Nicola Sturgeon will ask the Scottish Parliament for a "mandate" to negotiate with the European Union on Tuesday.

In the afternoon, the First Minister will call for a vote on a parliamentary motion which will seek to give the Scottish Government a "mandate" to "protect" the country's EU membership.

MSPs will vote for or against the motion following a statement from Ms Sturgeon and a debate in the chamber.

It comes after the UK voted to leave the European Union by a margin of 52% to 48% in a historic referendum. In contrast, Scottish voters opted to be part of the EU, by 62% to 38%.

The First Minister has also confirmed her government will begin drafting legislation which would enable a second referendum on independence to be held if Scotland cannot have European Union membership while part of the United Kingdom.

Scottish Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Greens have all signalled their support for the EU motion.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: "Every possible avenue must be explored to not just mitigate the impact of Brexit, but to strengthen our ties with our European neighbours."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "I committed my party to supporting Nicola Sturgeon's special EU negotiation process as there is a strong need for cross-party support."

It is understood the Scottish Conservatives will seek to amend the motion.

Leader Ruth Davidson said: "It is encouraging that the First Minister has already held discussions with the UK Government and London Mayor to further this approach.

"However, we would caution the SNP against using these negotiations to further their aim of independence."

The Scottish Government's motion to Holyrood on Tuesday states: "That the Parliament welcomes the overwhelming vote of the people of Scotland to remain in the European Union; affirms to citizens of other EU countries living here that they remain welcome and that their contribution is valued"

The motion continues: "[The Parliament] mandates the Scottish Government to have discussions with the UK Government, other devolved administrations, the EU institutions and member states to explore options for protecting Scotland's relationship with the EU, Scotland's place in the single market and the social, employment and economic benefits that come from that, and instructs the Scottish Government to report back regularly to parliamentarians, to the European and External Relations Committee and the Parliament on the progress of those discussions and to seek Parliament's approval of the outcome of that process."

On Tuesday, you can watch the debate from Holyrood live on STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh from 2pm.