Crashing thunder and lightning heralded the first result in the decisive Scottish referendum vote, an odd moment in a night of tension as the country waited to find out the future of the UK. As the final count was confirmed it was the No’s at 55.25% who had won, with 2,001,926, perhaps making the final leap with the help of promises of last-minute additional devolved powers.

Immediately a devolution committee was set up to be spearheaded by the Cabinet Office, while the prime minister, David Cameron hinted at a consequential timetable to review the West Lothian question. Queue a hectic run-up to the next general election.