Scotland will gain greater autonomy following the referendum, according to Chief Minister Allan Bell.

The Scottish people have voted against independence from the United Kingdom.

Mr Bell said he was looking forward to continuing the Isle of Man's positive relationship with the Scottish government.

He said: 'Although Scotland has voted in favour of remaining within the United Kingdom it is expected to gain greater autonomy, short of full independence, and that could have implications throughout the British Islands.

'Scotland is the Isle of Man’s closest neighbour and a potential economic partner as well as competitor. We have developed a good working relationship with the Scottish Government in recent years and there is no reason why that should not continue now that the results of the referendum are known.

'The Isle of Man Government has been following the referendum campaign with considerable interest and we will be closely monitoring further developments.’

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