The head of the Scottish Vote Leave campaign has said Nicola Sturgeon should pursue a distinct "Scottish way of handling migration" in the event of a vote to leave the EU.

Tom Harris said the First Minister should pursue a work permit scheme similar to the Isle of Man's if the UK votes to leave the EU.

In an open letter, the former Labour MP said a work permit system would allow Scotland's economy to grow without overwhelming public services.

In a response, the Ms Sturgeon's office said the June 23 vote "isn't a referendum on independence" and the First Minister would continue to make a"positive, progressive case for Scotland and the UK remaining part of Europe."‎

Mr Harris, director of Scottish Vote Leave, said that certain powers would be devolved to Holyrood if the UK were to leave the EU.

He said: "While some important policy areas would automatically, by default, revert to the jurisdiction of Holyrood (fishing and agriculture, for example), there could be other opportunities where you could influence the negotiations to Scotland's advantage. One of these areas is immigration or, more specifically, work visas.

"Given the oft-stated view among elected SNP representatives that Scotland's skills shortages can only be addressed by immigration, post-referendum negotiations could present an exciting opportunity to make some positive reforms to ensure we can attract the most suitable new workers, not just from the EU but from the rest of the world."

He said a points-based immigration system would be "no magic bullet" and the focus should be on jobs.

Mr Harris said: "The Isle of Man, outside the EU, has developed a special relationship with the European Economic Area (EAA) that means they put their own workers first but then recruit from Europe to fill jobs locals can't do.

"This is done through sponsored work permits that require proof of English speaking and a criminal records check. Doctors and nurses are in such demand that they are completely exempted from any permit requirements."

He continued: "What we don't need is a return to Whitehall central planning. We need to manage this here in Scotland. Northern Ireland and Wales could do the same, and Northern Ireland could coordinate its EEA employment arrangement with the Republic to ensure the border never closes again. That's a win-win for the UK and all its component nations and regions."

The Scottish Vote Leave director concluded by saying: "If social democracy is to prosper post-Brexit, it will mean demonstrating to the rest of the UK that a completely different, progressive, Scottish way of handling migration is possible. I hope that after June 23, you will have an opportunity to prove it."

A spokesman for the First Minister said: "With his arguments against 'Whitehall central planning' and in ‎favour of Scotland having control over its own immigration policy, Tom Harris makes a good case for independence.

"But this referendum isn't a vote on independence, and we will continue to make the positive, progressive case for Scotland and the UK remaining part of Europe."