The Scottish Vote in the Brexit Referendum: A Detailed Analysis

During the Brexit referendum in the UK, Scotland stood firm in its decision to stay in the European Union, with approximately 62% of those who voted supporting Remain. What percentage of Scots actually participated in this crucial vote, and how did their opinion compare to the overall UK average?

Understanding the Scottish Vote

Scotland voted to Remain in the European Union (EU), reflecting a significant majority of 67.2% of the eligible electorate. This compares to the UK's national average of 72.2% voter turnout, underscoring how closely Scotland's position differed from the rest of the UK. Even within the relatively small proportion of the electorate that turned out to vote, over 80% preferred to Remain, a substantial majority that still holds true today given the ongoing discussion about Scotland's potential independence and its place within the larger EU framework.

Factors Influencing the Scottish Vote

The complexity of the figure for the Scottish turnout stems from several factors. Voting was not limited to physical locations or residences. For example, a Scot maintaining a home or family in another part of the UK would be counted under that area's voter turnout, not necessarily in Scotland. Young citizens in the Armed Forces or students also have the option to vote locally or retain their right to vote in their registered area. Any individual from the home nations residing in Scotland, along with EU citizens settled there, would also contribute to the Scottish turnout numbers.

Given these complexities, it is nearly impossible to provide an exact figure for the Scottish turnout, as per a single official count.

Comparative Turnout and Results

When considering the actual numbers, the statistical breakdown reveals a disparity between Leave and Remain choices. The table below illustrates the voting margins more precisely:

Vote Count Leave the EU 1,018,322 Remain in the EU 1,661,191

It is important to note that these figures reflect a robust Leave majority of 1,018,322 among 2,679,513 votes cast in Scotland. This is a significant number, often overshadowed in national discussions but illustrative of the vote's complexity.

Comparisons with the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum

For context, the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum itself saw a stark contrast in voting patterns:

Vote Count Leave the UK 1,617,989 Remain in the UK 2,001,926

Here, the Leave vote did not just exceed, but significantly surpassed the Remain vote, underscoring the different voter inclinations that existed in 2014 compared to the Brexit referendum of 2016.

Conclusion: The Persistent Position

The Leave EU vote in Scotland is sometimes overlooked in the broader narrative, yet it is a critical piece that adds depth to the national debate. With Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to remain in the EU, their votes were not heeded because of the UK's governmental structure, which tends to prioritize the majority in terms of population and geographical distribution over the preferences of its smaller constituent parts.

As debates continue about Scotland's potential independence, this historical data provides a robust reference. It underlines the enduring sentiment among many Scots for a continued EU membership, reflecting their aspiration for a say in shaping the future of the European landscape.