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Yesterday, 18 September, the people of Scotland voted for its independence. The outcome became known early this morning, with ‘No’ (to independence) being the outcome. For now, Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom, with promises from Westminster to give Scotland more powers.

Glasgow was one of the few ‘councils’ to have a majority ‘Yes’ vote. On the evening before the referendum some friends and I decided to go into the centre to absorb the general atmosphere. The centre was, somewhat surprisingly, largely devoid of clearly visible ‘No’ supporters, while the ‘Yes’ supporters were numerous and congregated mostly around George Square in the very centre of Glasgow. That’s where most of these pictures were taken – aimed at capturing the ambiance in Glasgow on the eve of such an important day. The general atmosphere was very upbeat, and the arguments were very civil. A small group of ‘No’ supporters stood in front of the city hall surrounded by police, but, besides some screaming both ways (with the ‘Yes’es clearly overwhelming the ‘No’s), everything remained calm.

‘Dismantle the wolf of Westminster… Let Alba sing… Free your mind, Scotland will flourish’ – Buchanan Street

Lively street performer, Buchanan Street, in front of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

‘Vote as if you live in the early days of a better world’ – Buchanan Street

Buchanan Street

‘People Make Glasgow’ – Arriving to a sea of blue in George Square

The Yes man, George Square

‘The empire is in peril’ … ‘Finished the empire is #LongLiveTheRepublic’ – George Square

The well-outnumbered ‘No’ supporters surrounded by police (many more arrived shortly after) – George Square

George Square

Supporters of all ages – George Square

Yes Man and Yes Bicycle Man – George Square

Loch Ness? Loch ‘Yes’! The Loch ‘Yes’ monster 😉 – George Square

Peace – George Square

More flags – George Square

Glasgow City Chambers with the Saltire – George Square

Yes Saltire – George Square