First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she will make an initial visit to Brussels on Wednesday to set out Scotland’s position on remaining in the European Union.

Sturgeon said she will make Scotland’s position clear to representatives of the major groups in the European Parliament and to the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.

She will also meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.

Scotland voted in favour of remaining in the EU by 62% to 38% — but the UK voted to leave the EU by 51.9% to 48.1%.

All 32 council areas in Scotland returned majorities to remain in the EU.

Sturgeon said:  “I expect to hear from the Prime Minister on the outcome of the European Council taking place this week.

“Following that, I intend to set out Scotland’s position directly to the European Commission.”

Sturgeon said Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, met the ambassadors of Slovakia, Germany and France “to share our response to the result and our determination to protect Scotland’s relationship with Europe.”

Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament: “… our early priority has been to ensure that there is a widespread awareness across Europe of Scotland’s different choice in the referendum and of our aspiration to stay in the EU.

“We will intensify this work in the days and weeks ahead.

“It is my responsibility to ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard in Europe, and I intend to do so.”