CLACKMANNANSHIRE has voted to Remain a member of the European Union.

Results from the Wee County were announced by returning officer Elaine McPherson shortly after midnight on Friday following the count at Alloa Town Hall.

Around 57.75 per cent of local people voted to Remain in the EU with 14,691 votes.

Altogether, 10,736 people favoured Leave, around 42.25 per cent and 12 ballot papers were rejected.

The total number of votes cast was 25,439, a turnout of 67.2 per cent.

Local MSP Keith Brown was happy to see a high turn out. He said the referendum campaign was perhaps not the most colourful, but there was a degree of unanimity between the political parties in Scotland.

He said: “I wouldn't say it's been the most high-profile campaign, it's not been as colourful as some election campaigns I could mention, but despite that, people have been taking note the issues, 67 per cent is a very good turnout.”

The SNP politician said that there was a “lot of viciousness” on both sides, which is “regrettable”. He added: “We didn't see it nearly as much in Scotland, but there has been some real viciousness, especially I think from the Leave side.

“But yeah, even on the Remain side. Trying to scare people into voting a certain way I think is wrong in principal.”

He said his party was trying to promote the positives and told the Advertiser: “I always thought the single most telling argument for Remain was the contribution that the EU has made to peace for nearly 70 years.

“I mean, people forget how bad it was after WWII – whole communities, whole countries destroyed, millions of people killed and I'm not saying it's all down to the EU, but think it's made a huge contribution to keeping war at bay...”

Clackmannanshire was one of the first counties to announce its results, final tally is expected closer to dawn.