THE threat of a hard Brexit has led to "growing sympathy" within the EU for Scotland's position, the Catalan government's most senior representative in the UK has said. Sergi Marcén added Westminster's approach could "accelerate" a second independence referendum.

Marcén, who represents the Government of Catalonia in the UK and Ireland, said the Scottish Government should be allowed to hold a fresh referendum, despite Downing Street suggesting it would block such a vote.

The intervention came as SNP MEP Alyn Smith writes online in today's Sunday Herald that Scotland has a "huge goodwill in the bank in Brussels and across the EU capitals".

"Attitudes to Scotland are almost totally inverted compared to 2014. We’re the good guys, not the awkward squad," added Smith.

Meanwhile, in a dramatic intervention, Marcén, whose official title is the head of the delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the UK and Ireland, said he sensed a growing "willingness in the EU institutions and in many capitals to help Scotland" remain in the EU or avoid a hard Brexit that would see it forced out of the single market.

He suggested this was because Scotland's overwhelming opposition to Brexit is well received by other members states that want to see a strong EU.

Marcén added Scotland would be "fully legitimised" to hold a second referendum to protect its status in Europe, as he pledged the Catalan government would fully support the right of Scottish ministers to call such a vote.

When asked whether the Tory government's hard Brexit plans made a second referendum and a vote for independence more likely, he said: "The prospect of a hard Brexit can accelerate these events. It is too soon to pass a judgment, though. The negotiation has not even started and parties are still showing muscle."

The stark comments came after Downing Street said the question of Scottish independence was settled by the referendum in 2014.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon also said Nicola Sturgeon did not have a mandate to stage another vote and Westminster had no intention of helping her hold one.

Fallon, when asked if the UK Government would facilitate another independence vote in this parliament, replied: “No, forget it."

However, Marcén said Scots should have the option of voting for independence if Theresa May continues to rule out the prospect of a separate EU deal for Scotland.

He said: "This is a decision for the Scottish people, authorities and parliament to make.

"Unlike Madrid, we Catalans will not lecture a European partner on decisions which are sovereign and have deep implications. Having said that, we certainly stand for the right to self-determination. Consequently, if, depending on how the negotiations evolve, the Scottish authorities believe that holding a referendum on independence is the best way to safeguard its interests, they should be able to do so."

He added: "And they should be automatically granted [entry] into the EU and the single market. That would be beneficial for all parties involved, by the way, not only for Scotland. I hope rationality prevails, of course, instead of 'high testosterone politics' or narrow-minded political agendas."

Marcén claimed there was great sympathy across Europe for Scotland. "The citizens of the UK had the chance to speak their minds about EU membership, but its nations spoke differently.

"In particular, the people of Scotland voted categorically and decisively to remain within the European Union. Catalonia will support the right of the Scottish people to remain in the EU as a European country if they decided so in a referendum. We think Scotland is fully legitimised to consider all options, as described recently in the government's Scotland's Place In Europe paper.

"I sense a willingness in the EU institutions and in many capitals to help Scotland in this endeavour."

An SNP spokesperson, welcoming the intervention, said: “While the situations in Spain and in Scotland are very different, since the EU referendum there has been widespread and significant support across Europe for Scotland’s position – and the UK Government should respect the overwhelming vote in Scotland against Brexit.”

Meanwhile, a leading Catalan activist said the prospect of a second independence referendum to prevent a hard Brexit offers “great hope” to pro-independence movements across Europe.

Quim Arrufat, a spokesman from the pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP), said: “For the current roadmap towards independence of Catalonia, the mirror of Scotland going to a second referendum is a great hope."

The comments came after the UK Government published an official policy document setting out its Brexit plans, as announced by the Prime Minister last month.

The white paper lays out the government's 12 "principles", including migration control and "taking control of our own laws".

Last night, a UK Government spokesperson added: “The real question is should there be another independence referendum – and the clear answer to that is no. The 2014 referendum in Scotland was legal, fair and decisive."