Scottish independence referendum
The Scottish independence referendum took place on Thursday 18 September 2014. On this page, you鈥檒l find useful information about the referendum.
The Scottish independence referendum was a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people in Scotland to have their say about the country鈥檚 future.
The UK government believes Scotland is stronger in the UK, and the UK is stronger with Scotland in it.
Here you鈥檒l find information about the issues that matter most.
Who was eligible to vote?
Most people over the age of 16 who live in Scotland were eligible to vote. As with other UK elections, to get a vote you had to . Unlike other UK elections, 16 and 17 year olds were able to vote in the referendum. For more information for young voters see the Electoral Commission鈥檚 .
.
What was the question?
The referendum question was: 鈥淪hould Scotland be an independent country?鈥� and voters were asked to choose yes or no.
What was the process?
Constitutional arrangements are the responsibility of the UK Parliament. However, powers were transferred to allow the Scottish Parliament to legislate for the referendum. This happened in the Referendum Agreement, which was signed by Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond on October 15 2012.
Why did it happen?
It happened because the Scottish National Party, who campaign for Scotland to be independent, won a majority at the last Scottish Parliament election.
How was the result decided?
Scotland remains part of the UK because more people voted No. 55.3% voted No and 44.7% voted Yes.
Scottish independence referendum and the civil service
UK civil servants work on a range of issues which have an impact on the referendum. It is also clear there is a demand for the provision of information which will enable voters to come to an informed decision.
The UK government is not neutral on the issue of the referendum. It has a clear policy that it wishes to see Scotland remain part of the UK. On the other side of the argument, the Scottish government is clear in its policy of seeking independence.
The civil service鈥檚 role is to support the elected government of the day and implement its policies. While the referendum is politically contentious, it is correct that civil servants carry out their duties on this issue as they would any other government policy 鈥� this applies equally to policy and media work, including social media.
Contact us
If you鈥檝e not received a copy of the booklet 鈥榃hat staying in the United Kingdom means for Scotland鈥� but would like to, please phone us on 0131 244 9010, or send an email to [email protected] stating your address and the amount of copies you鈥檇 like.
Alternatively, write to us at: Scotland Office 1 Melville Crescent Edinburgh EH3 7HW
Find out more about the Scottish independence referendum