Scotland has voted to stay within the United Kingdom in a referendum on independence held Thursday, with 55% voting "No" to Scotland becoming an independent country and  45% voting "Yes".

The final vote which came in shortly after 8am Friday morning, 2,001,926 votes for the "No" campaign and 1,617,999 votes for the Yes campaign. 

The Yes campaign made significant wins in Scotland's largest city of Glasgow, as well as Dundee. Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh voted no.

Immediately after the result was announced, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) Alex Salmond, said "Scotland has, by a majority, decided not, at this stage, to become an independent country."

"The unionist parties made vows late in the campaign to devolve more powers to Scotland. Scotland will expect these to be honoured in rapid course," he said, highlighting the last minute pledges of all three main Westminster parties of greater devolution.

Alistair Darling, who lead the No campaign in Scotland, welcomed the result.

"The vote is over and the Scottish people have now given their verdict," he said in an address after 31 of the 32 councils had declared their results. 

"They have made a decision for progress and change for Scotland within the United Kingdom".

The turnout, which was over 90% in some areas, was hailed by politicians on both sides as "incredible".

Stating he was "delighted" by the result, the British Prime Minister David Cameron, said "the people of Scotland have spoken. It is a clear result. They have kept our country of four nations together."

Hailing the referendum as a display of democracy, Cameron said "it has reminded us how fortunate we are that we are able to settle these vital issues at the ballot box peacefully and calmly."

"It was right that we respected the SNP's majority in Holyrood and gave the Scottish people the right to have their say."

"To all those who did vote for independence - we hear you," the Prime Minister said.

Reiterating pledges by made all three main pro-Unionist parties for greater powers on tax, spending and welfare, Cameron said the changes would be agreed by November and draft legislation ready by January.

Calling for a "balanced settlement" that was fair for all four nations, Cameron pledged more powers for English voters, stating that proposals would be prepared by the former Foreign Secretary William Hague to the same timetable as Scotland.

"It is absolutely right that a new and fair settlement for Scotland is accompanied by a new and fair settlements for all parts of our United Kingdom".