One of the huge positives from the hard-fought referendum on Scottish independence was the brilliant contribution Scotland's first-time voters - the 16 and 17-year-olds - made in deciding the future of our nation.
Ever since I joined the Liberal party as a 14-year-old schoolboy living on Islay, I've believed in the right to vote at 16.
That ideal has stayed with me all the way through my political life, as the Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland and now as a member of the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland
The young people who took part in the referendum listened to the arguments, frequently asked the toughest questions - and made up their own minds in a mature and reasoned way. They showed they were more than capable of being a part of Scottish democracy when they helped their country take the biggest decision we have faced for centuries.
This week, the UK and Scottish Governments recognised that contribution when we took a crucial step along the way to ensuring 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to have their say at the next Holyrood elections in 2016.
Using what's known as a Section 30 order we’re making sure the rules are changed in time to allow those young voters to take part.
This week I visited Edinburgh College to meet 16 and 17 year olds and hear their views on the right to vote. If there was ever a case for votes at 16 they made it!
I have no doubt the young people who will vote for the first time in 2016 will go on to shape the future of our country for the better.
It is also yet more evidence we are delivering on our promise to implement the recommendations of the Smith Agreement - the deal unanimously agreed by all five of Scotland's political parties who took part - to turn Holyrood into a powerhouse Parliament.
This marks the next phase in our commitment to the people of Scotland - but there's more to come.
Shortly we will publish the draft legislation which will allow the next UK Government to turn the Smith Agreement into law.
That means wide-ranging new powers over tax, welfare and how Scotland governs itself.
It will make Holyrood one of the strongest devolved Parliaments in the world and it is a settlement built to last.
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