SCOTLAND FAILS INDEPENDENCE RACE - MINISTER TO STEP DOWN

First Minister, Alex Salmond: "For me as leader my time is nearly over"

Alex Salmond is to step down as Scottish first minister after voters rejected independence.

He will also resign as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), which he has led for a total of 20 years.

Scottish voters backed the country staying in the UK by 2,001,926 votes to 1,617,989 in Thursday's referendum.

Elsewhere, rival Union and independence supporters gathered in Geoirge Square, in the centre of glassglow where they were separated by police.

Officers on horseback were also at the scene.

Rival groups of Unionists and independence supporters are separated by 

police in Glasgow's George Square

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said there were about 100 people in each 

of the two groups, and although there had been some "minor disorder" it had 

been dealt with quickly, with no arrests so far. The square was closed to traffic 

with local diversions in place.

The square had hosted a party by "Yes" supporters ahead of the referendum.

BBC Scotland reporter Cameron Buttle, who was at the scene, said the confrontation started quickly with flares being fired and a "co-ordinated" charge from the Unionist side, who were singing Rule Britannia.

Meanwhile, the Queen has said Scotland's vote to stay in the Union was "a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect".

She added: "Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that 

Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-

held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support,"

Elsewhere, Prime Minister David Cameron said the three main Westminster parties would now deliver their campaign pledge to boost the powers of Scotland's devolved parliament.