Day of destiny
Scots today took a first confident step towards independent nationhood. A huge majority has voted Yes to the first parliament in Edinburgh for nearly 300 years. There was no doubting the mood of the electorate. On a turnout of just over 60 per cent of voters, 74 per cent voted Yes to a devolved Scottish parliament and 67 per cent voted Yes to giving it tax varying powers.
In North Ayrshire, on a turnout of 63 per cent, 76 per cent voted Yes to the first question and 60 per cent voted Yes to the second. One peculiarity in the Arran vote was when the ballot boxes were loaded on to the helicopter to be taken to the Magnum Leisure Centre in Irvine, the helicopter could not take off. Four North Ayrshire staff were called in, with the local sergeant in attendance, and the votes were counted in Lamlash as midnight approached.