A new coalition is being launched today to build a Scotland-wide debate about the constitutional future of the country.

Alison Elliot, convener, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: "We need to shift the debate on the future of Scotland from powers, legality and timing to consider what we want Scotland to look like in the future, how we could do things differently and how to engage more people in this historic discussion.

"So far we have only heard from those who have a fixed idea of the result they want in the referendum and who seek to narrow the debate. This coalition will build a wide reaching, transparent discussion about the future of our country that considers people's aspirations and the challenges they face."

Elliot added: "This is not about making the case for independence, devolution, status quo or anything in between. We do not have a fixed view about the outcome of the referendum. We want to open up everyone's minds to consider all options.

"Together our organisations already reach millions of people but we want to broaden this debate across civil society, business and all parts of Scottish life.

"Our members and supporters will have different views on our constitutional future. Our goal is to connect these different perspectives, to create the space to discuss them and what we want for Scotland, and then decide what constitutional settlement we need to make that happen.

"Our initial ambitions are to organise a major conference, launch a website and use social media to build momentum for the debate and to grow our coalition.

"Scotland's constitutional future affects us all. The people of Scotland must have an opportunity to contribute to an open and mature debate."

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