Scotland votes No: gransnetters' reactions

Whether you were hoping for a Yes or a No, there's no doubt that history was being made yesterday. Following an incredible 84% turnout, a credit to the democratic process, Scotland decided to remain a part of the UK. It seems that the passion with which both sides have fought, and the historic turnout have inspired many gransnetters to look to the future of UK politics with hope. For better participation, for better recognition of the people's will.

David Cameron praised the "strength and vitality of our ancient democracy", pledging new depths of devolution and announcing "a great opportunity to change the way that the British people are governed and change it for the better. We have delivered on devolution under this government and we will do so again in the next Parliament."

Alex Salmond also praised the campaign's effect on political engagement within Scotland, saying "we have touched sections of the community who have never before been touched by politics, these sections of the community have touched us and touched the political process."

Here are gransnetters' reactions to the news this morning.

The No votes

"United we stand, the people of Scotland have spoken. I am so pleased." Thistledoo

"Yes! It's a No! Changes ahead but I am so happy we are to remain together in the Union." Marmight

"I am so happy that you are not leaving us and hope that when all the blether dies down we can find a harmonious way forward to be together." Gagagran

"I for one am very pleased - we didn't want to lose you Scotland (well, I didn't)." moomin

"I am relieved it is all over. I feel so sorry for those who voted yes, but am pleased this small island is staying together." Crow

"Looks like England, Wales and Northern Ireland will gain from this too. I'm from Edinburgh and it was 61:39% No:Yes. I wasn't surprised as there are so many financial services/big businesses here. I was quite surprised at such similar percentages in the more rural areas. Oh well. Onwards! Good luck to all our friends in every country within the UK. Our UK." Jane10

"Thank goodness for that. I think a lot of us can heave a sigh of relief, and look forward to a brighter future together, Onwards and upwards for Team GB. YES!!!" nigglynellie

"I have hoped all along that Scotland wouldn't break off from the rest of us." willsandco

 "I am so pleased to hear the results. Living in the North East I have always felt closer to the Scottish than the South of England and would have been sad to see a split. Let's hope that Westminster can now look at the UK as a whole, and not just concentrate their efforts in and around London." gillybob 

The Yes votes

"Oh well - onwards and upwards, then! Wanted a Yes vote but the decision's been made and we can now all get on with moving on as a nation."

"Disappointed with the outcome, but hope the huge turnout will be a kickstart to future generations being actively involved in how they are governed. My region, North Lanarkshire, also recorded a Yes result. Ironically, the votes were counted at Ravenscraig, on the site of the former steelworks." Scooter58

"At the start of the campaign I would have voted No but towards the end it would have been yes... I disliked the behaviour of some big corporations and the various allegations that no one seemd able to verify re increased costs etc. It seemed that as Scotland was preparing to take a historic and serious decision regarding its future, politicians and some businesses adopted behaviours more suited to the playground. I saw this a good reason to rethink the issues and move to the yes camp." Grannybug

"There is anger on the Yes side but it is not directed at the people of England, nor at people who have decided to vote No. The anger has been occasioned by the broadcast and written media and politicians who have deliberately twisted, distorted, misrepresented statements and downright lied - not in the best interests of Scotland or the people who live here but for their own monetary and personal gain." Granny23

What now?

"I think we will thank Scotland for being the catalyst for starting massive change across the board, now that the promises made to secure a No vote have been heard. It would be good to see Westminster devolve many of its responsibilities to local and regional government and apply it fairly to each of the countries in the UK. With an election campaign looming, and the fantastic example of the 84.5% turnout to vote, perhaps we have all become more aware of what we want from the next government now." Whenim64

"I have always predicted that it would be a no. Now the real work begins - making the whole of the UK a more equal place to live and work and spreading political and financial power more effectively." Elegran

"The turnout was high, the result clear but the after effects will last a long time. The negative feelings towards England generated by some will take a long time to heal. I am glad that it's a No vote but there will be trouble ahead." Brendawymms

"Perhaps the trouble ahead you predict Brendawymms will be the whole of the UK stirring things up at Westminster for equality throughout the UK." Agus

"I think it is of no insignificance that where the vote was Yes in Scotland they were largely areas of greatest deprivation and where usually the vote participation in low. Those poorest will now feel let down, as they no doubt hoped for a brighter future in an Independent Scotland. The politicians must continue to speak to these people in order to ensure that their voice is heard in future." whitewave

"True, something has to be done in government now that they realise how unhappy people are. We have to stand up and be counted, not just spout off about it. And all ages, not just a select few. The turnout tonight has been fantastic. I, for one, am very happy that people seem to be pleased that their area has voted No." rubylady

"...I hope this has not made us all more suspicious, with the nations of the UK all squabbling over the not very large cake, each keeping an eye on his/her sibling to make sure they haven't got more than their fair share. We need to all pull together for the good of the family now." rosequartz

"As I said to a yes voter in Oban this morning, most of the No voters want changes that will bring more real democracy not only to Scotland but to other regions of the UK as well. It was never about nationalism for me. So, chin up and let's go for it!" thatbags

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