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THE Scottish and UK governments are working to produce a statement on what will happen in the event of either a yes or no vote in the independence referendum, the Deputy First Minister has said.

Talks on the process are being held between the sides following a recommendation from the Electoral Commission, Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs on Holyrood's Referendum Bill Committee.

"There are discussions ongoing between my officials and counterparts in the UK Government about what a statement of that nature might look like," she said.

"I thought the Electoral Commission's recommendation in that regard was sensible.

"I think that just as we were right to accept their recommendations on spending and the wording of the question, I think there's a duty on both governments to accept the recommendation in this regard.

"Those discussions have not concluded. I'd be happy to report back to the committee when those discussions reach their conclusion."

Ms Sturgeon appeared before the committee as part of its scrutiny of the legislation behind the referendum, due to be held in September next year.

She also revealed guidance will be sent to publicly-funded bodies to help explain how they should behave in the run-up to the vote.

Some concern was raised that government-funded bodies may be able to make unregulated statements on their position, particularly during the final weeks - a period known as "purdah".

Ms Sturgeon rejected that suggestion but said: "Once this Bill is through we propose to do guidance, which I think would happen during any purdah period.

"The committee will have the opportunity, if it so desires, to scrutinise and make suggestions about that guidance."

The purpose of purdah is to prevent governments from making major policy announcements or funding decisions seen as having an influence on the outcome of a vote.

The Referendum Bill, once passed at the Scottish Parliament, will only officially regulate the Scottish Government in that area.

UK ministers will be bound by a "gentleman's agreement" set out in the so-called Edinburgh Agreement between the Prime Minister and First Minister, the committee previously heard.

Ms Sturgeon said she has no concerns about the rules being ignored.

"I have no reason to question their good faith," she said.

"I would fully expect them to honour that, and honour that in full. I've no reason to expect that they won't."

The committee has also discussed spending rules, how the legislation covers campaign groups and who is eligible to vote.

Last week MSPs rejected calls to allow prisoners to take part in the ballot.