By Gokhan Kurtaran and Bahattin Gonultas
LONDON
Scots' fears that their country's independence could create economic uncertainty was probably the most influential reason for their decision to remain part of UK in Friday's independence referendum, international finance experts have told Anadolu Agency.
Their comments on Friday came after the results of the Scottish independence vote the day before were announced, showing Scottish people had rejected independence with 55 percent opting to remain part of the United Kingdom and 45 percent voting "yes" to breaking the union, in one of the most important votes in modern British history.
Samuel Tombs, an economist from London-based Capital Economics, said: “Economic issues mattered the most for the voters, I guess.
"There have recently been huge uncertainties regarding economic conditions in an independent country, after all."
He added: "People preferred staying outside of economic uncertainties and said 'no' to independence.
"I think Alex Salmond just could not put out a certain economic plan for the people and people in small villages and towns especially wanted to keep stability."
- 'No plans to leave'
Tombs also said the UK had posted strong economic growth following the financial crisis and voters must have considered that as well.
Sam Bowman, Research Director at the Adam Smith Institute, said people in Scotland did not have a specific reason to vote "yes".
Bowman said: “In my opinion, 40 percent of voters had already decided to vote 'no' but, meanwhile, more undecided voters joined them in order to keep stability.
Tim David, Global strategist at Toronto Dominion Securities said: “A number of Scottish companies, such as RBS, have reiterated they have no plans to leave Scotland, although initial comments by others such as Lloyds have been more noncommittal.
“As we suggested previously, one issue on any potential lasting impact may hinge on avoiding fears of another referendum, though both David Cameron and Alex Salmond (Scotland's first minister) have suggested this ends the debate for at least a generation."
Welcoming the result, British Prime Minister David Cameron declared he was "delighted".
- 'Low risks'
He said from Downing Street: "The people of Scotland have spoken and it is a clear result.
"They have kept our country of four nations together and, like millions of other people, I am delighted.”
Ben van Beurden, the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell, also welcomed Scotland's vote against independence.
Van Beurden said in a statement: "Shell welcomes the decision by the people of Scotland to remain within the UK, which reduces the operating uncertainty for businesses based in Scotland."
John Cridland, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said: "Business has always believed that the Union is best for creating jobs."
International credit ratings agency Fitch said on Friday the decision had no implication for Britain's sovereign rating.
Fitch said in a statement: "Scotland's small share of the overall UK economy, and the relatively conservative limits set on Scottish borrowing, mean that the fiscal risks posed by further Scottish devolution are not high in our opinion."
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