It was the year that Scotland made history with a vote which caught the attention of the world.

On September 18, years of campaigning culminated in a day at the polling stations, when a record turnout of 84.6 per cent of the electorate cast their vote.

The result was 55 per cent to 45 per cent in favour of No, but with voter engagement at an all-time high, the political landscape has been changed forever.

Daniel Sanderson and Magnus Gardham have spoken to some of the key players about their memories of an extraordinary year.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister

This year, 2014, has been a truly remarkable one for Scotland.

The referendum campaign re-energised political debate in this country in a way that no one would previously have thought possible.

Scotland showed its face to the world, and the image we presented was an overwhelmingly positive one.

The referendum campaign was a true celebration of democracy - and its overriding legacy is to have changed Scotland for the better and for ever.

Because, while the Yes campaign I am proud to have been part of did not prevail, it helped bring about a popular movement for change in Scotland which will not and cannot now be quelled or silenced.

In the meantime, SNP membership has soared, and 2015 awaits - a new year which is rich in opportunity for us as a party.

Alex Salmond, former First Minister

Scotland changed in 2014 - utterly and for the better.

After generations of political developments for Scotland being decided elsewhere, the referendum made Scotland a self-determining nation.

The result was obviously not what I wanted, but democratic empowerment is the referendum's legacy. I believe it will be lasting, and one which stands Scotland in good stead for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

In 2015, we can use our voting power to give Scotland a decisive voice at Westminster - ensuring, among other things, that the vow of extensive new powers for our nation is delivered for real.

Independence is a process. My conclusion at the turn of the year is that - rather than an ending - the referendum was an energising part of that process.

Blair Jenkins, former chief executive of Yes Scotland

At the end of this remarkable year, what stands out most clearly for me is that the Yes campaign has changed Scotland in ways that will continue to shape our politics and indeed our lives.

The referendum has given us a stronger sense of who we are and what we value.

I've spoken to lots of folk since the referendum - journalists and academics, Yes voters and No voters, observers from other countries. In all those many conversations, I have yet to meet anyone who believes there will not be a second referendum.

I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year. We should be proud of all we achieved in 2014, and look forward to next year with great hope and determination.

Patrick Harvie, co-convener of the Scottish Greens

I've been told the Scottish Greens had a good referendum. I certainly felt so. We campaigned for Yes, but in our own distinctive voice. In response, thousands have joined us. It seems that those who lost the battle have won the peace.

The shotgun wedding that was the Smith Commission offers a step forward, but neither a durable nor a coherent one. Whatever remains reserved will inevitably be revisited, further building momentum behind autonomy.

The Westminster election will be unlike any other. Two-party domination is over. Many Scots will vote to assert Scotland's interests, but also want MPs who will challenge austerity, and oppose threats like fracking or trade deals that threaten citizens' rights.

We're entering uncharted waters. Scotland's electorate is energised, and wants change.

Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister

A national debate on a scale never seen before. An engaged and invigorated electorate. At the end of the process, a stronger Scotland within a reinforced United Kingdom.

A decision to stand down after 32 years as an MP. A feeling of immense gratitude at the chance to serve. An end to my Westminster career but a renewed commitment to public service.

A devastating year for millions of children around the world - victims of wars, conflict, child labour, early marriage and discrimination.

But a year when, as United Nations Global Education Envoy, I saw the birth of a new civil rights struggle. A movement of young people around the world demanding their voices be heard and that change be delivered.

Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats

The referendum was the democratic experience of my lifetime with outstanding political engagement from all walks of life.

Our nation was on a journey of discovery and Scotland was a double winner at the end. Firstly, we made a positive decision to remain in the United Kingdom family of nations. And secondly, we have got home rule powers.

I am proud that Scottish Liberal Democrats made the weather on more powers from the very beginning. With our strong negotiating team in the Smith Commission we shaped Scotland's new constitutional settlement.

With £20 billion worth of tax powers, £2.5bn of welfare powers and a host of financial and constitutional powers we have secured home rule.

Alistair Carmichael, Secretary of State for Scotland

2014 was a year like no other: renewed interest in democracy, grass roots activism, huge turnout, younger voters and - ultimately - a decisive vote to stay in the United Kingdom with a guarantee of extensive more powers for Scotland.

I believe Scotland has been changed forever, and for the better. Scotland is on track to become one of the world's most powerful devolved nations, while retaining the benefits of being part of the UK. The voting age will be lowered to include 16 and 17-year-olds. People who had never been politically active are now interested in their nation's future.

Scotland has a great deal to be proud of. I'm proud to have been part of such an historic year.

David Cameron, Prime Minister

This was a big year for Scotland and all of the United Kingdom. Our family of nations can now build its bonds of unity and take the country forward.

I want Scotland to have the best of both worlds where Scotland's two governments and two parliaments work in cooperation, not confrontation.

2014 was quite a year. History was made, but it's time to move on. The independence question had to be answered, and it was. On September 18, Scotland spoke and decided we should stay together.

We will deliver more powers and kick start the next great debate which the country needs - how to use the powers to deliver for everyone in Scotland.

Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Life changing. At times exhilarating. At times daunting. At times emotional. The passion and participation were incredible. It has re-energised our politics and surely lays to rest any argument against giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote.

But it's time now that we are not the 45-ers or the 55-ers. The independence question has been decisively answered. We are all 100 per cent Scots and we need to come together to deliver the Home Rule within a secure United Kingdom as set out by the Smith Commission.

But Home Rule will only be complete when we reverse the centralisation of Scotland and give power back to communities in the Highlands and across Scotland.

Jim Murphy, Scottish Labour Leader

I spent the referendum campaign doing politics the old fashioned way. It was just me, my Irn Bru crates, a microphone and whoever showed up. Unspun and unspinnable. The passion and the energy everywhere I went across this great nation of ours was inspiring.

It wasn't all plain sailing, of course. There were some highs and lows - from landing on the beach in Barra to running in Stornoway, and from being egged in Kirkcaldy to being bawled at in Hamilton - but I enjoyed the experience.

It doesn't matter now how people voted. I want to take all that enthusiasm for politics and use it to make Scotland the fairest nation on earth. That's the real referendum legacy.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman, the Smith Commission

2014 was a landmark year for Scotland. The Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the Referendum saw us centre-stage, lapping up the limelight. We projected a more modern and grown-up image of Scotland: passionate and thoughtful. Importantly, we seemed more comfortable with and confident in ourselves. I think it has done us good and we leave the year having enhanced our global reputation.

This was also the year that politics made it beyond the politicians. For the first time I can remember we had a proper, all-consuming, national conversation involving people without a political bone in their body. Like any big political argument it has left bruises that will take time to heal.

Somewhat against my own expectations, and almost everyone's warnings, I left my own brief foray into politics feeling more optimistic and hopeful than I entered it. My hope for next year is that our excellent political and civic leaders can find a way to maintain the political energy, heal the bruises and build on the successes of a year that will live long in the memories of us all.