Notably, the Scottish Independence Referendum was an illustrious political landmark, marking history with its turnout of 84.6%, the highest after universal suffrage since the 1950 general election. One could argue that the Yes campaign, led by first minister Alex Salmond, had potential to succeed given the domination of the SNP in the Highlands, in the Scottish Parliament elections of 2011. However, the proposal to grant Scotland complete powers over the legislature, and executive, as well as spending and taxation, miscarried; this was because the arguments of the No campaign highlighted the plethora of financial uncertainties and risks which would implicate for the nation deleteriously, given the independence of Scotland. These uncertainties included most importantly the future currency of an independent Scotland, and the true size of North Sea oil reserves. .
Furthermore, the risks of independence were the increase of retail prices, and the possibility of the deterioration of the economy given a financial crisis. In addition, the No campaign was able to capitalize on the patriotism of Scots, deflecting nationalistic pursuits, and persuade voters by proffering devolved powers to Scotland on tax and welfare. Ultimately, the proposition of an independent Scotland was novel and idealistic, and did persuade 44.7% of the nation, however it procured a great amount of chasms which exposed the fault of the Yes Campaign, thus leading to 55.3% of the public voting to stay in the union. This was evident in voter mechanics which led to swinging in regions politically supporting the no campaign, but not the yes campaign.
Voter mechanics were such that support for the Yes campaign did not equate in votes, in its regions of influence, however this did happen for the no campaign.The No campaign triumphed in the areas of the Scottish Highlands &Islands;, Outer Hebrides and Inner Hebrides with a no to independence at 50.
