AS I write the polls are just opening on this momentous day for our country; by the time most people are reading this the result will be known.

But what, in John Smith's famous phrase, is the "settled will of the Scottish people"? Clearly it is neither Yes nor No to an independent Scotland. On that we have been split right down the middle. But during this inspiring and exhilarating referendum campaign I believe that three points have emerged that unite people on both sides. There is a consensual desire for:

l A new Scotland, semi-detached from the rest of the UK, confident in its right and ability to run its own affairs, but conscious also of its responsibility to contribute to the wider good of these islands and the world; a Scotland that can support and encourage different parts of this land and other lands to find their voices too.

l A new politics, in which "yes" means "yes" and "no" means "no" but this time in the words and deeds of politicians rather than in campaign slogans; a politics that engages with the people and in which the people can believe and participate; a politics that cuts across boundaries of class and gender and religion and geography; a politics for all.

l A new society, in which the principles of fairness and social justice and put centre stage; a society that finally, truly and seriously takes care of the least and most vulnerable of its members; a society that motivates all to succeed but also supports all that struggle along the way.

However we turn out to have voted as a nation, it is beholden on our politicians and leaders of all hues now to follow this settled will of the people; and it is beholden on us, the people, to continue involving ourselves in the implementation of this vision with the same passion, enthusiasm and good grace as we have thrown ourselves into the campaign.

Let not this momentous day be in vain.

David Rogerson,

Camas,

Redding Road,

Brightons,

Falkirk.

I WRITE this after voting, but hours before any result is announced. Irrespective of the result, this has been a seminal moment in Scotland's history.

Never before has the whole population become so involved in the political process. For possibly the first time citizens have realised that in Scotland sovereignty resides with the people and that we can alter our world.

I trust that we will move forward together without bitterness. However, I do believe it will cause us to look at elected politicians with an even more jaundiced eye. On a personal basis I will find it very difficult to forgive the politicians who created then perpetuated the downright lie that people voting Yes would lose their pensions. I witnessed several politicians utilising this lie even after the UK Pensions Minister had confirmed that pensions would be unaffected. Many pensioners to whom I spoke cited this as their sole reason for voting No. The demographics show that this is the only group where there was a significant majority voting No.

The culprits will congratulate themselves on the strategy of attacking and deceiving a vulnerable group but I believe it is time to review and ask if these are fit and proper people to represent us, whether in an independent Scotland or the United Kingdom.

David Stubley,

22 Templeton Crescent, Prestwick .

THE repetitive comment of "it's too close to call" was the constant cry from media commentators over the closing days of the referendum campaign. What is not too close to all is that a great deal of the electorate will be disappointed or disillusioned with the result. This does not bode well for the immediate future of our nation. Church leaders plead for an outbreak of harmony and conciliation. Sound advice, but it is doubtful if it will be heeded, as is evidenced by the degree of abuse and rancour traded by both sides of the argument.

Much of the nastiness could have been obviated by the Better Together conglomerate confirming their pledges of additional powers at a much earlier date. The delay may prove the crucial point in a campaign which by its silence has talked its way out of a strong winning position. Regardless, with such split, can we truly say either winners or losers apply? I would say no ... and not just on this particular point.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.

I WRITE in the early hours of polling day as I prepare for my morning walk along the Loch Leven trail, during which I will take a short detour to visit the polling station and cast my vote. Whatever the outcome may be at the polls, I would like to congratulate both The Herald and the Sunday Herald, notwithstanding their differing editorial positions, for their intelligent and reasoned coverage of the referendum issue over the past two years.

You have consistently provided the most objective, inclusive and even-handed contributions to this debate from all the UK press throughout this campaign.

If you and your contributing journalists do not win multiple awards, there is no justice.

Brendan Hamill,

49 Argyll Road, Kinross.