Scottish nationalist chief says fell narrowly short

EDINBURGH (Reuters) - A leader of Scotland's independence campaign effectively conceded defeat on Friday after a historic referendum. "Like thousands of others across the country I've put my heart and soul into this campaign and there is a real sense of disappointment that we've fallen narrowly short of securing a yes vote," Nicola Sturgeon, deputy leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party, told BBC Television. With most regional results now declared, a Reuters calculations put support for staying in the United Kingdom at 54 percent. A final declaration is expected in the next hour or two. (Writing by Mike Peacock)