Scotland referendum, 1979: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Scotland referendum of 1979 was a post-legislative referendum held in Scotland only, over whether there was support for Scotland Act 1978, which if passed would have created an assembly for Scotland. There were special conditions on the referendum in the Act which said that for the Act not be repealed, at least 40% of the electorate would vote for Yes in the referendum.

Party support

to be written

It was held on March 1, 1979. The result was a majority of 'Yes'. There was a small majority for the Yes vote, but because of the low turnout the percentage of the electorate that voted yes was less than 40%, so the condition in the Act was not meant.

The electorate were asked to vote yes or no: 'Do you want the provisions of the Scotland Act to be put into effect?'

Even though the majority voted Yes, the government rejected the referendum because the condition that 40% of the electorate should vote Yes was not met. The Scotland Act 1978 was therefore repealed.