Saturday 20 September 2014
Video: Alex Salmond accepts defeat (ABC News)
Related Story: Scots urged to put aside 'deep divisions' after independence vote fails
Scotland's first minister and leader of the Scottish independence campaign Alex Salmond has announced he will resign as the leader of his party, after Scots rejected breaking away from the UK in the country's independence referendum.
He will also quit as the country's first minister, after the poll which saw 55 per cent of voters decide against independence.
"For me as leader my time is nearly over but for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream will never die," Mr Salmond told reporters in Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, dozens of rival Union and independence supporters gathered in the centre of Glasgow, where they had to be separated by police.
A police spokeswoman say there were about 100 people in each of the two groups with some "minor disorder" reported.
Mr Salmond said he would not accept the nomination as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) at an annual conference in November and that he would then resign as first minister.
"After the membership ballot I will stand down as first minister to allow the new leader to be elected," he said.
Photo: "Minor disorder" broke out amongst pro-independence and pro-union protestors during a demonstration at George Square in Glasgow. (Reuters: Cathal McNaughton)
Mr Salmond said it had been "the privilege of my life" to serve as the head of the Scottish regional government.
"I think that party, parliament and country would benefit from new leadership," he said.
On Twitter, SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to Mr Salmond, calling him the "finest first minister Scotland has had".
"Alex Salmond's achievements as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister are second to none," she said.
"He led the SNP into government and has given our country a renewed self confidence."
More than 80 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots in the Scottish referendum vote.
Cameron's cross-party serenade
In wake of Scotland's No vote, the nation waits to see how Cameron's promises of greater independence will be upheld.Mr Salmond earlier praised the people who voted "yes" as he conceded defeat, a sentiment he echoed in a statement released after announcing his decision to resign.
"I am immensely proud of the campaign which 'Yes Scotland' fought and of the 1.6 million voters who rallied to that cause by backing an independent Scotland," he said.
"I am also proud of the 85 per cent turnout in the referendum and the remarkable response of all of the people of Scotland who participated in this great constitutional debate and the manner in which they conducted themselves."
UK will respect referendum outcome: Queen
In an official message following the referendum result, Queen Elizabeth II said she would do everything to build a strong future for Scotland.
"For many in Scotland and elsewhere today, there will be strong feelings and contrasting emotions – among family, friends and neighbours. That, of course, is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country," she said.
"Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all."
The Queen said she had no doubt Scots, as well as others throughout the United Kingdom, would come together in a "spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland" and the rest of the UK.
"My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task," she said.
AFP and Reuters
