The nation’s appetite for change must now be realised, according to some of the country’s leading charities.
From voluntary organisations to anti-poverty campaigners, several groups have outlined the challenges that have to be met by the UK and Scottish Governments.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations warned that “more of the same won’t do” and demanded public participation in any discussions.
Chief executive Martin Sime added: “Decisions on how to use these powers to improve the economy and public services are far too important to be left to politicians or Lords.”
“People need to lead and direct these changes.”
Oxfam Scotland called for similar assurances that the government will “reach out to seldom heard voices.”
Head of the charity Jamie Livingstone said now was the best time to make a difference to those in need.
He continued: “Over the coming months, we must build on this extraordinary level of public engagement to build a fairer and more equal country which delivers a decent standard of living for everyone, not just a wealthy and powerful minority.”
Tackling poverty is also a key goal for Children in Scotland, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), as they believe the nation should focus on “making the most” of both existing and new devolved powers, as well as take advantage of the level of public interest generated by the referendum.
Director of CPAG in Scotland John Dickie said: “It is now vital that we grasp this opportunity to harness the public will and political focus generated over the last few weeks and use it to transform the lives of the one in five children for whom September 18 2014 was just another day scarred by poverty.”
Churches have also come together to urge people to “cooperate for the benefit of our nation in the future”.