THE Queen has hailed the country's "robust democratic tradition" and said she has no doubt the Scottish people and the rest of the UK will "work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country".

The monarch issued a written statement in response to Scotland's rejection of indepen-dence, from Balmoral Castle in Aberdeen-shire, where she has been staying.

The Queen said: "Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all.

"Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country."

The Queen pledged to help the country work constructively for the future.

She said: "My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task."

Her statement will be seen as part of the process of reconcilia-tion following the heated debate.