Shetland says no to independence
Shetland has voted strongly in favour of maintaining the union.
With a record turnout of 84.4 per cent and with a total of 15,635 votes cast the breakdown was: No –9951 (63.7 per cent); Yes – 5669 (36.3). There were 15 rejected ballot papers.
Yes campaigner Brian Nugent, said he was hoping for more than 40 per cent for a yes vote. "Anything over that would be a good result," he said.
Mr Nugent thanked the 5,669 yes voters "who went for hope not fear".
"Better Together have made promises about extra powers across Scotland and in particular the promises made to Shetland."
It was time "to put up", he said.
He thanked the local Better Together campaigners for a "good-natured contest".
"In Shetland we have voted to remain in food bank Britain, in austerity Britain, with a Tory government ably supported by its Liberal accomplices," said Mr Nugent.
"See you in a few years when the people will demand we do this again."