Scotland becoming independent is the "simplest" way for the country to stay in the EU, MSPs have been told.

Holyrood's Europe and external affairs committee heard evidence from experts on the European Union and Scotland's membership following last Thursday's EU referendum resut.

Dr.Kirsty Hughes, who is part of the think tank Friends of Europe, told the committee of MSPs that independence would provide the "simplest" method for Scotland remaining part of the European Union.

She said: "The simplest and most obvious way would be to be an independent state and transition in and stay in the EU".

Hughes warned MSPs however the EU would not want a "mini UK" which would want to opt-out of instruments such as the euro, home affairs issues and ask for a British style rebate.

She said: "The EU does not want a mini UK back in the EU if the rest of the UK is leaving.

"In other words, it does not want the awkward squad member in a smaller form.

"So if the idea of a successor state is that you want the opt-outs from the euro, the budget rebate, the opt-in deal on justice and home affairs, I don't think that will be forthcoming."

There has also been discussions regarding Scotland doing a "reverse Greenland" by the United Kingdom leaving the EU but Scotland would remain.

Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, left the European Economic Area in 1985 but Denmark remained in the body.

Professor Sir David Edward, a former judge at the European Court of Justice, said Scotland is "not remotely like" Greenland.

Prof Edward said: "It's fine talking about Greenland but Scotland isn't even remotely Greenland.

"It's connected by its navel to England, and you have to start from that rather simple fact."

He added: "It doesn't seem to me possible to envisage a position of Scotland remaining part of the UK but having a separate relationship in relation to the single market. Customs and all sorts of complications arise."

The First Minister has said a second referendum on independence is "highly likely" following the result of the EU referendum.