Scotland's regions in the independence debate
The 2014 referendum was counted in Scotland's 32 council areas, and the results drew a clear map: Yes majorities in four areas of the west and in Dundee, No majorities everywhere else, with the largest in the islands and the south. Local campaigning, by groups on both sides, followed that map.
Selected results, 2014
| Council area | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Dundee City | 57.3% | 42.7% |
| West Dunbartonshire | 54.0% | 46.0% |
| Glasgow City | 53.5% | 46.5% |
| North Lanarkshire | 51.1% | 48.9% |
| Inverclyde | 49.9% | 50.1% |
| Highland | 47.0% | 53.0% |
| City of Edinburgh | 38.9% | 61.1% |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 34.3% | 65.7% |
| Scottish Borders | 33.4% | 66.6% |
| Orkney Islands | 32.8% | 67.2% |
| Scotland | 44.7% | 55.3% |
Source: declarations by the counting officers, compiled by the Electoral Management Board for Scotland.
Regional articles
- Edinburgh in 2017: how local groups campaigned between referendums
A capital that voted 61% No in 2014 and 74% Remain in 2016.
- Dumfries and Galloway and the independence question
A border region with one of the strongest No votes and many English-born residents.
- Glasgow's George Square and the Hope over Fear rallies
The largest Yes-voting city and its anniversary gatherings.
What explains the map?
Studies of the 2014 result found that the Yes vote was highest in areas with more deprivation, younger populations and a Labour-voting past, and lowest in older, more affluent and rural areas, and in places with many residents born elsewhere in the UK. Our dossier on local campaigning looks at how groups worked within that geography.