A conference to bring political leaders together in the event of a No vote on independence would heal divisions caused by the referendum, according to the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Willie Rennie said the debate had "cut deeper" than any before and the proposed Conference on the New Scotland would provide a forum for the country to move forward.

The conference was announced by Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael earlier this year.

Under the plans, all of the main Scottish parties would be invited to come together to discuss further devolution for Scotland within weeks of a No vote.

The proposal was first put forward by Liberal Democrat Sir Menzies Campbell in a report laying out the route to a formal agreement on more powers for Holyrood.

Speaking before a Road to the Referendum event in the Scottish Borders, Mr Rennie said: "This referendum has sometimes been a divisive experience that has split the country, families and communities.

"It is important that we come together after so that we can maximise the opportunities and deal constructively with the consequences of the result."

The Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Labour and the Scottish Conservatives have all pledged more powers for Holyrood in the event of a No vote.

Mr Rennie said: "Our Conference on the New Scotland will harness consensus to lay the foundations of a stable home rule settlement.

"After a polarised and sometimes divisive referendum, this sentiment of consensus will be more important than ever before.

"It will be the forum for healing divisions which have too often cut deeper than other political debates.

"It will work in the interests of the people of Scotland, delivering more powers to Scotland within the UK and bringing people together in pursuit of that common endeavour."

He added: "People can be confident that a No vote in September does not mean no change.

"Scotland's home rule journey is gathering momentum. With a No vote we can get on with building a stronger Scotland within the UK."