Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has called on SNP ministers to seize the opportunity to deliver positive change for Scotland within the UK.
As MSPs return to Holyrood today, Alex Salmond will give a statement on the referendum outcome, sparking two days of debate.
Despite calls by church leaders for reconciliation, the exchanges in the chamber are likely to be fiery as SNP members are expected to lay the blame for the Yes campaign’s defeat.
The first minister has already claimed voters were “bought off” by last minute promises of more powers for the Scottish Parliament.
He has also blamed older voters for backing the Union and blocking progress for younger generations.
Mr Rennie said Scots delivered their verdict on the SNP’s independence plans but the vote to remain in the UK was not a vote against change.
“Already we have seen the first minister suggest voters were conned and that now the referendum has been lost the Nationalists could pursue independence by other means,” he said.
“The fact is that the referendum was fair, legal and decisive as per the Edinburgh Agreement that both governments signed.
“The Liberal Democrat vision of radical reform towards a federal UK is now top of the political agenda. This is a chance of a lifetime to deliver the change that the majority of people wish to see – a stronger Scotland within the United Kingdom.
“I hope that the Nationalists will put their disappointment over the referendum to one side and work with us to deliver this important change.”