A vote against Scottish independence in 2014 should "open the door" to radical constitutional change and the creation of a federal United Kingdom, the Scottish Liberal Democrats' commission on Home Rule will say.

The eight-member commission believes that a No vote would not stop the constitutional clock but present an opportunity to accelerate the devolution process.

If the Nationalists lost, a call will then be made to the group and other supporters of independence to join cross-party talks to "develop a new consensus for change".

"A No vote in 2014 is not a vote for no change," a Commission insider told The Herald. "If Scots vote in the referendum to stay in the United Kingdom, then this will open the door to radical constitutional change."

The Commission is clear in its findings that the Liberal Democrats goal is federalism but points out that the other nations of the UK are unlikely to jump into a debate about a federal UK while Scotland's constitutional future is still up in the air.

"That is why it is important that we clear up Scotland's future through a straight yes or no referendum. Once Scotland's place in the UK is secure, we can move quickly to deliver Home Rule for Scotland," explained the source.

The LibDems' Home Rule report says that through powerful economic levers and a redefined federal partnership within the UK.

It claims Scotland can determine its own destiny on the domestic agenda while sharing the risks and rewards of a complex world with our closest neighbours.

"The Commission's report can act as a rallying point for voters who want more powers for Scotland but don't want to risk the uncertainties of independence," explained the source.

"We will work to build a consensus with other parties and put proposals to the people through the General Election in 2015. And if people to vote to stay in the UK in 2014, we will urge the SNP and supporters of independence to join us in cross-party talks to develop a new consensus for change," he added.

The Commission points out that the UK is a "union of nations and the people of Scotland cannot change the terms of that union alone. Scotland cannot unilaterally impose federalism on the rest of the UK. Reform of the United Kingdom also requires the consent and co-operation of the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland".

A key recommendation says in the event of a no vote "Scotland will have sent a powerful message that we see our future as a continuing partner in the United Kingdom but a United Kingdom remade for our age, which treats its constituent parts equitably.

A rejection of independence will enable Scotland to continue down the track towards a modern, pluralist and federal relationship with the other parts of the United Kingdom. The 2015 UK General Election would be a good way for political parties across the UK to gain endorsement of changes to take place across the whole UK".

If the referendum is lost, the SNP is expected to push for so-called "devo max", a similar position for Scotland to the federalist Lib Dems, while Labour, following its policy review, is likely to adopt a position similar to so-called "devo plus".

The Scottish Conservatives are expected to put forward a more modest proposal that would allow the current planned changes, which come in in 2016, to bed in before taking further radical steps.

The report will be debated at the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference in Dunfermline next week and, if passed by members, could be the basis of its 2015 General Election manifesto.