Scotland has rejected independence, leaving the centuries-old United Kingdom intact but paving the way for a major transfer of powers away from London.
Despite a surge in nationalist support in the final fortnight of the campaign, the "No" has secured 55.30 per cent of the vote against 44.70 per cent for the pro-independence "Yes" camp.
After a campaign that fired up separatist movements around the world, turnout was 84.6 per cent, officials said on Friday - the highest ever for an election in Britain.
"No" campaigners across Scotland cheered and hugged as the results came in and British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "delighted", adding: "It would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end."
