Last-minute appeal felt like a cynical trick

"Coming from Ireland we've been there and we've had currency arrangements where we maintained the link with sterling and then went to the European Exchange Rate mechanism and finally to the euro, so there probably wouldn't be as much fear among Irish voters looking on that particular question.

"But at the same time, today's a different world than when Ireland made its currency arrangement with sterling.

"An independent Scotland would be a competitor to Ireland. They said they were going to lower corporation tax rates and would be another small, export-oriented economy with a lot of the same strengths in terms of an educated workforce, similar agricultural sector and proximity to a big market in the UK.

"I was surprised by the decisiveness of the vote and surprised too at Alex Salmond's resignation."

Norway: Helle Skjervold, UK correspondent with Aften Posten

"Scots have shown an incredible engagement, and the level of political engagement and the grassroots movement has been overwhelming. No matter who I stop and talk to, if it's a 16-year-old girl or a 60-year-old campaigner, they are all so informed, which, regardless of the outcome, is very impressive.

"The Yes campaign seemed more successful at the end. The No campaign was less successful with their economic arguments and their appeal to hearts and feelings, especially when we had this very emotional, last-minute appeal - it felt like a cynical trick.

"The people of Norway have become interested in the last couple of weeks, but until now it hasn't really been on the radar and I think outside the UK people aren't as aware of the different countries in the UK. I think they are surprised there is this level of regional tension.

"Most Norwegians understand the need to be independent but we really like the UK."

France: Anne-Laure Pineau, writer for Le Telegraph newspaper

"It was interesting to see so many people gathering in Glasgow and in smaller groups to participate in democracy. It is something we see in France very often but here we were quite amazed.

"The simple fact that people are asking to be independent is very interesting for us. I had the feeling that reason was going to win over the heart, and that No would win.

"Both campaigns succeeded in getting their message out, but we as foreign observers saw the difference between the two campaigns.

"The No campaign didn't understand how to do it, in terms of being everywhere and being on Twitter and Facebook.

"It has been very peaceful. We were in Aberdeen and we saw people from the No campaign honking their car's horn at the Yes campaign and participating with a great smile. It seemed like a discussion between two friends."

Ukraine: Iryna Pavlenok, presenter for 1+1 Studio

"It's very interesting for my country because as you know we're in a very difficult state right now with an ongoing Russian occupation.

"Russian propaganda is trying to make the point that the referendum here in Scotland is just the same as what happened in Crimea, or in eastern Ukraine, which is completely not the case.

"This referendum was prepared for a long time and was agreed for a long time with rules and conditions, and it's really about people deciding what they want, while in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine it is completely different.

"There is a foreign invasion with guns and for two weeks they just did what they wanted. All the papers which were used in the referendum in Crimea were prepared somewhere else.

"People in Ukraine are interested in seeing the difference between what happens in a democratic country and what happens in Ukraine, where there is war now. At the end of the day everyone here just cares about Scotland and I think it will be fine, this family of nations."

Kuwait: Gamel Shahin, presenter Kuwait TV

"The way this was conducted is not just about democracy, but about the nature of the Scottish people, who are very kind and welcoming and who like life.

"If anyone says Yes or No there is not any controversy or disagreement or violence. They have talked about it like a family would.

"The people of Kuwait have a good relationship with the UK, and are very keen on what happens in Scotland. We have 3000 students studying in the UK, 1000 of them in Scotland.

"All the Gulf states have been preparing to be ready for the advent of Scottish Independence, if it had happened, and to accommodate their student with any the new rules.

"I think this was the result that I expected, but I thought it would be closer. The Scottish people have given the world a lesson in how to be democratic."