October with Johann Lamont's resignation as leader of Scottish Labour sending a shockwave through the party. In November the families of Helen Scott and Christine Eadie finally received justice when serial killer Angus Sinclair was sentenced to 37 years for raping and strangling the 17-year-olds after a night out at the World's End pub on Edinburgh's Royal Mile in 1977. Nicola Sturgeon was appointed as Scotland's first female First Minister and leader of the SNP, a party boosted by tens of thousands of new members after the referendum. The Smith Commission, set up to deliver on the promise of more devolution for Scotland, delivered its recommendations, which included the transfer of the power to set income tax rates and bands. Gordon Brown announced at the start of December that he would stand down as an MP at next year's general election, with Alex Salmond confirming his intention to stand for Westminster days later. Scottish Labour's search for a new leader reached a conclusion, with victor Jim Murphy MP pledging a new start for the party. In sport, Rangers faced fresh controversy as Ally McCoist left as manager. Scotland's momentous year ended in shock and sadness as six people were killed when a bin lorry careered out of control in Glasgow city centre. Erin McQuade, 18, and her grandparents 68-year-old Jack and 69-year-old Lorraine Sweeney, all from Dumbarton, died in the accident. Primary school teacher Stephenie Tait, 29, and tax worker Jacqueline Morton, 51, both from Glasgow, and Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, were also killed when the council truck mounted the pavement before crashing into the side of the Millennium Hotel in George Square. On December 29 it was announced that a female health worker, who had just returned from Sierra Leone, had been diagnosed with Ebola. She was initially treated in isolation in Glasgow before being transferred to the Royal Free Hospital in London.