Alasdair Gray, the leading Scottish artist and writer, and a long term supporter of Scottish independence, described the referendum result as a "great pity".

The author of Lanark, Why The Scots Should Rule Scotland and a cultural icon of the independence movement, said: "I can say with a clear head that it's a great pity.

"Still, in some respects it is a victory of sorts that so many voted for independence.

"Especially considering the extent of BBC prejudice in its reporting, which was astonishing."

His words came on the day that National Collective, the grassroots artistic movement which formed a key part of the Yes campaign, signalled it would carry on despite the result.

It arranged events up and down Scotland, the Yestival events, a Fringe show and a letter supporting independence by more than 1,300 artists and cultural figures.

A statement from the group said: "1.6 million people voted for progressive change in Scotland. The networks we have formed will continue. We know what to expect next time."

Gray said that the amount of people voting for independence should not be discounted.

He said: "It could be seen as coming a step nearer, and if you believe that is something that should happen, that is a good thing."

Mr Gray said that the media, Westminster and other voices had proven to overwhelm the case for independence.

"Apart from the Sunday Herald, all the major newspapers were against it, all the leaders of the parties in Westminster, and the BBC were all united against it," he said. "Looking at that, it is a surprise the Yes vote had 45 per cent for it."

Mr Gray said he would now busy himself with work.

He has a major exhibition at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the near future.

"I believe more powers for the Scottish Parliament have been promised," he added.

"I wonder how long it will take for that to be turned back, too?"

David Greig, the leading Scottish playwright and a vocal Yes supporter, also took to Twitter to express his opinions.

He said: "In two years ordinary people built the most genuinely progressive movement for change I've ever seen. It was a privilege to be part of it. The forces of reaction won.

"I think they won because we didn't have the people in the rest of the UK with us in the conversation until 2 weeks ago... So... guys...

"Gonnae start a Yes movement in England now? And Wales? And N.I? Saying Yes to overhauling our democracy together?"

Sam Heughan, the Scottish actor and star of the Outlander series, simply posted: "Gutted."

However, composer James MacMillan said: "Now heading to London. With sunshine in my stomach."

Alan Cumming, the actor, said: "My YES friends, let's turn our passion towards ensuring the Devo Max promises the Westminster establishment have made to us are delivered. Yes still means something. Please try to remember that."