The Queen has said it will "take time" to bridge the differences brought about by the independence referendum as she used her Christmas Day broadcast to highlight the importance of reconciliation between opposing sides.
In her annual address to the nation, the head of state spoke of the divisive atmosphere as Scotland went to the polls on September 18.
She also talked about the poignant moment when First World War forces put aside their differences and met in no-man's land during the Christmas truce of 1914.
The Queen said many felt "great disappointment" after a majority of Scottish voters rejected independence and others "great relief", and "bridging these differences will take time".
The Queen, who wore a purple dress by Angela Kelly and a diamond and pearl brooch inherited from her grandmother, Queen Mary, added: "Of course, reconciliation takes different forms.
"In Scotland after the referendum many felt great disappointment, while others felt great relief; and bridging these differences will take time."
In the run-up to the September vote, the Queen was reported to have told a well-wisher outside Crathie Kirk, near her Balmoral estate, that Scots should "think very carefully about the future" when casting their ballot.
At the time there were calls from politicians for the Queen to intervene in the debate and her comments were the first time she had spoken publicly about the independence referendum.
During the Crathie Kirk service, the Queen and other members of the Royal Family reportedly heard the Rev Professor David Fergusson speak about how there would be a need for reconciliation between the two sides - whoever won the vote.
Referring again to reconciliation, she also spoke of how Northern Ireland had begun the journey to heal divisions between Protestant and Catholic communities.
The Queen was reminded of this in June when she visited Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast.
It was once a notorious symbol of law and order where republican and loyalist prisoners were held during the Troubles, but is now a visitor attraction and conference centre and "a place of hope and fresh purpose".
The Queen recorded her Christmas message seated next to a table displaying separate pictures of her grandparents George V and Queen Mary and an embossed brass box.
The box was a Christmas day gift for those serving overseas in the First World War during 1914, and was organised by the Sailors & Soldiers Christmas Fund created by Princess Mary, George's daughter, and filled with a variety of gifts, from tobacco for smokers to chocolate for nurses.
During that first Christmas of the war, some soldiers from both sides laid down their weapons and met to play football.
The Queen highlighted the truce: "Sometimes it seems that reconciliation stands little chance in the face of war and discord. But, as the Christmas truce a century ago reminds us, peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women."
She described sport as a "wonderful way of bringing together people and nations" and this year's Commonwealth Games, staged in Glasgow during the summer, was highlighted as an example of this.
National teams were shown parading during the Games' opening ceremony, then the Prince of Wales was featured meeting competitors beside a boxing ring and other images were shown of Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall chatting to a cyclist in the velodrome.
Injured servicemen and women and veterans who took part in the Invictus Games, organised by Prince Harry, were shown competing, including British armed forces team captain Dave Henson, who lost his legs in an improvised explosive device blast in Afghanistan.
The Royal Marines Band was featured at the start of the broadcast playing the national anthem in Buckingham Palace's gardens, and was shown at the close performing the Christmas carol Silent Night.
The Queen turned to the religious significance of Christmas as her address came to an end and she described how the life of Jesus Christ was an "inspiration and an anchor in my life".
She said: "Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none."
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