Scotland's new Citizens' Assembly is "providing a road map" on how the country can move forward together, according to its convener.

It was established earlier this year to discuss and deliberate on Scotland's future.

The assembly is made up of 120 members who are broadly representative of the country and it will sit six times between October and April next year.

Convener Kate Wimpress, speaking as a summary report from the second sitting of the assembly is published, said members have had "lively" debate in a respectful and constructive manner.

"The general election has changed the political map of the country, with the twin issues of Brexit and an independence referendum continuing to dominate political agendas," she said.

"The election laid bare the divisions that exist across our society and there is a need to find new ways for people to come together to discuss the future, to understand their differing views and discuss choices in an informed and respectful way.

"We need to seek common ground to help move us forward together and, as far as possible, in accord.

"The assembly is providing a roadmap on how we can do that."

On the second weekend of the assembly, focus was placed on preparing a response to the first question in its remit: "What kind of country are we seeking to build?"

Members created more than 350 individual vision statements then worked together to agree a shorter set of statements to capture the breadth and diversity of views across the assembly.

They then deliberated to set out the common ground on priorities for their vision for the future of the country.

Ms Wimpress said: "The weekend produced lively debate amongst and between members and as expected brought up different perspectives and contradictory views about our priorities and the best way forward for the country.

"However, we have striven to establish a positive and supportive environment where members are able to discuss issues respectfully and constructively, difficult as that can sometimes be.

"Members have told us they value the opportunity to be involved in this way and feel they are beginning to make real progress, together, in understanding and facing the challenges and opportunities for our country."

A member of the assembly said: "I was taken with how everyone seemed to suspend their judgments and took the chance to understand, even accept the others more, despite the to-be-expected disagreements on certain topics.

"This requires compassion, patience and a good heart, and I would say that we achieved more understanding than separation.

"I think there was some big learning for many of us."