Our Proud Union

Scotland has a long and distinguished history and today takes a most momentous decision. The Times believes its citizens should reject independence

Today Scotland has a date with destiny. It takes its most important decision in three centuries, a decision that could change the country for ever. It will ripple out in waves beyond its borders into the rest of what might, by tomorrow, no longer be a United Kingdom. The break-up of Great Britain and Northern Ireland may be imminent.

This vote is far more important, because its effects are so permanent, than any general election. Scottish citizens have the chance, should they wish to take it, to bind future generations into independence. After what has been an occasionally acrimonious but always passionate debate, The Times believes, with great respect but also with great certainty, that they should vote “no”.

During the past 15 years since