In the aftermath of polling day – in which an estimated two thirds of Helensburgh and Lomond electorate sided with the national No vote – there was a mixture of jubilation and disappointment at the result among local councillors.

Some claimed the area is now set benefit economically with the uncertainty of the future of the naval base being resolved, while other dispute this claiming the MoD have a ‘self-contained community’.

However, elected members joined in praising the community for engaging in the democratic process, not just at the polling stations and in Colquhoun Square on September 18, but in the two years’ build-up campaign.

The focus will now be on Westminster to ensure promises made in the debate are upheld.

Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Ellen Morton, of the Liberal Democrats, said it would be ‘great’ to keep the momentum of the referendum, although this decision galvanized so much interest due to the gravity of the vote for the country’s future.

She added: “Often no matter what party people vote for they will still get their bins emptied and schools will be free – life will not change dramatically and they are often content with how things are.

“In this case the issue facing the electorate was a national issue and things would change as a result of a the vote, hence the 88 per cent turnout.” Cllr Morton added that shared democratic experience will unite people with a shared hope that change will benefit the country.

Independent Helensburgh councillor Vivien Dance said the debate will not bring the country together politically as the promise of a united future from Westminster has already begun to unravel.

She added: “All we have heard since Friday is the party squabbling as Westminster politicians now position themselves for the General Election in May.

“Scotland’s politicians will have to work together now to ensure we do not pay too heavy a price for daring to go to the ballot box.” Observing the count, councillor Aileen Morton said it was clear that the No vote in some areas of Helensburgh Central was as high as 75 per cent.

Cllr Morton added: “I am hopeful that the Helensburgh and Lomond area may now see further investment, as I think the uncertainty of the referendum meant some companies and individuals were hesitant about committing to this area when a yes vote would have caused major upheaval to the local economy.” Helensburgh councillor Gary Mulvaney, of the Conservatives, also said the area was ‘firmly in favour’ of remaining in the UK considering Scotland’s largest single site employer at Faslane ‘was under threat’.

This was echoed by Lomond North councillor George Freeman, who said that given his ward area – including Faslane, Coulport and Glen Douglas – a Yes vote would have had a ‘catastrophic impact’.

He added: “Had the SNP achieved their aim, then thousands of jobs would have been lost and the local economy would have been devastated for years to come.

“This decision will secure the long term future of approximately 10,000 jobs that are already dependent on HM Naval Base Clyde, and will also see the proposal for another 2,000 jobs to be created locally, as a result of the Maritime Change Programme, now move forward with confidence.” However, Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Richard Trail, of the SNP, claimed the local economy ‘will not boom’ as a result.

Cllr Trail said: “The MoD are creating a self contained community behind the fence in Faslane, with accommodation blocks, shops and commercial premises. They have little need for the services provided in Helensburgh. A large proportion of the military personnel now choose to work at Faslane during the week and fly home for the weekend.” Fellow nationalist, councillor James Robb said the vow of ‘Devo Max’ won the referendum. He added: “Those promised new powers are already being watered down and there are also plans to reduce Scotland’s funding and influence at Westminster.” Cllr Robb added that the dream of independence was still alive. He said: “Thousands of Scots have become politically active during the referendum; younger, confident and assertive they have now come of age and they are Generation Yes.”