The referendum may have ended in a No vote but for one nationalist the efforts of Alex Salmond will always be etched in history.

Aphra Wilson, 33, who runs Spaghetti Tattoos in Kirkcaldy, Fife, was so impressed by the First Minister's campaign that she got a needle and inked an image of him on her right leg.

The black and grey tattoo shows the outgoing SNP leasder holding up both fists and letters spelling "Saor Alba" - Free Scotland - across his knuckles.

In just two hours she created the piece, claiming it reflects an idea of "hope over fear".

Ms Wilson said Mr Salmond, who announced his resignation as First Minister after the vote, would permanently stay on her.

She said: "I'm a tattoo artist and that's how I express my feelings.

"The whole referendum process is down to Alex Salmond and I think he should be remembered for that.

"We might have lost the referendum but we have a young and new generation of politically awakened people that won't give up.

"I did it myself. It's on my right leg and took about two hours. I guess it's to keep myself motivated and to keep the dream of hope over fear alive."

Around 200 people had 'Yes' and 'Aye' slogans but also illustrations such as Butterflies or Saltires tattooed at the Kirkcaldy studio before the poll.

The political statements gave a boost to the independent movement with contributions as little as £2 a piece.

The tattoo drive raised £600 for the 'Yes' campaign and £400 for the local food bank in Kirkcaldy.