‘THERE have many dividends for the people of Scotland as a result of the Referendum, despite views sometimes expressed that they were fed up of hearing the same arguments over and over again.

The exercise re-awakened the interests of many Scots in politics. Indeed, on the doorsteps, in homes and in the wider community, many constituents engaged in more than superficial discussion of issues that affect their lives for the first time. With only a few unsavoury exceptions, political debate was conducted in a respectful, dignified and good natured manner.

The vote was extended to 16-17 year olds and the turnout on the day was exceptional, but such levels of participation should be the norm, not the exception, in a democracy.

When considering our participation, we should always remember that there are still countries in the world where people would give their eye teeth to have freedom of speech and the right to vote.

As we are well aware, opposing sides in the Referendum debate shared a common objective - to build on past achievements and create a better Scotland for current and future generations. However, they presented different proposals to achieve that common goal and the majority of voters clearly wanted change within, rather than separation from, the United Kingdom. That is an outcome which we must all respect as we try to build a fairer and better society.

It is heartening that both sides in the campaign have agreed to participate in bringing about beneficial change. I believe that, through working closely together, they can make a real and significant difference to our lives here in Scotland Hence it is imperative now that all parties place aside their constitutional differences and concentrate on putting in place the ‘vows’ that were agreed by the UK political party leaders to devolve additional powers to the Scottish Parliament.

The fact that civil servants have already started preparations, and the willingness of both campaigns to nominate representatives to the Smith Commission, augurs well for the future. The agenda is clear, and it is of paramount importance that these representatives work closely together, to achieve the promises made and outcomes agreed. Scots will not take kindly to any ‘party’ who try to hold up the process for the sake of narrow political interests, either within Scotland or beyond.

For my part, I will be scrutinising progress carefully and holding people to account. I will be doing my level best to ensure that additional powers which have been promised are delivered in full and within the timescale set out’.