United Kingdom: The story of the historic Scotland referendum in pictures

Scottish voters have rejected independence and decided that Scotland will remain part of the United Kingdom. The result announced early Friday was the one favored by Britain's political leaders, who had campaigned hard in recent weeks to convince Scottish voters to stay.

Scottish voters have rejected independence and decided that Scotland will remain part of the United Kingdom. The result announced early Friday was the one favored by Britain's political leaders, who had campaigned hard in recent weeks to convince Scottish voters to stay.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond concedes defeat at the "Yes" Campaign headquarters in Edinburgh. (Reuters Photo)

Pro-Independence supporters are pictured in Edinburgh, Scotland, as referendum results are announced. (AFP Photo)

Pro-Union supporters celebrate as Scottish referendum polling results are announced at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. (AFP Photo)

Supporters from the "No" Campaign react to a declaration in their favour, at the Better Together Campaign headquarters in Glasgow. (Reuters Photo)

A Yes campaign supporter in the Scottish referendum stands in George Square in Glasgow. (AP Photo)

A counting staff member yawns as they count ballot papers through the night in the Scottish Independence Referendum at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh (AP Photo)

Supporters of the Yes campaign in the Scottish independence referendum cheer with Scottish Saltire flags as they await the result after the polls closed, in George Square, Glasgow. (AP Photo)

A worker tips out a ballot box in the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in Aberdeen. (AFP Photo)

Crowds cheer as a man climbs onto the Scott Monument in central Glasgow. (Reuters Photo)