Scotland decides
On 18 September 2014, Scotland voted in a referendum on whether to become an independent country. The question on the ballot paper was simple: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" After the most intense political campaign in modern Scottish history, the result was 55.3% No to 44.7% Yes, on a turnout of 84.6% — the highest for any UK election or referendum since the introduction of universal suffrage.
The referendum was the culmination of decades of growing support for Scottish self-governance. The Scottish National Party, founded in 1934, had campaigned for independence throughout its existence. The creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, following the devolution referendum of 1997, gave Scotland its first legislature since 1707. The SNP won a majority in that parliament in 2011, making a referendum on independence inevitable.
The campaign was passionate and all-consuming. The Yes campaign argued that Scotland was wealthy enough, smart enough, and confident enough to govern itself. The No campaign — Better Together — warned of economic uncertainty, the loss of the pound sterling, and the risks of separating from the United Kingdom. The debate touched on oil revenues, EU membership, currency, defence, welfare, and national identity. It engaged people who had never previously been interested in politics — including 16 and 17-year-olds, who were allowed to vote for the first time in a UK-wide ballot.
The result settled the question — for the moment. The No vote was clear, but the Yes campaign's 45% share was far higher than anyone had predicted when the referendum was announced. The campaign energised Scottish politics, dramatically increased SNP membership, and ensured that the question of Scotland's constitutional future would remain at the centre of British politics. The referendum did not end the debate — it transformed it.