Holyrood's Presiding Officer has hailed the unprecedented turnout at the independence referendum, as she signalled plans for another phase of parliamentary reform.

Leading Time for Reflection at the first meeting of the Scottish Parliament since the historic vote, Tricia Marwick said people's voices must be heard, with more work needed to engage people in Holyrood's business, particularly young women and those from deprived communities.

The referendum saw a turnout of 85% on a registered vote of 97%, which the Presiding Officer described as "an extraordinary expression of civic democracy the like of which we have never seen".

She said: "I have been truly humbled by the clear wish of so many of our fellow Scots to be involved, many for the first time. How often have we heard people say they were not going to bother voting because it wouldn't make a difference?

"Not this time. Let us be clear about the scale of this unprecedented level of involvement and what it means for all of us. It is now for us to embrace and nurture that desire for political expression.

"There are challenges for politicians, for political parties and for institutions.

"It is now our duty to make sure that all those who have expressed their wish for the power to be heard are heard in this Parliament and by this Parliament."

Mrs Marwick began a programme of parliamentary reform when she was elected as Presiding Officer in 2011, with changes to the working week, Parliament days visiting towns throughout the country, and events to encourage the public to visit Holyrood.

Plans are already in place to hold a conference in the spring for young women of school age, while she has asked officials to draw up a programme to expand the Parliament days into Scotland's most deprived communities.

"Our committees also need to continue to assess their own programmes to consider when they meet, where they meet and who is invited to speak to them," she said.

"I know I can count on your support to do more."