‘THE Referendum has dominated Scottish politics for almost two years now. It has been the prism through which all other political discussions have been seen and considered.

Although I am completely opposed to Independence, I do recognise that the debate has engaged thousands of people - on both sides of the argument - in political activity. Equally importantly it has fostered an interest in politics amongst young people that hopefully will continue for many years to come. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, we cannot simply politics to return to being dominated by small groups of Party activists. For a healthy democracy to thrive, the political process must be seen to be owned by the wider public and not the personal fiefdoms of a small number of individuals.

Equally important, however, is that both sides must accept the outcome of the Referendum. There is no question that the debate has in recent months become overheated. We are too familiar with the stories of families not speaking to one another, of neighbours falling out and of friendships being broken. I have written before about my concerns about the tenor of the campaign and I therefore -now that the votes are all cast and counted - see little point in repeating those points. I do think, however, that it is vital that we begin the healing process.

I understand that people will be raw with emotion for sometime. It is vital that we give each other space to come to terms with the result. It is very easy when you lose to lash out and the winning side needs to respect that the other campaign will need time to get over their loss. There must be no gloating by the victors, however, there must equally be no suggestion of revenge by the losers. It is vital that both sides accept the result and we move on. If the losing side seeks another vote - either in 18 months time or in five years - then Scotland will be paralysed. The nation needs political leadership at this difficult time, it is doesn’t need petty, small minded recriminations. I hope our Political parties can can rise to that challenge’.