Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has claimed the UK Government had “hit the ground running” on the pledge for more powers for Holyrood.
Exactly a month after voters rejected independence, he called on first minister in waiting Nicola Sturgeon to adopt a similar approach and show “genuine leadership” in making things happen.
Mr Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland, said it was vital that people north of the border accept the result and move on in the best interests of all Scotland.
The September 18 referendum saw a 85% turnout with more than 2million people voting for Scotland to stay in the UK, 400,000 more than who voted for independence.
Mr Carmichael said: “Nicola Sturgeon will take the reins at a time where most Scots are moving on with their lives after the long and passionate referendum campaign.
“We have hit the ground running and are already working hard to deliver the further devolution which we promised.
“During the referendum campaign we set out a timetable for the devolution of further powers and we’re not only meeting it, we’re beating it.
“I would call on Nicola Sturgeon to show genuine leadership and accept the result.”
Mr Carmichael said both sides signed the Edinburgh Agreement – saying they would accept the referendum result – in good faith and Ms Sturgeon must act in that spirit.
“The referendum gave us a decisive result. This was the most democratic decision we have ever made in Scotland,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Ms Sturgeon said: “One month on from the referendum this is desperate stuff from the secretary of state when it is the UK parties and the Westminster parliament who are busy squabbling over more powers for Scotland and falling out with each other over English votes for English laws.
“The SNP is playing a full part in the Smith Commission and we look forward to beginning negotiations next week.
“As Lord Smith pointed out only yesterday, ‘the SNP have absolutely committed to be part of this process and to take it very seriously and in a spirit of compromise’.”