Ruth Davidson has urged all political parties to consider the potential opportunities of leaving the EU as she announced a new expert group to advise her on Brexit.

The Scottish Conservative leader said the Scottish Government had "got it wrong" in its response to the Leave vote as she announced a rival panel to that set up by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

It includes Gavin Hewitt, the former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association and ex-UK ambassador to Belgium, Finland and Croatia, as well as Sir Iain McMillan, the former director of CBI Scotland.

The panel will also feature three Scottish Conservative politicians - Adam Tomkins MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP and Ian Duncan MEP.

Ms Davidson said what had appeared to be an "unstoppable bandwagon" for Scottish independence in June had been "parked in a lay-by" by the SNP in the face of referendum fatigue.

In a speech at the European Council on Foreign Relations in London, Ms Davidson said: "The First Minister tried to use the vote to create a bow wave surge for independence. It hasn't worked, but I don't think the SNP will stop trying.

"And sadly, in our judgement, the push for separation will continue to be the main priority for the SNP government as we head into Brexit discussions - and not the best interests of Scotland and the United Kingdom."

Ms Davidson said the panel would report on how Brexit could deliver for Scotland and the rest of the UK.

"We believe that Scotland's interests are not served by constantly trying to pick apart the United Kingdom," she said.

"We believe that Scotland's best interests are served by ensuring the strength and durability of the entire United Kingdom of which we are a key part."

The Tory leader also defended the UK Government against "unfair" criticism as she compared the process of leaving the EU to the setting up of the Scottish Parliament.

She said: "It is of course entirely understandable to want clarity and certainty. But I believe it is right that the Prime Minister does not limit her options ahead of any negotiations.

"And I also believe that we have to accept that we are at the start of what will inevitably be a lengthy process.

"A good parallel is with the Scottish parliament. When it was first set up in 1999, it became a cliche to declare that this was a 'process not an event'.

"The point was - while power was being transferred from London to Edinburgh in the form of a Bill, devolution would take time and would evolve.

"And indeed it has: later this year, we will adopt tax and welfare powers than were never even conceived when devolution was first proposed.

"The legal framework is one thing. The change in political culture is another. I believe the same thing will be true of Brexit."

Ms Davidson said politicians such as herself who had backed Remain had a duty to seek out opportunities for Scotland in areas such as fishing or farming.

She said: "We are starting a conversation with the EU where we should take our time in order to negotiate a bundle of bespoke agreements which are tailored to our national interest - and which, crucially, should also suit our neighbours across Europe too.

"My hope is that taking this route will ensure that the deals we strike will meet the unique requirements of the United Kingdom - including Scotland."

A Scottish Labour spokesman said: "The Brexit gamble made by the Tories has given the Nationalists an excuse to campaign for independence again when what we really need is a renewed focus on jobs, the economy and public services like our schools and NHS.

"Both the SNP and the Tories' plans would be economically damaging for Scotland - parties should be explaining what their plans are beyond the constitution."

Commenting on Ms Davidson's speech on Brexit a spokesperson for Michael Russell, the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe, said: "This is a sell-out of enormous proportions even for Ruth Davidson and her increasingly right wing Tories.

"Only three months ago Ruth Davidson branded the claims of the Brexit campaign as lies that would be deeply damaging to our economy and our society. With this u-turn it is clear the Tories simply cannot be trusted to protect Scotland's interests.

"Scotland's Tories are simply acting as a smoke screen for a UK Tory government that cannot answer a single question about what Brexit means and who are putting jobs, investment and Scotland's economy at risk.

"Perhaps Ms Davidson can answer the key question that the Prime Minister couldn't: does she believe the UK should continue in the single market - yes or no?

"If the Tories want to be useful they should be demanding the right for EU citizens to remain in the UK instead of insulting them, backing our businesses by arguing for continued membership of the single market and supporting Scottish Government calls for all EU funding to be honoured by the UK Government.

"What the people of Scotland voted for is to remain in the EU, and unlike Ruth Davidson who has sold out at the earliest opportunity the First Minister has made clear that we will explore all options to do that and to protect our relationship with Europe."