THE dust of the referendum is beginning to settle but that doesn’t mean the debate for more powers is over, far from it indeed.

The focus now is towards what further powers will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament and will ‘The Vow’ be upheld.

I believe the majority of people voted for change in one form or another on 18 September.

Many voted Yes to independence, while others voted No on the promise of a near federal system.

A commission, led by Lord Smith of Kelvin, has been established. It is made up of members from all five parties represented in the Scottish Parliament. Its purpose is to convene cross-party talks and facilitate an inclusive engagement process across Scotland to produce, by 30 November, recommendations for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament.

Members of the public can have their say by submitting ideas, views and proposals to the commission.

The deadline for responding is 5pm on 31 October. You can email your responses to haveyoursay@smith-commission.scot or write to The Smith Commission, 7th Floor, 144 Morrison Street, EH3 8EX.

l Last week, we learned that Ferguson has won its first ferry building contract since being rescued from closure by Scottish businessman Jim McColl.

The £12.3 million contract will see the yard build a new hybrid vessel expected to be launched in spring 2016, before entering service in the autumn of 2016.

After what was a testing few weeks for the workforce, this contract will be welcome news to everyone in Inverclyde and a boost for shipbuilding in Scotland.