FOLLOWING the independence referendum, in which Scotland voted to stay part of the United Kingdom, local voices have supported the decision. The heartfelt campaign came to a head last Thursday with 55.3 per cent voting 'No' and 44.7 per cent voting 'Yes' on whether Scotland should be an independent country. East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds welcomed the result, which saw an extraordinarily high turn out of 84.6 per cent. "I am so, so pleased that Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom, a sentiment that I am sure is shared by thousands throughout East Hampshire and across the country," he said. For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.