Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond Announces Resignation After Independence Vote

Shortly after it was announced that Scotland had rejected independence from Great Britain in a historical vote, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond announced that he would be stepping down from his position.

Salmond said in a statement Friday that along with stepping down from his post, the politician will not be seeking reelection this September. The First Minister said that although he is stepping down, he could not be more proud of Scotland's fight for independence that culminated in a vote, won by a slim majority of 55 to 45, on Thursday.

"I am immensely proud of the campaign that Yes Scotland fought and particularly of the 1.6m voters who rallied to that cause," Salmond said while speaking at Bute House in Edinburg.

'We lost the referendum vote but Scotland can still carry the political initiative. For me as leader my time is nearly over but for Scotland the campaign continues and the dream shall never die."

Salmond went on to say that although he will no longer serve as First Minister, his political career is far from over. "I have no intention of retiring from Scottish politics – there are a large number of things you are able to do when you're not first minister or leader of a political party."

British Prime Minister David Cameron commended the Scottish vote to reject independence on Friday, saying in a statement in front of 10 Downing Street: "Like millions of other people, I am delighted."

Cameron also said that the recent and close independence vote has opened his eyes to the needs of the Scottish people, and new legislation involving wages and welfare will be introduced by January.