As Scotland’s regions reported their decisions in a momentous independence referendum to the central counting operation in Edinburgh in the early hours of Friday morning, the “Yes” supporters’ mood grew ever more deflated.
The votes piled up in favour of staying with the United Kingdom. And when it became clear that the independence campaign’s dream was not to be realised, there were grim faces and tears on their side and whoops and cheers from the unionists.
The “No” vote opposing independence led from the start, with little Clackmannanshire reporting first at about 2 a.m.
A big official screen was set up in the counting hall in the Royal Highland Centre on the capital’s outskirts, but the decisions were beamed live direct from the regions on national television.
A moment of hope for the independence camp came when the city of Dundee voted in favour, drawing the sides neck-and-neck, but it was short-lived.
Though Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, voted “Yes”, a relatively low 75 percent turnout dented expectations of a big boost for the independence tally.
The people of Scotland have spoken! Seems that the pre-vote polls were accurate.