Referendum Result in Clackmannanshire: The Counting Officer in Clackmannanshire has assured voters of the integrity and accuracy of the poll in response to photographs circulating on social media appearing to show ‘yes’ votes on a ‘no’ table.

Elaine McPherson said, “The photograph doing the rounds isn’t from Clackmannanshire - anyone present in Alloa Town Hall or watching on TV would see that the furniture and organisation at our count was completely different to that shown in the picture. Confusion appears to have happened because the images were broadcast at the same time as Clackmannanshire announced its turnout figure.

“Our counting process was completely transparent throughout and was scrutinised by a large number of observers and agents from both sides. All those people had the opportunity to raise any points of concern and agents confirmed before the result was formally declared that they were all happy with the integrity of the poll.“ Chief Counting Officer Issues Statement: Mary Pitcaithly, Chief Counting Officer for the Scottish Independence Referendum, said, “I am aware of the content being shared on social media and speculation regarding the conduct of the count process.

“All counts throughout Scotland were scrutinised by thousands of people, including hundreds of independent observers, and hundreds of counting agents representing both the Yes Scotland and the Better Together campaigns. It is their job to observe the count while ballot papers are being counted to ensure the proper process is being followed.

“Independent international election observers attended and watched the counts taking place. Every count in Scotland provided access for print, broadcast and online media.

“In addition, officers from Police Scotland were present at every count centre. As such, the count centres received an unprecedented level of observation and scrutiny and I believe any instances of perceived wrongdoing would have been reported by any of these attendees and observers there and then. I am not aware of any complaints having been raised by any observer or agent and none were made to me during the verification, counting and adjudication stages.

“I am satisfied that all counts were conducted properly.”