Scotland decides: Scottish nationalist deputy chief says fell narrowly short

Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a 'Yes' campaign rally in Perth, Scotland. on Sept 17, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a 'Yes' campaign rally in Perth, Scotland. on Sept 17, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

EDINBURGH (REUTERS) - A leader of Scotland's independence campaign effectively conceded defeat on Friday after a historic referendum.

"Like thousands of others across the country I've put my heart and soul into this campaign and there is a real sense of disappointment that we've fallen narrowly short of securing a yes vote," Nicola Sturgeon, deputy leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party, told BBC Television.

With most regional results now declared, a Reuters calculations put support for staying in the United Kingdom at 54 per cent. A final declaration is expected in the next hour or two.

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