2014 Scottish independence referendum — vote on the independence of Scotland from the United Kingdom
Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom by 55.3% to 44.7%, with a record 84.6% turnout, the highest in the UK since 1910.
Key Facts
- No vote (against independence)
- 2,001,926 (55.3%)
- Yes vote (for independence)
- 1,617,989 (44.7%)
- Voter turnout
- 84.6%
- Total electorate
- ~4,300,000 people
- Minimum voting age
- 16 years
- Referendum date
- 18 September 2014
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following decades of devolution debate and the Scottish National Party's majority government in Holyrood, the Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013 was passed by the Scottish Parliament after an agreement between the Scottish Government and the UK Government, enabling a legally binding vote on independence.
On 18 September 2014, Scottish residents aged 16 and over voted on whether Scotland should become an independent country. The No campaign, led by Better Together, opposed independence, while the Yes campaign, led by Yes Scotland, argued for it. Key issues included currency, public spending, EU membership, and North Sea oil revenues.
The No side prevailed with 55.3% of the vote, keeping Scotland within the United Kingdom. The record turnout of 84.6% demonstrated significant public engagement. The result did not fully settle the independence question, and subsequent events, including the 2016 Brexit vote, reignited calls for a second referendum.
Political Outcome
The 'No' side won with 55.3% of the vote; Scotland remained part of the United Kingdom.