The Scottish first minister’s expectation of a “record turnout” in the referendum came to pass. The figure of 84.6% tops the list of participation in every national or regional-based referendum in the modern political history of the UK:
But that wasn’t all. The figure of 84.6% also topped the 83.9% record for a turnout in a UK general election, set back in 1950.
The highest turnout in the 32 electoral regions across Scotland was recorded in East Dunbartonshire: a mighty 91%. Other highs included East Renfrewshire (90.4%) and Stirling (90.1%). Fewer people went to the polls in some of Scotland’s urban centres, such as Glasgow (75%) and Dundee (78.8%).
For the referendum to attract a higher turnout than even the Good Friday agreement is remarkable. If nothing else, Thursday’s vote is proof that deciding the future of your country through the ballot box is a principle that retains mass appeal.