Nicola Sturgeon has said that an independent Scotland would not be "sidelined by Westminster" ahead of a crunch EU summit. 

Taking to social media, the First Minister tweeted that 12 of the 27 EU member states that would be deciding the UK's future have "similar" populations to Scotland and that by being independent, Scotland would be able to sit at the same table. 

READ MORE:  Iain Macwhirter: Dear EU 27, here’s why you shouldn’t give up on Scotland

She tweeted: "Tonight, 12 of the 27 EU member states that will decide the UK’s future have populations smaller than or similar in size to Scotland’s. If we become independent we get to sit at that table - enjoying the same solidarity shown to Ireland - instead of being sidelined by Westminster"

It comes as European leaders are poised to grant Theresa May a longer extension to Britain's membership of the EU than she will request at a crunch summit in Brussels on Wednesday evening.

The Prime Minister is set to repeat her call to delay Brexit until June 30, with the possibility of an earlier departure if the UK's withdrawal deal is ratified.

But European Council president Donald Tusk suggested on the eve of the summit that EU leaders grant the UK a longer extension of up to one year.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon facing 'splits over currency' at SNP conference 

Mr Tusk, in a letter to the heads of the 27 remaining member states, said there was "little reason to believe" that the ratification of Mrs May's beleaguered Brexit deal could be completed by the end of June.

He called for the European Council to discuss an alternative, longer extension, such as a "flexible extension" lasting "as long as necessary and no longer than one year".

Speaking prior to the summit, Austria's foreign minister said that she believed a Brexit extension for the UK would be agreed by the EU.

Karin Kneissl told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "In principle, I'm of the impression that this is somehow settled.

"But, still, I assume that a lot of conditions might be attached."