WEST Dunbartonshire and Scotland overwhelmingly backed a Remain vote in the European referendum even as the UK voted out.

The final tally saw 52 per cent of UK voters chose to Leave and end Britain's 43-year association with the European Union.

In West Dunbartonshire, 26,794 voted for Remain and 16,426 for Leave.

That represents a 23.99 per cent majority with 61.99 per cent voting for Remain. The percentages in West Dunbartonshire mirrored the result across Scotland, where roughly 62 per cent voted for Remain.

The local turnout was 43,220 or 63.95 per cent of the electorate. Around 19,312 fewer people voted than in the Scottish independence referendum, a fall of 23.95 per cent.

Around Clydebank this morning, residents were waking up to the uncertainty of what comes next, with many expressing surprise at the final UK result and talk in the shops and bus stops of a second Scottish independence referendum.

Politicians and campaigners expressed their sadness at the national result.

Councillor John Mooney said: “I am bitterly disappointed and saddened by this result. My priority now is to secure the best outcomes for the future for the people of West Dunbartonshire under these new circumstances.

"I think David Cameron will go down in history as the worst Prime Minister since Chamberlain. Like Chamberlain he came back from Europe waving a useless piece of paper, and then plunged this country into chaos through his incompetence. Good riddance to him!

"Now the Tory party will inevitably lurch to the right, and we in opposition must fight even harder to help the poor, the vulnerable, the unemployed, the elderly, and the disabled. Increasing opportunity for our young people by improvements in education and access to further education and employment are an even greater priority now in this challenging situation.

"On a positive note to finish, I have no doubt that Bankies will rise to this challenge, as we did during the Blitz, to deliver a better future for our children. West Dunbartonshire Council will do everything in our power to bring this better future about."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second independence referendum is on the table and will be exploring Scotland's options with the EU result representing a "material change" from 2014.

MP Martin Docherty-Hughes insisted West Dunbartonshire was better off within the EU and legislation for a second referendum will now be drafted.

He said: "As the Member of the UK Parliament for West Dunbartonshire I want to send a clear message to our community and to local businesses and investors that I am delighted with Scotland's result which comes from a positive campaign for membership, though I hugely regret that the UK is in the position that it is.

"Critically, my position remains that with such a clear pro-EU vote in Scotland in contrast to the UK wide result, our removal from the European Union against our will is democratically unacceptable to our sovereign people; the First Minister has made it clear that all options are now on the table to protect our European Union status, including a second independence referendum.

"The Scottish Government will now introduce legislation in the Scottish Parliament to facilitate a second independence referendum, a move which will be welcomed by not only those who voted YES in West Dunbartonshire in 2014, but I believe also by many who voted NO on the promise that it was the only way to protect our EU membership."

And the SNP member offered re-assurance to EU neighbours living across the area.

He added: "I also want to send a particular message to European Union citizens living in West Dunbartonshire, who make a huge contribution to our community; working hard, paying taxes and contributing to our civic and cultural life.

"You are welcome here. We value the enormous contribution you make to our community and we will fight to make sure that this will not change as a result of this referendum."

MSP Jackie Baillie said: “The national result is very disappointing and I am deeply concerned about the profound impact this will have on the economy and jobs in my area, across Scotland, and across the UK.

"There must now be a period of calm from political leaders to take stock of the result and reflect on the way forward. We should avoid any knee-jerk reactions.

"Our number one priority must be to stabilise the economy and project jobs in light of the sharp decline in the value of the pound and the reaction of the markets. Dealing with the very real consequences of this decision should be the thing that exercises all our minds.”