Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has accused the UK Government of sending out a "not welcome here" message to EU nationals.

Ms Sturgeon said she wants Scotland to send the opposite message, and she is determined it will remain in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves.

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Speaking to investors at the annual Aberdeen Asset Management conference in London, she said: "Scotland voted very strongly to remain in the European Union - by 62% to 38%. Every local authority area in Scotland voted to retain EU membership.

"It is my job, and the job of the whole Scottish Government, to protect our vital national interests. We are currently exploring all options that will enable us to do that.

"More than anything else, our long-term economic success will depend on nurturing the talent of those already in Scotland and of those who believe ours is the kind of welcoming country that allows ambition to flourish."

She added: "The position of the UK Government and some others is very different. From the refusal to guarantee the status of fellow EU nationals living in Scotland and the UK, to the threat to draw up lists of foreign workers, the UK Government seems intent on sending out a 'not welcome here' message.

"I am determined that we send out a different message: one that says to all those living, working and studying in Scotland that they are most definitely welcome.

"We want to trade as freely as possible with our EU partners, to continue to welcome people from across the EU and around the world, to maintain ties which have enhanced our prosperity and enriched our society.

"And we want to ensure that Scotland remains an open, internationalist country. Our relationship with Europe has become part of Scotland's sense of itself. So we will argue for an approach to Brexit which retains as much of that relationship as possible."

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The Scottish Government has said it will publish proposals aimed at keeping Scotland in the single market in the coming weeks.

Ms Sturgeon has previously confirmed she is considering a Norway-style model for remaining part of the single market and is looking at the options of the European Free Trade Association and European Economic Area, but the Scottish Conservatives have criticised such moves and questioned Scotland's ability to join.

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Ms Sturgeon also met with EU ambassadors at a lunch hosted by Slovakian ambassador to the UK Lubomir Rehak, where she briefed them on the Scottish Government's efforts to protect Scotland's place in Europe.

She said: "Today's meeting was a chance to reinforce the message that Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in Europe, and that the Scottish Government is determined to explore all avenues to ensure our future as a European nation.

"To that end, we will publish our specific proposals to protect Scotland's interests and maintain our relationship with Europe shortly, and we will continue to engage with EU partners to ensure that our distinctive voice is heard throughout Europe."

A UK Government spokesman said: "We will work closely with the Scottish Government - and get the best possible deal for all parts of our United Kingdom as we leave the EU.

"The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants to protect the status of EU nationals already living here, and the only circumstances in which that wouldn't be possible is if British citizens' rights in European member states were not protected in return."