Kingdom reunited after Scotland’s independence vote

There was relief and celebration after Scotland's bid for independence was shut down by the majority.

Prime Minister David Cameron was given a fright so he's promised more power and attention to the Scottish people.

"We now have a chance to change the way British people are governed," he said.

Alex Salmond led the fight to break free from Britain but in the end he had to concede it wasn't enough.

"It's important to say that our referendum was an agreed and consented process and Scotland has by a majority decided not, at this stage, to become an independent country," he told a rally in Edinburgh. 

Throughout the night his followers kept the faith until word came through in the early morning.

Scotland's bid for independence galvanised the nation as a record turnout voted on its future.

But there were too many concerns about jobs and healthcare if Scotland chose to go it alone.

Now the country has to heal after the referendum exposed great and bitter divisions.

The independence movement may have halted for now but it’s woken up Scotland’s southern neighbour and that in itself is a victory.

At count centres across Scotland, there were loud cheers and clapping from smiling "No" campaigners, with some unfurling the British Union Jack flag.

In a tweet after the BBC called the result, Mr Cameron said simply that he had spoken to the leader of the "No" campaign, Alistair Darling, "and congratulated him on a well-fought campaign".

Millions of Scots had turned out to vote, with queues snaking outside polling stations, a level of interest reflecting a campaign that has sparked fevered debate.